I was invited to photograph a make-up training event a Sephora. Another photographers’ dream come true!
What a great opportunity this was to show what a difference professional make-up, together with carefully chosen angles as well as taking advantage of natural light can make.
The images on the left were taken before make-up was applied. In order show what a difference shooting at the best angle can make, I purposely shot the before photos without taking advantage of the best possible angle and I didn’t shoot to improve the available light. There was no professional lighting at the training session.
The photos on the right are the after photos, with make-up and with my choice of the best angle and working with the not-so-great lighting. I didn’t retouch these photos in Photoshop other than very simple tweaks to sharpness and contrast.
So what accounts for the dramatic difference in the before and after photos? Is it the:
1. the make-up
2. the photography
3. or is it both?
Your comments are welcome! Let me know what you think!
P.S. Girls are models and photos posted with their permission.
1941 Noriega St Ste 3 San Francisco, CA, 94122 USA
getintouch@iqphoto.com • 415.939.5877
7 comments
I’m jumping in my car with a bag over my head to get my make-up done. Really. That’s it! No more going out of the house with a naked face.
Joseph, you must be quite the flirt behind your camera. These women look beautiful, confident, elegant, refined. Divine make-up and you’re-my-main-man-photograhy! Magnifique!
Note to self: Learn my best angles and use at all times!
I can vouch that Joseph is very charismatic behind the camera. I loved working with him at my wedding.
Joseph, while the make-up certainly adds some polish to the beautiful faces of the models, I think it’s your photographer’s eye that adds the “wow” factor. Choosing the best possible lighting and angle make a dramatic difference! My favorites are photos 5, 11, 13, (going from the top down). When you look at all the different shapes of the models’ faces, you can see how a different angle brings out the most flattering perspective. Amazing!
it’s the make-up, the bounced light, (softbox or reflecting board?) and the background..
I like to look at your photos and I learn a lot!!
It is stunning photography such as yours that inspires me to keep going with my studies and open my eyes to new and amazing ideas. If I could be half the photographic genius you are I would be a very happy girl. Every photo is so perfectly crafted and presented, I am sure your clients ADORE your work and cherish that you are capturing their true love and personalities on this most momentous occaision.
Casey (Australia)
Diane, don’t worry, you can still hang out without a make-up! Not every day you are being photographed.
Cia, want another round?!
Jonneke, there no artificial light added… all natural… on purpose!
Casey… This inspires me back
Replying to Casey’s post: “I am sure your clients ADORE your work and cherish that you are capturing their true love and personalities on this most momentous occaision.”
…Im not going to say for others, just for myself. I ABSOLUTELY adore Joseph’s work. My husband and I cherish every picture he took at our wedding. He IS a photo genius and will always be my photog! Lol!
Joseph: Glad to hear another one of your dream came true. CONGRATS!!! What can I say about the above pix? Well, everyone here said it all. You are truly good…amazing! LOVE IT!!!
your photographs are worth praising. i have never seen such work of art in photography ever before.
i wish i could learn photography from you!!!