Capturing beauty photography
10 Beauty Photography Tips for Better Poses and Lighting
Beauty photography will open doors into editorial and commercial work.
But capturing beauty images can be a little intimidating when you’re starting out.
These 11 tips will help you take great editorial quality beauty photography.
1. Why You Should Hire Makeup and Hair Stylists
It goes without saying that beauty portraits take a whole creative team for them to come to life.
Makeup and hair styling are some of the most important elements next to lighting.
Even if you are going for a more natural look, it’s important to have a makeup artist and hair stylist. This will limit the time you spend in post-production.
Many are willing to work with photographers on a TFP basis. This means ‘time-for-photos’.
Other professional makeup artists and hair stylists may charge you. If you admire their work, it’s worth hiring them.
When you work with a beauty team, make sure to give them enough time to get the model or models ready. This is similar to fashion photography, where the entire team works together to create the final look.
It’s important to communicate exactly what look you want and have examples ready. Consider using a mood board for this.
You can also let the beauty team add their personal touches.
Giving them a little control over the creative process will make them want to work with you in the future.
2. Use Concept Cards to Make the Shoot Run Faster
Beauty photography can be experimental. If you’re working with a client, you’ll want to prepare with storyboards or concept cards.
This will make the whole shoot go smoothly, whether you’re a beginner beauty photographer or a pro.
Have a general mock-up of the looks, ideas, textures, color scheme, and posing. Everyone involved will “see” the shoot in a more visual way and be on the same page.
And having everyone focused on the exact look can make everything run smoother.
Keeping a mood board can also help to bring the beauty shoot together.
Try having different elements of inspiration or “feel”.
Everyone can get an idea of what the photos are supposed to look like.
This means the model will know what to do, and the client what results to expect.
3. Work With a Creative Director
It can be helpful to have a creative director on board.
They can make sure that the photoshoot goes according you and your client’s plan.
Having fun and taking photos that are more experimental during the shoot will give your clients more variety.A creative director will also ensure there’s no time wasted.
Some creative directors, like beauty teams, are willing to work on a TFP basis. Others will want to be paid.
4. Which Models Should You Work With
There is a notable difference between real working models and those looking to put their foot in the door.
Real models sometimes only work with well-known photographers. Or with photographers who are willing to test shoot ideas or concepts the models have in mind.
New models are more willing to work for free to grow their portfolios. This can also build new working relationships for future projects.
Having said that, models who have been working for some time can be more helpful during a shoot. They know how their body lines and movements can make a photo more interesting. And give the client what they’re looking for.
They are also more experienced in getting certain facial expressions or poses.
This does not mean that less experienced models aren’t great in front of the camera.
Try working with all types, sizes, and working and new models. You will get more experience photographing different bodies, facial textures, and other differences.
You can also ask a close friend to model for you. This will allow you to experiment with beauty style photos. And you’ll gain more practise before working with more experienced models.
5. How to Choose the Right Lighting for Beauty Shots
You can use shadows and more directional lighting in beauty photography, as well as side lighting.
This depends on the story you want to tell.
Colored lighting can also make the photos pop. Try this if you’re doing something more fashion-forward or high fashion.
The best thing about lighting is that you don’t always need a studio to create stunning beauty photos. You can use direct sunlight to create directional light depending on the time of day you shoot.
Also, using different colored boards can give color casts. And they can reflect the colors that you are looking to add to the photos.
Using studio strobes can give off more lighting and create a high fashion style.Using off-camera flashes or strobes can make it easier to photograph on location. You can use different translucent paper or fabric to add color.
Using reflectors and bounce cards can also help reflect light. These will create a more uniform traditional beauty lighting setup.
Setting your off-camera flash or strobe to create more directional light. This can add an interesting style to your beauty photographs.
It’ll also expand your beauty/editorial portfolio.
Using off camera flashes or only one light source can offer shadows but still highlight the face. This becomes the focal point of the photo.If you’re using backgrounds, be aware of where the fall-off of the light happens. Then you can add or take away light from the background according to what you want to achieve.
More fall-off will make your background more visible. Less fall-off will do the opposite and make the background less visible.
Make sure you take some tests shots to see how this will affect your overall composition.
Beauty shoots are prepped ahead of time with creative directors or storyboarding. This includes lighting.
Different angles can give different looks to the photograph. Try different poses and see which one the client likes best.
