One of the most common questions I get before a headshot session is: “Do I really need to hire a makeup artist?”

The short answer: yes, in most cases. About 85% of the images you see in my portfolio were created with the help of a professional makeup artist (MUA). Lighting and camera work are crucial, but the extra polish you see in my galleries often comes from the subtle artistry of a trained MUA.

While it’s standard in larger markets like L.A. or New York to automatically include a makeup artist in headshot sessions, here in Metro Detroit (and surrounding areas) that’s not always common knowledge. Whether you wear makeup every day or hardly ever, there are many reasons to invest in a makeup artist for your headshots. And yes — this applies to men, too!

The Benefits of Hiring a Makeup Artist

✨ Attention to Detail
A trained MUA will handle under-eye circles, blemishes, uneven skin tone, flyaways, and contouring — so you look polished without looking “overdone.”

✨ Shine Control
Makeup designed for camera keeps your skin from reflecting light in all the wrong ways. The wrong products can cause flashback, shine, or cakiness — problems a pro knows how to prevent.

✨ Fewer Retouches
Professional touch-ups throughout your session reduce the amount of editing needed later, which keeps your photos looking natural.

✨ Session Support
An MUA stays with us during your shoot for quick fixes and subtle adjustments, keeping every look fresh and consistent.

✨ Stress-Free Experience
Instead of worrying about how your makeup looks, you get to relax, feel pampered, and step in front of the camera with total confidence.

✨ Pro-Grade Products
The artists I work with use high-quality, photo-friendly products (no glitter, shimmer, or formulas that look heavy under lights). They also know my shooting style, my lighting, and exactly what will translate best on camera.