beautybykatealece wrote:
For me a big part of it is not knowing whether or not they are already connected to a makeup artist. I see a lot of photographers in my area (photographers hired for families, senior portraits, etc) offer makeup services in their pricing. I don't want to infringe on another persons work, but maybe I'm being to nice.

These are business relationships, not marriages--Everyone is always looking around for a better deal. or at least should be, and there's nothing wrong with a well-phrased inquiry to determine whether you and he (or she) would make a good team.  Just don't beat a dead horse.  If one photographer (or a dozen) doesn't respond, just go on to the next.  You can always go through the list again in a year or so if need be. 

As far as infringing on someone else's relationship, if it can be infringed upon, then that relationship is already in trouble and one or the other person is already dissatisfied with the product being made.  Needs do change over time.

All IMHO as always, of course.

beautybykatealece wrote:
I'm looking to grow my portfolio and I'm willing to apply makeup on models for free, and eventually collaborating and being an artist they know and could recommend to clients. The only issue is I don't know how to approach the subject. I feel like it's rude to randomly message photographers and say "Hey! I'd like to work with you!" I could be totally wrong though. Wanted to hear opinions from makeup artists and photographers on here. TIA!

OP....I have heard...though not sure,  but a simplistic ....Hello My Name Is....

beautybykatealece wrote:
For me a big part of it is not knowing whether or not they are already connected to a makeup artist. I see a lot of photographers in my area (photographers hired for families, senior portraits, etc) offer makeup services in their pricing. I don't want to infringe on another persons work, but maybe I'm being to nice.

It could happen that their MUA can't make it one day, and they'll be looking for a replacement.

beautybykatealece wrote:
I don't want to infringe on another persons work, but maybe I'm being to nice.

You are certainly being too hesitant.

I feel like it's rude to randomly message photographers and say "Hey! I'd like to work with you!"

Then don't make it sound random. Include a comment about their work, say, a specific image, and why you like it.

beautybykatealece wrote:
I feel like it's rude to randomly message photographers and say "Hey! I'd like to work with you!" I could be totally wrong though.

If that is the case, then I'm coming up on 11 years of rudeness. I don't always get a yes (although you'd probably be surprised just how high my success rate is), but I haven't noticed any repercussions yet.

beautybykatealece wrote:
For me a big part of it is not knowing whether or not they are already connected to a makeup artist. I see a lot of photographers in my area (photographers hired for families, senior portraits, etc) offer makeup services in their pricing. I don't want to infringe on another persons work, but maybe I'm being to nice.

I understand your concern, but it's good that you ask.  I would jump at the chance to collaborate with a makeup artist.  Typically I've given the models a choice of either doing their own make up, having someone they know do it, or for myself to pay for a MUA which often times means going to the MAC counter.  I do know of models in your neighborhood (Roseville/Sacramento area) that I believe would welcome your assistance.  Sometimes models will pay you, and sometimes the photographers will.  It is important to me that makeup be done correctly because I am not one who likes to spend much time in post production.

David T Thrower wrote:
Absolutely contact them. I am just getting started and have had an impossible time getting stylists/MUAs to even answer my messages. I would cry tears of joy to have one contact me! I'm across the country or you would have gotten a letter from ME instead of this reply.

I hear ya!  She is not all that far from me, and the OP lives very close to where a model I did work with in the San Jose area has moved.  I even know models I'd like to work with in the Sacramento area that may benefit from her MU abilities.

beautybykatealece wrote:
For me a big part of it is not knowing whether or not they are already connected to a makeup artist. I see a lot of photographers in my area (photographers hired for families, senior portraits, etc) offer makeup services in their pricing. I don't want to infringe on another persons work, but maybe I'm being to nice.

This site works best if you're direct and professional. I say just go for it. What is the worst they can do?

