Collaborating with Creatives for a Photoshoot? Here's what working behind the scenes of magazines taught me

As a  professional Cosmetologist, I have had the opportunity to work on dozens of fun magazine shoots, where I've gotten to create all types of interesting hairstyles and sometimes did airbrush make-up in addition to working with the most cool professionals. 

Through my experiences, I have learned a lot about the importance of collaboration, attention to detail and how to help Models prepare for the photo shoot. So in this blog I'll be discussing ways you can incorporate the same things into yours, including a few photos from old magazine shoots I've done many years ago. 

When working on a magazine shoots, it was essential to have an overall clear understanding of the concept and theme of the shoot. This requires a lot of research and preparation before the shoot to capture the time period, aesthetics, studying the outfits the models will be wearing, the makeup looks and the general vibe of the shoot. 

 

 Collabing requires an overall theme or concept for the Photoshoot 

Once the concept is established, the next step is collaboration. Working on a magazine shoot requires a team effort, and is essential to communicating very effectively with other members of the team, including photographers, creative directors, makeup artist and the wardrobe stylist or Fashion Designer.  A collaborative synergy is the best flow that makes the shoot very enjoyable. 

By working together closely, we ensure that the overall vision for the shoot was cohesive and that precision was put into every detail. This involves keeping notes, text and an online calendar schedule everyone could look. The more organized things are, the faster you get done and everyone is in a good mood. 

Another important lesson I learned is paying attention to detail. When creating hairstyles for magazine shoots, every little detail matters, from the way the hair is parted to making sure there is no fly away hairs that the camera is going to pick up. Back in the late 90's to early 2000's, there wasn't the editing technology that they have now so it was crucial to be very detail focused. 

 

Adaptability and flexibility when collabing with others is essential

I was taught adaptability and flexibility when things didn't always go according to plan. Believe me, when you're working with a lot of different creatives, this will happen more often than not. We'd be outside on location and the power would go out, so I couldn't use my hot tools or the models would be late and I had to preform my job in a limited amount of time with the same quality as if I did have those convivences.

Always follow up and communicate but not too much

 Some of the issues we'd encounter were having to do is under eye swelling or acne breakouts before we could do the final look for the photoshoot. So making sure the lines of communication  ore open so if you're doing make-up, you prepare properly and have the Models arrive early with cucumbers or ice packs. These follow ups prior to the shoot are always necessary.

This not only made me a better Hairstylist but also a team player and problem solver. However, don't call or text too much, because they might be busy working on other projects or at their job and allow at least 24 hours.

Hair and Skincare tips to prepare for your photoshoot 

Helping to create perfect looks for the Models helped me learn a lot about skincare tips, hair tips, teaching them how to pose as well as how to prepare for their day on the set which made my job easier when I was  being featured in magazine's for my work. 

The importance of skincare for a models is their most important asset, it's essential to take care of it. Also, the more effort you put into it, the more jobs you'll be recommended by those working behind the scenes. I have seen firsthand how your career can be taken to the next level when you're serious about making the photographers and photo editors job easier. 

These tips I'm including are not only for Models but anyone who's doing a photoshoot and want to look their best. 

 Skincare routines to prepare for a photoshoot 

• proper face cleansing daily to avoid breakouts
• toning for your face to have a glow
• moisturizing daily for hydrated, smooth skin
• ramping up your hydration a week prior to the shoot 
• body scrub with a loofa to clear dead skin cells to bring out the appearance of healthier looking skin. 
• Protecting your skin with sunscreen 

 

Haircare routine to prepare for a shoot

• Making sure your ends have been trimmed so that you won't have a bunch of flyaway or frizzy hair that show up when heat styling and under heavy lightening. 
• If you tend to have oily hair that makes your hair limp, shampooing prior the the shoot will make the hairstylist job go more smoothly and not have to overuse products to get a more volume.
• If your hair tends to be more limp after shampooing then cleansing 3-4 days prior to the shoot is best so that it has more body. Some Models hair do better for a shoot when not shampooed within 24 -48 hours of a shoot. 
• Getting a deep conditioning treatment a week before your shoot if your hair goes to limp or a day or two before if you have textured wavy or curly hair so your hair can be smooth, shiny and look more healthy under the lightening. 
• Make sure your roots are done unless you're already working with your hairstylist on his/her photoshoot, they'll instruct you if that's needed for what they want to accomplish. 

What you should bring with you 

If you have certain products that you know work better with your skin for photos or prefer your own high quality brushes that you'd like to take to the shoot, I'd suggest you have them. I have seen many well known Actresses bring their own make-up bag as well just incase the Hairstylist or Makeup Artist didn't have what they preferred. 

It's also a good idea to let them know in advance when having a conversation about whether your skin is oily, dry or combination in addition to what your hair does with certain products. Then you can let them know if they would like to use your stuff, it's available if they want.

 A Professional will ask you this in advance but sometimes, there's a lot going on behind the scenes so mentioning it and having those specific products ready to be used immediately can be valuable. 

Prepare with your Self Care Routine 

 Do your meditation, daily ritual of self care. Typically they have a food service or snacks but if you're plant based like I am, you might want to bring your own have your snacks trail mix, protein bars, pressed juice or green smoothie to munch on just incase, only when you have a 5 minute bathroom breaks between long photoshoots. 

 They'll help you to maintain balanced energy and produce your best work. Finally, the most important thing is to bring the good vibes with you. People will want to work with you again and recommend you for other things as well. 

I hope these were  helpful tips that you as a creative can utilize. Please do check out some other blogs about skin and body care   https://www.creativelycultured.com/2023/02/coco-butter-for-dark-circles-or-mango.html