Before we get into my photoshoot makeup tips, quick honest confession.

I used to require makeup for every client. At the time, I thought I was helping, like it would guarantee everyone felt polished and camera ready. But over time I realized something and now I say this to every client…

“You do not have to do anything to be worthy of being photographed. You are enough!”

Not everybody feels like themselves in a full face, and the goal has never been to turn you into someone else. The goal is for you to feel comfortable, confident, and taken care of, whether you show up fresh faced or fully glammed.

Now if you love makeup, I am not here to talk you out of it. Makeup can be such a beautiful part of the day, not just because of how it photographs, but because of what it does for your mindset. It is that little extra step of pampering that makes the day feel real. Like okay, today is my day. I am prepared. I am being taken care of. It sets the tone.

And yes, on camera, makeup can help in a few simple ways that just read well in photos.

• It can even out the look of your skin.
• It can reduce shine, especially in the T zone.
• It can add a finished, polished touch that still looks like you.

But if you are not a makeup girl, please hear me clearly, that is completely fine. Some of the most beautiful sessions I have ever photographed were fresh faced and effortless, because the client looked like themselves and felt comfortable.

Photoshoot makeup tips if you are going makeup free

If you are skipping makeup, keep it clean and intentional so you still feel polished.

• Moisturize.
• Groom your brows.
• Add a little lip balm.
• Bring blotting sheets if you get shiny.

That is it. Simple.

And if you are not spending your time in a makeup chair, use that time to pamper yourself in another way. Get a manicure. Get a pedicure. Book a blowout. Take a slow morning. Put on music while you get ready. Do something that makes you feel taken care of, because that feeling always shows up in the photos.

Proof it’s not about the makeup!

Here are real images from two sessions, one with no makeup and one with full makeup, so you can see the difference and also see the truth. They both look amazing.

If you do want professional makeup, here’s my list of the best makeup artists in Raleigh for photo shoots so you can book someone I trust.

Let’s get you booked?

If you’re ready to plan your session, reach out through my inquiry form. And if you’re not sure which route to take, tell me what you’re leaning toward. I’ll help you keep it simple and make sure you still feel like you.