10 top tips for beauty photography

1 Plan ahead

Good pre-shoot planning makes for a smoother and more organised shoot that is more likely to re ect the guidelines and mood board.

2 Choose the right lens

If you shoot close-ups, use a long enough lens that won’t distort the image when in close proximity to the subject. A quality 100mm prime is ideal.

3 Hone your retouching skills

Learning to skilfully remove the right amount of distracting details will give your images the high-end look they need to attract the attention of big clients.

4 Get comfortable

Shooting beauty is a fairly static business, and all about capturing the details. Find a comfortable shooting position that allows you to have a stable hold of lens and camera.

5 Tailor the idea

On shoot day, anything you have planned beforehand needs to be adapted to the subject’s look. A skilled makeup artist and hair stylist will make the right suggestions.

6 Connect with your subject

Brief your model on arrival and chat with them to break the ice. If they are comfortable with you and have a good shoot, it will clearly show.

7 Keep it simple

The most common mistake when starting with beauty and fashion is overdoing styling and poses. Instead of adding something to the picture, ask yourself if something could be taken away. Less is more.

8 Tether

Tethering allows the whole team to view the images in real time and make adjustments to hair, makeup, lighting and more as needed. It makes a world of difference.

9 Stop and look

Every once in a while, put the camera down and review the images on the computer. Check all the details and ensure everything is in order before shooting more.

10 Work with people that you trust

Find a team of creatives who are not only talented but reliable and pleasant too. The success of a shoot is greatly impacted by the vibe on set.