I've got a question regarding makeup. My girlfriend and I will be shooting a wedding in early May for a couple. They just sent us some sample shots of the location (it's a few hours away) and in that album were some shots of her makeup "test run". Now I'm not usually one to comment on makeup, but this is quite bad. Bad as in overdone. Overdone as in it looks like someone swabbed her face with a gallon of glycerin and it all stuck. Basically, my fear is that she will shine like chrome when the flash comes out (and even from the sun).

How do you approach an issue like this. For one thing, she could already know and made plans accordingly. But then again, she must have looked in a mirror first and THEN let someone take the photo. She looks great without makeup too. Our biggest concern is that the photos won't look as good. Suggestions for approaching this issue (besides throwing powder in her face )?

You might try discussing it with her in terms of "special" requirements for photography that she wouldn't be expected to know about, so she won't feel that her taste is being directly attacked. Tell her that a medium coverage matte foundation with a light dusting of powder will help offset the effects of the strong lights that will be involved in the photography.

Lynn Teague wrote:
You might try discussing it with her in terms of "special" requirements for photography that she wouldn't be expected to know about, so she won't feel that her taste is being directly attacked. Tell her that a medium coverage matte foundation with a light dusting of powder will help offset the effects of the strong lights that will be involved in the photography.


I really like that! good call

Great advice. You might also find a local make-up artist or cosmetologist to work with for referals both ways. Give the advice for doing her own make-up, but also give a referal to the make-up artist.

Now I'm really wondering if that was a joke on her part?

I tell my brides the same thing that Lynn told them. There's nothing like spending a lot of extra time detailing the pictures because of a horrible makeup job. Yvette

Yes makeup for photography and for "clubbing" is totally different.........and some makeup "artists".......I.E. friends, sisters etc don't know the difference.........speaking from experience, shiny, ghoulish looking eyes and faces make our job much more difficult in the post production phase.

One of my first weddings I did… out of nowhere the groom wanted to wear make up and said nothing until I’ve seen him the day of the wedding (never seen that one coming). He did it himself and had too much of the revlon on. I now suggest someone or to use a camera friendly makeup.

-p

Clients can be stubborn about this. I have a MUA who works with me, and the brides who have used her have been thrilled with the results, and for me, the images turn out better with less PP needed.
STILL, they can't turn down a friend, or insist on using someone who knows nothing about the special needs of event/photo makeup.
Lynn's way of phrasing it is very good, should keep her from being defensive.
I know personally that's my goal, to solidify the business relationship with the MUA so the majority of my brides take advantage of this option.

Man now I wanna see a picture of her. Is that wrong of me? *Lowers head in shame*

You've seen her make-up. Now you want to comment on it.

I'm sure you're in for a good "offend the client" session if you do.

Make-up tips and other tips for the wedding are great to discuss your initial meeting. At this point how do you not offend her? No matter how polite you put it, it won't take a genius to figure out you don't approve of her make-up.

Maybe she likes the Tammy Fae look. Many people do.

Makeup can be discussed in generalities and not specificities.......so no one is offended......we give a hand out of "Wedding Day Tips"...and one of the tips is makeup usage.......

Not approving of her makeup for "photography purposed " as opposed to not approving because you don't like it personally is a totally different issue............keeping it professional and alluding to the benefits for photography keeps any personal issues out of the feelings.

I discuss it all the time with brides..........leaving it to chance does a dis service to your client who expects us to address any issue involved with creating great photography ...........after all, we are the professionals.