Photographer
TheCustomTs
Posts: 24
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
I have photo shoot coming up this may and am looking to hire a make-up artist, there will be 3 models needing their make-up done, and I am concerned about time constraints. I have hired a make-up artist myself for a personal shoot, and it took a long time to do just my make-up. My question is, is it ok to hire multiple artists to work on the girls, or is it better to stick with one?
As a make-up artist how would you feel is there was multiple artists hired for one shoot with so few girls involved? And what is a good estimated time to expect one look to be completed with a basic application?
Thanks a bunch for all your input!
Photographer
S de Varax
Posts: 7313
London, England, United Kingdom
depends on the looks involved, how much time do you have for shooting etc.
Are these clean or highly creative looks?
Are they meant to be consistent between all three models?
What is your budget?
If you're going to hire 3 makeup artists do you want all three on set for the full duration of the shoot?
One makeup artist should be able to work on the next girl while you're shooting and so forth. If you're concerned about time management maybe hire a makeup artist with an assistant.
Photographer
Azimuth Arts
Posts: 1490
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
TheCustomTs wrote:
I have photo shoot coming up this may and am looking to hire a make-up artist, there will be 3 models needing their make-up done, and I am concerned about time constraints. I have hired a make-up artist myself for a personal shoot, and it took a long time to do just my make-up. My question is, is it ok to hire multiple artists to work on the girls, or is it better to stick with one?
As a make-up artist how would you feel is there was multiple artists hired for one shoot with so few girls involved? And what is a good estimated time to expect one look to be completed with a basic application?
Thanks a bunch for all your input! I often shoot 3-4 models in the course of an 8-hour day doing portfolio shoots on trade and have usually been able to get it done with one MUA, and they often do the hair as well. But these are for fairly simple looks where the model is in the chair for about an hour for her first look, and maybe 30 minutes for the second look (after an hour or so shooting)
I would suggest spending your money on getting one MUA and one Hairstylist - that way each model is in the chair for 30-40 minutes of makeup and then the same for hair. You will also likely get really great hair looks if you hire someone who specializes (though many of the MUA I work with do really good hair when we have the time for it).
But I have also done a couple of shoots with two artists present and each one takes responsibility for their own model(s) - this is when the tow models were not shooting together, just at the same shoot. If you need to be shooting with all three models at once, and do so in a short time consider hiring a key MUA who will be responsible for bringing 2 assistants. That way you get the creative control of a single MUA directing the others what to do. If you do have two or more independent MUAs it is possible they won't properly coordinate their efforts and if you do have two or three models in the same shot it may not look right.
Just my $0.02
Makeup Artist
Makeup by Rahela
Posts: 11
Columbus, Ohio, US
You need to communicate with the artist and get an estimate of how long it takes them to do one face at a time. After one model is done, you shoot, while the MUA does the next model. :-)
Photographer
TheCustomTs
Posts: 24
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Azimuth Arts wrote:
I often shoot 3-4 models in the course of an 8-hour day doing portfolio shoots on trade and have usually been able to get it done with one MUA, and they often do the hair as well. But these are for fairly simple looks where the model is in the chair for about an hour for her first look, and maybe 30 minutes for the second look (after an hour or so shooting)
I would suggest spending your money on getting one MUA and one Hairstylist - that way each model is in the chair for 30-40 minutes of makeup and then the same for hair. You will also likely get really great hair looks if you hire someone who specializes (though many of the MUA I work with do really good hair when we have the time for it).
But I have also done a couple of shoots with two artists present and each one takes responsibility for their own model(s) - this is when the tow models were not shooting together, just at the same shoot. If you need to be shooting with all three models at once, and do so in a short time consider hiring a key MUA who will be responsible for bringing 2 assistants. That way you get the creative control of a single MUA directing the others what to do. If you do have two or more independent MUAs it is possible they won't properly coordinate their efforts and if you do have two or three models in the same shot it may not look right.
Just my $0.02 Hey,
That is some valuable $0.02, I will be shooting all 3 at the same time and individually with multiple outfits. Do you know if it is difficult to find a key MUA? Are there agencies so to speak for these types of things? I will have about 6 hours for set up, take down, hair and make-up. I have hired a hair stylist already as I knew that I definitely wanted a specialist for each vs someone who does both. I'd rather the person(s) only need to focus on one thing so they can take their time.
