WHY I DON’T INCLUDE MAKEUP IN MY PHOTO PACKAGES
***UPDATE - I am now including makeup as an optional add-on.
When I first started my personal branding photography business, I created very simple photo packages. They didn’t really include much at the time because I wanted to gauge what clients wanted by booking sessions and seeing what they’d ask for.
I always figured that “down the road” I might add packages that include professional makeup application seeing as so many other photographers did.
However, even as I adjusted and fine-tuned my packages over the last couple of years, I still don’t think I want to include makeup applications.
Why?
First of all, over the years, not one single person asked me for it.
Secondly, who am I to decide whether you should wear makeup or not?
I for one feel that it’s about time we relinquish society’s unrealistic expectations of women. We live in the 21st century, should we really still be “expected” to wear makeup? It’s not for me or anyone else to assume that you “need” makeup.
Wearing makeup is an option for a woman, not an obligation.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t wear makeup, I’m saying that it’s 100% YOUR CHOICE.
Personally, I like to wear a little makeup pretty much daily. And, if I know I’m having my photo taken, I do apply a little extra because the little bit I normally wear just doesn’t show up on photos at all.
However, I know a lot of women who go totally makeup-free everywhere and I really applaud them! I think that takes total confidence and comfort in their own skin. So I say to them, good for you!
So I do not want to decide for you if you should come to a photo session with full makeup, light makeup or no makeup at all. I’ve had clients show up with all of the above and I think they all looked amazing in the final photos.
I don’t ever want you to feel like you don’t look good enough without makeup if that’s what you choose to do. And I don’t believe in any “shoulds” anymore either.
Plus, I find that those professional makeup applications tend to be just way over the top most of the time. I prefer to aim for a more natural look myself.
Another reason I don’t like to include makeup in my personal branding photography packages is that it adds another cost that many find unnecessary. Those services can be expensive! I prefer to let my clients make their own call. They can show up to sessions with me with no makeup, apply their own makeup or hire their own makeup artist if they wish to.
The point is, I want YOU to decide what’s best for you. And I’ll never judge you for your decision. I will always do my best to make you look awesome in your photos no matter what.