People often say, "Don't judge a book by its cover,".
The truth is, this is nearly impossible. We are all humans, and we frequently judge things, including our fellow humans, based on their outward appearance.
And since the idea of beauty is subjective, it is very important to invest in how you appear to people (or to put more accurately, how people perceive you to be), especially in portraits.
Alright, let's get into it!
Many factors contribute to the outstanding and elegant appearance of a portrait. You know those photographs that make you say "Wow, this woman is ...". Yeah those are the kind of portraits I'm talking about. The ones created by bespoke portrait photographers not the ones from Boda Sikiru Photography (Not that I know anyone by that name sha).
Moving on...
One of the many elements that make those portraits "Wowy" is the Makeup Artistry. (including those ones where you think the lady had no makeup on. That's what separates the "ogas" from the "learners").
My goal as a portrait photographer extends beyond simply creating beautiful portraits of you. Yes, that is the end result, but it is also my responsibility to educate you on what it takes to create those masterpieces you want.
You see, behind every beautiful portrait, every movie star on TV, every singer, or model, there is undoubtedly a skilled makeup artist working tirelessly to ensure they look great in their portraits. (Check out my previous article on "Are models really that beautiful" for more explanation)
Your portrait session is your celebrity moment, and you should look and feel like a QUEEN.
Your Royal Highness Ma!
May I?
If I may.
Thank you, my queen!
This Queeny look needs top-tier makeup artistry.
I understand that just like many women, you apply your makeup yourself, and you even know one or two tips and tricks for everyday wear.
Ahan! You're just dope like that.
But here's what you'll find out as you continue reading, you'll realize that as much as you've mastered drawing the perfect eyebrow for your face, you just can't be the makeup artist for your portrait session.
I'm sorry, didn't mean to hurt your feelings. But here's why;
Makeup for photography is not the same as makeup for everyday use.
Have you ever seen some horrible-looking portraits of people where their skin colour was uneven or too shiny, or their arms being a different color from their face?
Most of the time, it's because the person who did their makeup (whoever that might have been) didn't know how to apply MAKEUP FOR PHOTOGRAPHY.
This is where expert photography makeup artists come in. They have a keen sense of what will photograph well.
Yes, the use of good photography cameras and lenses under the right light can make you look amazing; however, these bad guys can also pick up little skin details that accentuate problem areas and unevenness in the face. (And at the end of the day, you'll hate the picture)
See, even if you're not used to wearing makeup, for the sake of the portrait session, please do. Experts (true experts) know how to make it look like you're not wearing any makeup.
How makeup appears in portraits differs greatly from how it appears in real life. You'll be shocked!
It takes an artistic and experienced eye to see the structure in your face and then use professional techniques to ensure that elegance comes through in your portraits.
Also, one of the most important characteristics that distinguish any portrait is the confidence of the model. And makeup can easily make or mar your confidence.
If you are unhappy with the way you look, your portraits will reflect that.
Professional makeup artists will assist you in achieving a fabulous look, allowing you to feel more at ease and confident during your portrait session.
You won't be bothered by how you look because your knight in shiny makeup-box has rescued you. So you'll be able to focus on your poses and expressions during the portrait session.
In a nutshell, by hiring an excellent makeup artist, you will have one less thing to worry about.
I hope I made sense. Small? Good enough!
By the way, my name is Akorede and I create Premium Portraits for Royalties.
Follow me on Instagram.
See you soon!