Experimenting with different light sources can also add effects to the beauty photos. Try string lighting like Christmas lights, sparklers, lighters, or strobe DJ lighting.
These can give interesting lighting effects. Use them on their own or together with off camera lighting.
6. Use Light Modifiers to Manipulate the Mood
Light modifiers include large softboxes, grids, bounce cards, reflectors, or umbrellas. You can even use black flags to create more shadows or add some soft light.
Different lighting can give different looks to the same beauty concept.Light modifiers are especially helpful in a studio. They can give you more dispersed light, making a small light source bigger. Or you can make the light softer and more even.
You can also use a snoot to sharpen and make the light more directional.
Light modifiers highlight what is most important during the shoot. Be it the makeup, hair, or skincare products.
Experiment with different light modifiers. That way you’ll get a unique look for your beauty photographs.
7. Which Props Should You Use for Beauty Photography
The great thing about beauty photos is that you generally don’t need much space.
Beauty photography is focused primarily on the face and shoulders and up. Full body shots are not necessary.
Again, this does depend on what you and your client are aiming for.
It is always great to have useful photography props to help make the shoot go smoother wherever the session takes place.
For beauty shoots, you’ll need the following:
- Stool or backless chair to have the model sit on;
- Tape to put marks on the floor for models, lights, assistants, etc.;
- Fashion tape for all things wardrobe related;
- Station or table for beauty team to set up and spread out;
- Music on a portable speaker to set a good tone for the shoot;
- Tripod so that you can set your camera down or keep it in place for certain shoots;
- Laptop, or viewing monitors like iPad or tablet. Especially helpful if the client will be attending the session. Also great to keep an eye on your exposure and overall look of the photos;
- Snacks and water for everyone involved to keep the energy up if the shoot runs long.
You may not need all of these for every beauty shoot. But it’s good to have them on hand.
8. Beauty Photography & Retouching for a Natural Look
Camera settings only go so far. Retouching is inevitable in any beauty session. But it’s becoming more common for clients to avoid over-processed photos.
If your retouching skills are not up to par, you can outsource this. There are many retouching services that can follow all your specifications and have a good turn around time.
If you’re editing your beauty photos yourself, watch out for common mistakes like over-processing. The skin needs to be done with a high attention to detail. It needs to look natural and not fake. Keep an eye out for uneven skin textures.
Depending on what your client has requested, you may have to alter facial features. Adobe Photoshop is your go-to program here.
Speak to your client during the planning process about retouching and what they prefer. What they like, don’t like, what is on brand, and what they want the final images to look like.
Knowing what your client expects can save you time in the long run. You won’t have to re-do any of the post-processing.
Make sure to show different examples of different retouching styles. They’ll have a better idea of what the final photos can look like.
9. Which Lens Is Best for Beauty Shots
Your lens can mean the difference between an okay photo and a great one.
For beauty photos, a long lens is best. It compresses the background and brings out the face.
A lens longer than 100mm is perfect.
Keeping your aperture small, f/8 or higher, will make sure that you get all of the details of the face in focus.
This is highly important especially if you’re photographing a specific product on the face. It also helps to have the details of the skin in focus for better retouching in post-processing.
Keeping the angle of the lens a little bit below level can give the model more of a high fashion feel. But photographing them straight on can create a more powerful stare.
Shooting down at a model makes them look demure. It can soften the pose and feeling of the photo.
Try photographing the model at different angles so that you have more options when choosing the right photo for your portfolio or client.
If the model is using a curated wardrobe for the shoot, get some full-length photos too. These can help tell the story or simply add to the portfolios of everyone involved.
10. What to Include in Your Contract/Model Release
Even if you are doing a beauty shoot solely for your own portfolio, it is very important to have the models sign a model release form or contract. These should outline all of the specifics of the photo shoot.
Detail what they will receive. If they are going to get photos, include whether print or digital, retouched or not retouched, how many, and the expected turn around time.
Not all beauty photoshoots have to happen in a studio. Sometimes using locations can add to the story the client is trying to tell.
Outline your terms and conditions regarding copyright and permissions. This can save you from future disputes. And no one is left confused as to what they are going to get out of the collaboration.
Give all parties involved a copy of the contract so that they have access to the terms and conditions of the photo shoot.
This can save you from a legal lawsuit later in the event that one person was not satisfied with the outcome.
