Professional Hair & Makeup For Group Sessions

News anchors don’t do their own makeup. Not because they can’t, but because they understand the purpose is not the same as everyday hair & makeup needs.

In day-to-day situations, the stylistic choices are made mostly for the people who see them in the real world, but before going live, the makeup exists for the camera — under bright lights that change how faces appear.

This topic is discussed more deeply in our 5 Most Under-rated Challenges of Corporate Headshots article, but suffice to say, the camera sees things more detailed than the eye, and studio lighting is far different than the lights people find themselves in during their normal day-to-day.

Specifically, studio lighting flattens, creates drastic shine, exaggerates shadows, and with the combination of 42 megapixel cameras, will reveal texture far differently than natural light. And yes, “differently” is code for harshly.

Hair and makeup compensates for this environment, so you can review your images a little more closely to how it will be when retouched.

Who Benefits Most

Not everyone needs professional hair & makeup prior to headshots, but it is usually recommended.

Some individuals either prefer a certain style and feel confident without the consideration of the camera, lights, etc. If that’s the case, it works just fine to let the retouching soften the harshness of the lights and camera.

Others will greatly benefit from subtle adjustments because of how it impacts their ability to review and work off the images as they shoot.

For many, it’s simply a way to control variables and make the shoot more enjoyable.

How It Works

Hair and makeup is optional. Team members interested in including hair and makeup may simply opt in through the online signup page when booking their time slot. We ask they arrive 15 minutes prior to their headshot slot for hair and makeup application.

Like news anchors, the goal isn’t to look different, but rather to look right on camera.

Hair and makeup will not change the person the way it might for a wedding, or night out.

And while we do stand behind our coaching and retouching, hair & makeup may help certain individuals feel more prepared, and more content when reviewing the unedited images for the sake of coaching.

We don’t require hair and makeup for the premium results, but for companies who want to offer an extra layer of preparation or simply enhance the experience, the option is there.