Dave

beautybykatealece wrote:
For me a big part of it is not knowing whether or not they are already connected to a makeup artist. I see a lot of photographers in my area (photographers hired for families, senior portraits, etc) offer makeup services in their pricing. I don't want to infringe on another persons work, but maybe I'm being to nice.

They may be working with a MUA, but that does not mean they are exclusive to that MUA. Ever business out there tries to gain new customers, either by developing a new market or convincing clients of their competition to work with them. Photographers do it to each other all the time. It's business, not personal.

Unless the MUA is related to the photographer, chances are the photographer will need a back up now and then. Call, email, message, explain your desires, and see what happens.

I would caution against working for the same photographer too many times for free. First time, sure. Second time? Ask for your kit costs. Third and beyond? increase your rates slowly to what you deserve.

If you work with a well known photographer in your area and they credit your MUA work, they might be worth keeping on a reduced cost schedule. No credits? No following? Full rate after they see what you can do.

beautybykatealece wrote:
For me a big part of it is not knowing whether or not they are already connected to a makeup artist. I see a lot of photographers in my area (photographers hired for families, senior portraits, etc) offer makeup services in their pricing. I don't want to infringe on another persons work, but maybe I'm being to nice.

Kate, from what I see here there are a lot of big time photographers here doing high paid jobs so they can afford to pay the best in their area and even have a back-up, both models and mua's.
For me, I'm certainly not even close to that. So far I've done all my work at TF and have used a couple of MUA's but at TF. They all expressed they would like to work again. But when I DO get a paying gig, I will certainly call my TF girls first! They are the ones that have sacrificed their time for me.  It would even be wrong for me to higher someone else unless it was dictated by the client.
Of course at TF you could get all the work you wanted as an mua. I would not worry about contacting any photographer, let them decide if they want to work with you, don't make that decision for them. 
I know you have make-up Kit overhead but when I arrive with a backpack and it has $20K of gear in it, that's overhead too. So we each do our little part and hopefully network and grow into making some money. The cream WILL rise!!
Kate at TF I would use you on EVERY shoot I do if you were willing to go the 60 miles to me. I'd even pay your gas!! Not much but a start.
I gave myself a full year here on MM to learn the ropes and network and it's starting to come together. I'm being patient. Didn't look to see how long you've been here but many have been here 10 years! That's a lot of water under the networking bridge!!
Kate, I'm sure it will happen for you, but it does take time and hard work to develop that network. Good luck.  💄💄💄💄

Orca Bay Images wrote:
There's absolutely no harm and everything to gain by asking. Be polite and direct, but unassuming. Who could ever take offense to that?


Then don't make it sound random. Include a comment about their work, say, a specific image, and why you like it.

I agree I think "random" is the key word. People will feel respected if it sounds like a solid offer rather than just a few words in their inbox

beautybykatealece wrote:
I'm looking to grow my portfolio and I'm willing to apply makeup on models for free, and eventually collaborating and being an artist they know and could recommend to clients. The only issue is I don't know how to approach the subject. I feel like it's rude to randomly message photographers and say "Hey! I'd like to work with you!" I could be totally wrong though. Wanted to hear opinions from makeup artists and photographers on here. TIA!

I view it as quite the opposite. By reaching out to Photographers, you're already putting yourself out there as an MUA who is willing to test. That alone opens up opportunities. Nobody knows what you do or want to do unless you're knocking on doors. Look for Photographers who regularly do Agency Tests in your area. An option is to search the Modeling Agencies around your town and see who the Photographers they're working with via Instagram. They'll likely have their own IG Account, which enables you to reach out that way.

Risen Phoenix Photo wrote:
Are you kidding. Photographers would jump at the opportunity to have an MUA available to them if need be. And as long as you are willing to garage or charge a nominal kit fee then yeah... Start finding the photographers that you would like to have your work associated with and send them a message and then let them know.

I could not agree more. More so than when a photographer is getting started and may not have the connections or if they are looking to build a solid team for personal projects and job opportunities.

Jacob
www.prosevisual.com