5 Reasons To Hire A Professional MUA For Your Session

This topic has been on my mind for a while and I originally just wanted to find an article about the subject online and just post it to my Facebook page, but I couldn’t find an article that said everything I wanted to say on the subject so I decided I needed to write my own post.  So here are the 5 reasons why you should invest in a professional for your makeup needs the day of your session:

1. Expertise – Professionals are called that for a reason.  This is what they do day in and day out and they know exactly how to bring out your most beautiful attributes.    While you may be used to doing your own makeup for a night out with the girls, having camera ready styling is a different thing altogether.  Makeup needed for a photo shoot tends to be heavier due to every little imperfection being picked up by the camera so your Covergirl concealer of foundation may not do the trick.  A MUA is trained in skin types, tones and sensitivities so they know what works best for you.
2. Relieves Stress – The day of your session can already be stressful enough, what with getting together last minute details like packing your props (which I urge my clients to do the night before!), getting the kids, fed, bathed and trying to keep them clean and making sure you arrive at your session on time.  Why add to that stress with having to do your own makeup?  And if you’re not a professional you’re most likely going to take way too long in doing it and may still not fall in love with your final look.  By having a MUA on hand you leave the hard work to them and it allows you to get pampered a bit on an otherwise stressful day.
3. Minimal Cost – One of the top reasons people fail to hire a MUA for their portrait sessions is added cost.  They feel like they’re already spending out enough money on the photographer, wardrobe and sometimes location, that they don’t want the added cost of hiring someone to do their makeup.  My answer to that is to budget for it when booking your session.  When planning out your wardrobe and other expenses immediately add your MUA budget to the list that way it’s not a last minute thought.  Most artists that I’ve come across have very reasonable rates.  The work they produce is well worth the money you’ll spend to have it done.  Why look back on a photo you’ll have hanging on your living room wall for years to come and not be 100% happy with how you look in it.  If you’re making the investment in your portraits on all other fronts then why not spend the extra $30-50 to have a flawless face that day too.
4. Vision – A MUA will complete your overall vision for your session.  Are you wanting something more casual and laid back?  They can come up with a beautiful style that screams ‘barely there’ makeup.  Want something glam for your night session?  They know how to use the right colors to play against that gorgeous green dress you plan to wear.  A professional will bring cohesion to your look and make it all flow effortlessly.
5. Confidence – This last one is the main reason in my mind to hire a professional.  I’ve had my makeup done a handful of times by a professional, and when I did my confidence shot through the roof!  A woman that feels beautiful and confident on the inside will radiate that in her photographs.  I’ve seen it time and time again with the clients I work with who take the time to hire a professional.  They glow!  And for a photo that you plan to share online with family and friends or hang up in your home, don’t you want to be beaming?  A MUAs job is to enhance your beauty and make you feel special and my job as a photographer is to capture that moment so that you can see how beautiful you truly are.

My advice to anyone looking to book a session with myself or any other photographer, once your session is booked your next job is to search for a MUA.  Don’t know of anyone?  Ask around.  I’m sure you have family and friends that can give you wonderful recommendations.  Or ask your photographer!  I have a list of great MUAs that I work with in the NC/SC area and I would be happy to have you check them out!  Check out their portfolio or do a trial run to make sure your styles match up.  These are photos you’ll have for a lifetime so make sure your face is in good hands with a professional.