There are many contracts and model release formats out there on the internet. The best option is to work with a lawyer to create a legal document that suits your needs.
Conclusion
Beauty photography can open many doors for you in the editorial and commercial niches. Whether you’re a fashion photographer, or you’re a professional trying to improve their portfolio or social media.
Next time you have a beauty shoot, refer back to these tips to get the best photos possible.
We have a great article on Best Model Poses for Fashion Photography or beautiful milk bath photography to check out next!
How To Capture The Beauty Of Something In A Photo
Capturing the beauty of something in a photo can be difficult to achieve, especially if you don’t know where to get started or you’re confused with your target subjects.
However, it doesn’t mean that it’s an impossible thing to do.
As a matter of fact, you don’t even need a fancy camera to capture beauty in a photo. Just play with your imagination and be creative with anything. If you need some ideas or inspiration, it’s also a good idea to check out some social media tips for photographers.
Below are the other ways you can capture the beauty of subjects in your photos:
- The Rule Of Thirds
Basically, the rule of thirds applies to photo composition which is also one of the things that novice photographers forgot to consider.
Once you check some photos using fashion hashtags, you’ll find that most photos are captured with the rule of thirds in mind. More often than not, most people center the subject in the camera’s viewfinder, which is a common misconception. The reason behind it is that by centering your image in the viewfinder, the result is typically mediocre at best.
When using the rule of thirds, try to shift the focal point of your photo to make it more interesting.
Instead of focusing on the center, it’d be best to position your subject on the bottom part of the grid lines to create more depth. However, take note that the use of the rule of thirds may vary, depending on the subject you want to capture.
- Be A Storyteller
You don’t have to be an expert in photography if you want to capture the beauty of anything. If you master the art of storytelling, you can capture an emotional and amazing story in a photograph. So, apart from working very hard as a photographer, try to work on being an individual with a story to tell, too, and your skills will come out with practice and time.
- Take Note Of The Light
Another way to capture the beauty of something is to remember the light in your photos. Any ordinary subject can be transformed by using light. Once you find objects to shoot, see if there are shafts of light streaming in.
To add a mood, you can also take advantage of a misty diffused light.
Just take note that if you’re taking photos at noon with too much sunlight, it’s best to look for shaded areas.
- Shoot Tight
Even without macro lens, you can still experiment with your current lenses and look for the minimal focal distance that works for you. Think of shooting quality images even without close or macro focus. This won’t only make you more creative, but you’ll also focus on the small beautiful details.
- The Natural Frames
You can use natural frames to add dimension and depth to visual storytelling. For instance, if the tree has two separate branches, the photo will be more beautiful if there’s something interesting at their center. Once used properly, the attention is immediately drawn to the framed subjects.
- Think Deeper
Never underestimate how powerful symbolism is when it comes to photography.
You know that there are inherent themes of isolation, loneliness, or neglect in a stark image of something unusual. Also, there’s a fascination in today’s society with taking photos of abandoned areas and spaces. Such images resonate within people. So, always try to think deeper and don’t forget about the power of simple visuals.
Conclusion
To top it all, you’ll find that by concentrating or finding some interesting subjects, you can capture the beauty of subjects in your photos. Just take note of the tips above to take impressive shots of anything that captures your attention. If you want to improve your photography skills, you can always rely on the tips or advice of experienced and talented photographers out there. You can even take a photography training course if your budget allows it.
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Highlights
Take pictures if you see beauty. Interview with photographer Ksyusha Maksimova — Guide to Russia Like&Go
When we look at photos, we often remember how happy we were.
Here - the view from the window of the train on the journey, here - the first steps of the child, and here just beautiful houses in the sunset light on their native street. And we often regret that we didn’t save these shots more, didn’t catch such rare and joyful moments.
We talked with photographer Ksyusha Maksimova about how photography helps her make herself and others happy.
To continue the phrase, I take pictures because...
The hackneyed phrase immediately came to mind: "Because I can't help but take pictures." This is not only about people, it is also about interesting moments in life. When I see something beautiful, I definitely want to take a picture of it. If I were bolder, I would approach people on the street and invite them to take a picture. In the meantime, I'm not so brave - I photograph those who come to me by themselves.
If you were asked to introduce yourself, what would you call yourself?
I would say that I am a photographer and I photograph people.
You had a post on Instagram some time ago where you wondered why people are smiling in your pictures. How would you answer this question now?
