Why Makeup Matters for Brand Photos
Whenever I’m talking with clients to plan their brand photoshoots, many of them ask “do I need to get my hair and makeup done? I don’t normally wear makeup.”
My answer is always yes! Not because I think women need to cover themselves up or hide who they are, but because you’ll be on camera with the specific goal of elevating your brand to represent your business, and that requires some additional attention to detail by people with experience.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Amanda Maree Makeup for a few years now. Whenever she does the makeup for my clients, not only do they always look radiant in their photos, but they look and feel more confident on set and always mention that they LOVE their makeup - that they feel like themselves.
And so I asked her “What do you do that’s so different? What does a professional makeup artist do differently for photography?”.
If you don’t already follow Amanda's Instagram and know she constantly shares amazing makeup tips, here’s her advice on getting your hair & makeup done for your next brand photoshoot.
Why Professional Hair & Makeup Matters for Photography
(Guest blog post by Amanda McIntyre)
What’s the biggest misconception about makeup for brand photography?
The biggest misconception with makeup for brand photography is that the result will be “caked on”, “heavy” or “glam”. Many women who don’t usually wear much makeup worry they’ll look overdone in their brand photos.
But if done correctly, camera makeup is designed to be:
Soft
Natural
Lightweight
Skin-focused
A great makeup artist enhances your natural features, respects your personal style, and creates a look that feels comfortable and authentic — just refined enough to translate beautifully on camera.
Professional makeup for photography isn’t about changing how you look. It’s about ensuring you look like the best, most polished version of yourself on camera.
Why is makeup for brand photography different from everyday makeup?
Professional photography can wash out colour and definition in your face. Without makeup, the camera can make the skin appear uneven, shiny or tired — even when you look perfectly fine in real life. Makeup for photos restores what lighting removes, so you still look fresh, healthy and confident on camera.
The goal is not to add more makeup — it’s to use the right makeup, in the right places.
This means:
Evening out skin tone
Reducing shine
Defining your features like your eyes, cheeks and brows to create structure
Adding natural warmth and dimension back into the face
When done professionally, your makeup should feel comfortable, breathable and completely wearable at your next brand photoshoot.
Lighting Changes Everything
Studio lights and natural light affect how colours appear on camera. Makeup that looks subtle in the mirror can disappear entirely under studio lighting and the wrong tones can look flat, grey or appear too warm and orange.
Professional makeup artists know how to:
Adjust colours so they photograph correctly
Balance warm and cool tones for your skin
Ensure makeup looks consistent across different lighting setups
This is especially important for brand photos where images may be cropped in, edited, and viewed on multiple platforms.
The Camera Picks Up Every Detail
High-resolution cameras capture everything — including things we don’t notice in everyday life.
If makeup isn’t blended properly, the camera will see it. If skin isn’t prepared correctly, texture can appear more obvious. Professional artists use techniques and products that soften the skin, blur imperfections and create a seamless finish.
This includes HD and light-reflective products that are designed specifically for photography, not everyday wear, to help the skin appear smooth, fresh and natural.
Are there any other benefits to having your hair and makeup done by a professional?
Professional Hair & Makeup Saves Time (and Stress)
Brand photoshoots can feel overwhelming. There’s already so much to think about — outfits, posing, expressions, and showing up confidently as the face of your business.
Having your hair and makeup done professionally removes one major stress. You don’t need to second-guess yourself, check your makeup between shots, or worry about how you look.
You arrive camera-ready, relaxed, and able to focus on your photoshoot.
When you feel good, it shows. Professional hair and makeup helps you feel polished and prepared, which directly impacts how you carry yourself on camera.
Your photos will reflect not just how you look, but how you feel during the shoot.
Your Branding Photos Are a Business Investment
These photos represent your business. They build trust, establish credibility, and shape how potential clients perceive you — often before they ever meet you.
Professional hair and makeup ensures your photos look:
Intentional
Professional
Aligned with your brand
Timeless rather than dated or rushed
It’s not about wearing ‘more’ makeup — it’s about showing up as the best version of yourself, in a way that supports your brand and reflects your level of professionalism.
If you’d like have Amanda do your hair & makeup at your next brand photoshoot, you can contact her directly through her website, and be sure to follow her on Instagram.
