Professional hair/makeup styling vs. DIY: how do I choose?!
One of the first decisions that my clients make when they begin planning their boudoir photoshoot is whether they will have professional hair/makeup styling done before their session, or whether they’d prefer to go the DIY route and take care of that themselves!
About 40% of my clients choose to have a pro do their hair/makeup, and about 60% of my clients go the DIY route.
Some clients have a really strong gut feeling about whether they’d like to receive professional hair and makeup styling, some clients have a strong desire to DIY… and other clients aren’t sure which option to choose! If you’re not certain which way to go, here are a few thoughts that might help.
You might want to go the DIY route if…
Your boudoir inspiration is organic, relaxed, or effortless
You want your boudoir pictures to celebrate your “everyday” self
You don’t wear much makeup on a daily basis, and you’re worried about not looking like yourself if you have a lot of makeup on
You’re stressed out by the idea of pro hair/makeup styling but you feel like you “should” get your hair/makeup done for boudoir
You love the way you style your hair and makeup in their daily lives and want to replicate it in your portraits
Examples of DIY hair and makeup:
You might want pro styling if…
Your boudoir style is more bold, glamorous, dramatic, or feminine
You want your boudoir pictures to feel a little extra glamorous/special
You’re excited by the idea of feeling a bit luxurious
You’re feeling stressed about the thought of having to do your own hair/makeup and you’d love to have someone take it off your hands for you
You love having your hair or makeup styled!
Examples of professional hair/makeup styling:
How hair/makeup styling works
If you opt for pro hair/makeup styling, you’ll arrive to the studio an hour earlier and you’ll start the day with styling! I’ll introduce you to the hair/makeup artist(s) (sometimes one stylist does both hair/makeup, other times there are two stylists) and we’ll tell them about your vision and how you want your hair/makeup to look. I always encourage bringing along inspiration/reference photos to show what you’re looking for!
All of the hair and makeup artists I work with are all incredibly talented and know exactly how to create looks that photograph beautifully. It’s worth noting that when makeup is applied before a photography session, it’s generally applied more heavily than it is for daily life, but it looks much gentler and more natural in the portraits themselves. (You’ll never look at your boudoir portraits and think, “Wow, I look overdone” – I promise!)
You can also just pick one!
You can also choose to have a professional do just your hair OR just your makeup if you prefer – whatever feels good to you!
Examples of folks who chose to have a professional style their makeup only but did their own hair styling:
Final thoughts
There is no wrong choice here, just some really great options for you to choose from! I love photographing folks who pick either option, and I find that the portraits turn out stunning either way. Choose what feels right to you, and get ready for your amazing, celebratory boudoir day!