It seems to me that I can create a relaxed atmosphere on set, when people stop thinking about posing and start behaving naturally: smiling, talking, joking. All I can do is watch and capture the moments.
What is a good photograph?
This is a photograph where there are emotions, where people feel something real at this moment, and this can be seen in the picture. Composition, color, light - this is very important, but for me, first of all, it is important that the person in the photo be a person.
So the secret of good shooting is when a person is relaxed and open?
Yes, probably so.
What about a bad photograph?
A bad photo is one that shows that the photographer asked the person to do something, but the person is not comfortable, does not like it, but he still continues to do it, because supposedly the photographer is the main one at the shooting.
For me, it's just terrible.
What's the horror?
That a person is not well now. I, as a viewer, look at the photo and put myself in the place of the hero, and I also feel uncomfortable, uncomfortable.
You said in the beginning that you take pictures when you see beauty. Now, when everyone can get a phone and take a picture, what is the value of prepared photo shoots? When people get together for a long time, prepare as if for an important event in life...
Now I'm starting to think about your question and I understand that the photos that people take in their ordinary life on the phone are no less valuable than professional photo shoots . For example, a child does something funny at home, they filmed it on the phone, and perhaps this moment is even more important for them than the one when they came to me specifically for a family photo session. Based on this, what is my value? To photograph them all together, to capture sincere moments that they themselves did not notice among themselves, because I, as a photographer, still see more.
And to photograph all this beautifully, with good light, with good processing.
If you choose a photographer, what should you feel in a person before going to shoot with him? What to pay attention to?
First of all, you need to look at the photos in his portfolio and understand if you see yourself in the place of these people, in similar poses, emotions, with such processing. If this is not close to you, then you can immediately close his page and look for another photographer. If close, see if you will be comfortable with this person: you can look at his stories, read posts, find out more about what kind of person he is. A comfortable atmosphere at the shooting and closeness in spirit with the photographer are very important both for the process and for the final result. Well, to communicate personally, in correspondence: by the way the photographer answers you, you can also understand a lot.
You said that you want people to feel good on your set.
And how do you achieve this?
I don't hurt them.
It's bad... You don't put people in uncomfortable positions?
Yes, positions that are uncomfortable for them are not close. And if, for example, this is a wedding photo session, the newlyweds are tired, it’s hot outside, I won’t force them to go far and stay under the sun for a long time and figure out how to make good shots in other, more comfortable conditions.
And what depends on the person in shooting?
A person needs to trust the photographer. Sometimes on the set, one of the guests asks: "How do you shoot against the light? Will it be fine?" Of course, it will be fine, otherwise I would not shoot like that. You need to trust the photographer and your choice.
It is also important to come to the photo session in a good mood. If the parents had a fight before the family shoot, then later you have to spend more time for them to relax.
What to do if the child really does not want to be photographed or the father is skeptical?
I used to think that every photographer is obliged to a child to jump with rattles and do his best to cheer him up, but I don't know how to communicate with children.
I am for the fact that parents themselves should find an approach to their child, do something that will be interesting and fun for him, and these are definitely not the words: “Look at your aunt and smile.” And with dad ... Sometimes you can first take a picture of mom with a child, so that dad can see from the outside that nothing terrible is happening, and then he is more willing to join the shooting and feel safe.
What inspires you to shoot?
The people themselves. I don’t look for references in advance, I don’t make moodboards. I just come and see what can come of it. I watch how people hug, how they communicate, what emotions they experience - and this is inspiring.
You had a phrase on Instagram: "The more life there is on the set, the more alive the photos will be." What is staging for you then?
Yes, I don't specifically say where people should put their hands, exactly how to hug, which side to stand from each other.
The staging is probably about choosing a good location with a nice backdrop and lighting and putting the people there. Well, if they do something that does not look very good in the photo, suggest what will be better. There is more life in this.
I love home photo shoots because when people are at home, they themselves can do something there. I come and ask, what do you usually do? They answer that, here, we are watching a movie or cutting a salad in the kitchen. They begin to do this, I shoot them - like a production, but close to life.
What interests you in home photography?
As a photographer, I am always interested in new locations. I come to a new apartment - and everything is different there. I like to figure out how to use this space to make it interesting.
If it wasn't for photography, what would it be?
