Putting together your team for a hair photo shoot
There are so many elements to consider when putting together a photo shoot that having a professional team behind you is essential. With photographer, location and stylist booked, the next expert you need to consider is the make-up artist.
Whether it's avant garde or natural, the make-up can make a huge difference to the overall image. A professional make-up artist will decipher the type of make-up, and will interpret the theme with bright colours and creative strokes, or a natural, fresh feel.
"It's really important to use a professional make-up artist who works on shoots regularly," says make-up artist James O'Riley. "This will enable you to talk the same language and allows them to offer a look that will ultimately work with the hair style, while being sympathetic to the photographer's aesthetics."
James recommends meeting a new make-up artist to discuss the direction before the shoot. "I find the best pictures come from a team that is willing to try something new. You need to have the confidence to know when it is right to be directional or classic, but ultimately it is a hair shoot and the make-up should never distract from that. The make-up should complement the hair."
Using Body Art
If you are looking for an eyecatching and daring effect then body paint is an option. This isn't for everyone, but can be very effective.
Kay McIntyre from McIntyres, Dundee, used body art for her 2007 HJ British Hairdressing Awards Scottish collection last year.
"We had worked together before which gave us confidence to involve body art," she says. "It is a creative art form so you have to ensure that is doesn't overshadow the hair.
"It was more expensive to use body art as it required more than one make-up artist. It is quite easy to work with although any changes can be quite time consuming."
Top Tips
- If there is a lot going on with the hair, make-up should be kept clean and complement the colours and style
- Body art is a great alternative to clothers, but if it is intricate ensure it isn't fighting against the hairstyle.
- Make up can be used to create a feature on the face
- Clean, fresh, neutral shades will keep the style natural and commercial.
More information on Putting a Hair Shoot Together
