Sep 28, 20183 min read

What do you need to take better photos?

I cringe a little, okay sometimes a lot, when I see a badly taken photo on a professional social media profile. Yes I know it's not always easy to get that wow image that insights mass appreciation and interaction, especially if you aren't a photographer but a little effort goes a long way. One profession in particular that caught my attention was, the makeup artist/mua, the way I see it, they stand to suffer for the most from their photography mistakes.

If your makeup is flawless but your photos are failing, how would they know that you're amazing?

They won't.

- Me aka Shaye

It's that simple, most people would only have the photos they see on social media to judge whether or not they like your makeup and if they want to book you. So what do you need to take better photos? Not just as a makeup artist or even a business profile, but as an individual holding a camera phone?

Know what you're working with...

Firstly, get to know your camera specs and features, it's one google search away. Learn which settings you can adjust and use to optimize lighting and focus. There's no point in posting blurry or dark images if you actually want your followers to see the details of your shot. Some features to look into are your ISO, Focus locking (AE/AF lock), and white balance settings.

Know your good side...

Yes, it's a real thing! No one has a perfectly symmetrical face, one of your eyes is bigger than the other, one eyebrow can arch a little higher. Usually, it's the side that you have the most control over. Personally, I know that the left side of my face is the prettier twin, and it's something you can determine for yourself with a simple test. Take a photo of each side of your face and examine each photo, which cheekbone is a little more refined? Which side of your mouth curls upward a little more? Show your face some attention and you'll figure it out, send me a pic when you do and I'd feature you in my IG/FB stories.

Know your editing software...

Snapseed is actually one of the first editing software I put on my phone, and I've never had the need for another mobile photo editor. The interface is simple to understand, and their in-app tutorials help you understand the features available. The complexity ranges from simply selecting a filter to enhance your image to manipulating the image curves. Give it a try.

Know your marketing strategy...

Consistency is the key to successful social media marketing strategy. Yes, I know posting every day is difficult, but having a posting schedule that your followers know isn't. You may not always have client looks (as a mua), but you can post your own look, tips, or even a snippet of your life. Variety is the spice of life, just don't be extra with it.

Photography 101 Workshop I held my pilot workshop to share this and so much more with two of my close mua collobarators. Raenelle Gay (@makeupbyrae on IG/FB), my makeup artist for the San Fernando Photoshoot and Gina Joseph (makeup distributor @florirobertsdistributorstt on IG), the makeup supplier for the Coney Island Photoshoot. Topics we covered were; Equipment: Cameras, Lighting, Extras; How to Shoot: Knowing your angles and your clients'; Marketing: Consistency, Scheduling, Personality. And of course we had a mini photo session but I was not the only photographer.