I would probably open a bar or a restaurant and arrange interesting creative events there. And the food there would be simple, tasty and understandable.
What do you think unites photography of emotional, open people and a restaurant with simple, homemade food?
Probably the desire to make people feel good.
Make them happy?
Yes.
In addition to photographing people, you often photograph Voronezh. Why do you like it?
I want to share with people the beauty that I see. When people write: "It's great, as if it's not Voronezh!", I understand that I was able to see in the city what had previously been unnoticed.
Three of your most amazing discoveries while walking around Voronezh?
I really like Tchaikovsky Street, which goes from Friedrich Engels to Revolution Avenue. There are such tall old houses with balconies, interesting windows and flowers. Trees grow on both sides and curve so beautifully. At different times of the year, it looks different, and when I pass by, I can't help but take a picture of it.
I also like Friedrich Engels Street itself. There are also beautiful buildings, cafes, chestnut trees. I like to walk there in the evening when the windows are lit up.
And for me the areas on the descents to the reservoir were a discovery, where there are steep descents and ascents, and one-story old houses with carved windows. In the spring it is very cool when the trees are in bloom. One day I thought that we live on this planet, where there are so many amazing places, and since we are here, it would be great if we could see them all. And I think it's the same with the city. If you already live in it, then it would be logical to know what is beautiful and interesting here. After all, when you see beautiful places, it makes you a little bit happier.
The ideal city for you -
This is a city with a promenade where you can walk and look at the water, with ancient architecture, museums, theaters, parks, trees, cozy coffee shops and where people are good.
Which city is Voronezh?
I try to see him like that.
What surprised you the most in Voronezh when you just moved from Yelets?
I liked walking the streets and seeing the tall buildings so much, it seemed so huge to me! I liked this feeling that I was walking around a new unfamiliar city, and I still, when walking around Voronezh, sometimes feel the same: that I came on a tour, although I have been living here for 13 years.
Question from subscribers: what are the untrodden places for wedding photos in Voronezh?
I get asked this a lot before wedding shoots, and I don't really like the wording. As if there are places where you can take pictures, and there are those where you can’t in any case. You can take pictures wherever there is ... Where there is light!
You can just walk along the avenue and go to restaurants, you can take a walk in your yard in the north or go to nature and just stop where it is beautiful.
But not everyone is ready for this. For some reason, people need a ready-made list of places for photo shoots. This probably gives them more confidence that the shooting will go well. But if your photographer is sure that the shooting will be beautiful even in the yard where no one has been photographed before, then you should trust.
You can see more of Ksyusha's inspiring works on her Instagram and website.
How to photograph hair for Instagram
To make quality content you need to remember 2 rules:
- We always take BEFORE and AFTER photos
- If the work is interesting, we shoot a video
Let your masters and administrator always take pictures. And your smm manager will already choose which photo is suitable for the target audience and which is not.
Sophisticated coloring, trendy, creative, transformation from blonde to brunette - this is an interesting and exciting content. You can make a video for this.
And such a video can become viral and scatter over the network without your participation.
Photography Lighting
This is the hardest part of photography. The quality of the photo depends on the lighting.
The ideal light for shooting is daylight. And to take a great photo in daylight, the client has to stand with their back to the light source. Neither sideways, nor semi-sideways, namely the back!
Do not shoot in a dark room. It is better to go outside and take a photo there.
The quality of the photo depends on the lighting, whether you shoot with a SLR camera or a phone. Bad light will not convey the beauty of the work, but on the contrary, it will worsen it.
[photo]
Before – After
The feature of these photos is to show how dull it used to be, and how beautifully the masters did it.
Take the first photo before the procedures, do not comb the client, let the hair be dirty and tousled.
This is just a plus for us.
The second photo is the work of the master. This is the “face” of your salon in social networks, so the work must be perfect.
Why “before-after”? Why can't you just take a picture of the work after the procedure?
Look at the first and second examples:
Now tell me, did the first photo make the same impression as the second?
Nobody knows what kind of hair the blonde had. Maybe they were even better? It is important to show the contrast here.
The job may be simple, but it will have a WOW effect on potential customers on social media.
The “before-after” photo shows what a difficult job the master did and what results he achieved. The client can appreciate this only by seeing what happened before.
Photo quality
Photo quality depends not only on the device, but also on the light. If everything is fine with the light in the cabin, then you can safely shoot work on your phone.
