So why should you hire a professional hair and makeup artist? Let’s talk about it. Here are 6 reasons for hiring a professional hair & makeup artist!

• Adding hair & makeup enhances the experience of getting your photos taken!

• It’s also an easy add on to photos & doesn’t disrupt the schedule/flow of the day & can be done in-studio! No matter how crazy your day may have been – you will have at least 1 hour to sit and relax while Katie pampers you… and I either chat with you or photograph your baby’s/kid’s solo photos.

• Gives time to visit & warm up. It’s especially helpful for kiddos who might need time to get to know me before feeling comfortable. Also great for mom’s who are nervous about being in front of the camera – coming into the studio early & hanging out with me + chatting while Katie does hair & makeup is a great way to let the nerves settle and get comfortable in the photo environment before photos start!

• It can be a confidence booster! I mean, who doesn’t like to be pampered?

• Helps you to be fully present during your photos & focus on the connections you have with your family (instead of being worried about what your hair or makeup looks like).
• Having your hair & makeup done by a professional means it lasts longer – which is especially helpful for outdoor sessions in the summer when you might feel sweaty or the humidity affects your hair!  

These are a few reasons as to why I, a photographer, think you will be glad you hired a professional hair & makeup artist!

I also wanted to take a moment to introduce a hair & makeup artist who is a regular at the studio! Katie and I met years ago when I was working as a wedding photographer. Since then, we’ve become friends and she has made many a mama feel beautiful for a family photo session with me.

Please enjoy this Q&A:

Q: How long have you been doing hair & makeup?
A: “7 years!”

Q: What hairstyles do you recommend for people with long hair for in the studio? For outside? 
A: “Hair down, with loose wavy curls is always a beautiful choice. However, if you are going to be outside on a hot or windy day – pulling your hair half-back or fully up could be a good idea & can be equally as beautiful as hair down. I’ll make sure that whatever we do with your hair, that it frames your face well! Some ideas include: a pretty pony, an elegant textured updo, a fish-tale braid or a halo braid! These styles of course aren’t just for outdoors – they can be beautiful in the studio as well.”

Q: What makeup styles or techniques do you recommend for family photos? 
A: “I always recommend a soft, natural glam look for photos, however if you want full glam, let’s go for it!”

Q: Do you recommend anything specific makeup wise for sessions that take place in the summer heat? 
A: “I recommend airbrush foundation! It’s sweat resistant and water resistant!”

Q: Are you comfortable working on darker skin tones? 
A: “Yes! I have a lot of experience working with darker skin tones & I enjoy it!”

Q: Do you have experience working with BIPOC hair types? 
A: “Yes, I have experience working with hair of all types.
I’m always happy to talk with you prior to the day of your photo session so that we can come up with a plan for your hair & how you can prep it before arriving at the studio.
If you are Black, you can come with your hair relaxed & I can add curl OR come with your natural curls and I can use the wand to add definition to a few curls + add product to smooth areas if needed.
And if you already have a specific hairstyle (or feel more comfortable using your normal hairstylist), you may only need me to do makeup. No matter what, I’m there to make you feel comfortable & confident!”

Q: Why do you think booking hair and makeup is helpful for family photos?
A: “I think it is very necessary to book a professional to do your hair and makeup for a photography session simply because I can offer above and beyond what most people can do on their own. A professional makeup artist and hairstylist has a better vision for what the photographer needs to capture as well as how your hair + makeup will best be conveyed in the photos.”

Alright y’all, that’s it from Katie today! I hope you enjoyed this information – as well the photos included from families that have chosen to work with Katie! If you want to follow Katie’s work (she’s both an esthetician AND a hair & makeup artist) you can do so here.

Want to check out my Pinterest board for photo inspiration? You can do so here!

If you are ready to reach out and begin planning the photo session of your dreams, reach out here!