Makeup Artist
KC hmua
Posts: 184
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
TheCustomTs wrote:
Hey,
That is some valuable $0.02, I will be shooting all 3 at the same time and individually with multiple outfits. Do you know if it is difficult to find a key MUA? Are there agencies so to speak for these types of things? I will have about 6 hours for set up, take down, hair and make-up. I have hired a hair stylist already as I knew that I definitely wanted a specialist for each vs someone who does both. I'd rather the person(s) only need to focus on one thing so they can take their time. there are many great makeup artists in your area that are more than capable of keying an event. The best way to find out is to inquire with an mua and ask them if they have assistants, how many, have they all worked together on other projects, if you could see some examples of their work.
It is easier to manage if you are hiring the one makeup artist and she brings along her two assistants that are used to and capable of following her direction and know her working style so everything gels together.
Best way for a photographer to communicate effectively with the key mua and have everyone else on the same page is to have a moodboard and or some face charts done up on display in the area where everyone will be working. That way you will have consistency and something the assistants can refer back to. With the face charts get the key mua involved in planning this and having it done ahead of time and approved by you.
Photographer
Azimuth Arts
Posts: 1490
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
TheCustomTs wrote:
Hey,
That is some valuable $0.02, I will be shooting all 3 at the same time and individually with multiple outfits. Do you know if it is difficult to find a key MUA? Are there agencies so to speak for these types of things? I will have about 6 hours for set up, take down, hair and make-up. I have hired a hair stylist already as I knew that I definitely wanted a specialist for each vs someone who does both. I'd rather the person(s) only need to focus on one thing so they can take their time. I personally have not worked with the agencies. There are indeed lots of great MUA in Toronto, but most I have worked with have been on solo jobs, and I honestly don't know if they have assistants or not. If you are in need of any recommendations send me a PM and I can give you a couple of names to get in touch with that may have experience with assistants.
Makeup Artist
Aaliyah Oke
Posts: 226
London, England, United Kingdom
TheCustomTs wrote:
As a make-up artist how would you feel is there was multiple artists hired for one shoot with so few girls involved? I like working with different people so I like the idea - Long as I'm getting paid my rate.
Iv'e worked on a shoot with just 3 models but the photographer hired 2 MUAs, not a problem we were always busy so it was fine. It wasn't really necessary to have 2 MUAs but it's nice for us because there is a constant flow of work, 1 girl shooting, 2 in hair and make up. No one is sitting around bored, or pretending to be busy 
Makeup Artist
Bloom Makeup Artistry
Posts: 351
New York, New York, US
Typically it takes me 30-45 mins to finish a look. Sometimes faster if the look is more basic. When someone gives me a timeline I am always realistic about it and if I don't think I can do it I have my assistant come along to start the faces or to finish a few. Any professional makeup artist will know their time. That being said if you are hire someone who is a seasoned professional they will act in that manner and let you know you that the time like isn't realistic for them.
Also are you having the MUA do hair also? If so just hire someone to do the hair while the makeup artist does the makeup. My hairstylist and I work on people literally at the same time.
Makeup Artist
Carmen Make up and Hair
Posts: 325
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Azimuth Arts wrote:
I often shoot 3-4 models in the course of an 8-hour day doing portfolio shoots on trade and have usually been able to get it done with one MUA, and they often do the hair as well. But these are for fairly simple looks where the model is in the chair for about an hour for her first look, and maybe 30 minutes for the second look (after an hour or so shooting)
I would suggest spending your money on getting one MUA and one Hairstylist - that way each model is in the chair for 30-40 minutes of makeup and then the same for hair. You will also likely get really great hair looks if you hire someone who specializes (though many of the MUA I work with do really good hair when we have the time for it).
But I have also done a couple of shoots with two artists present and each one takes responsibility for their own model(s) - this is when the tow models were not shooting together, just at the same shoot. If you need to be shooting with all three models at once, and do so in a short time consider hiring a key MUA who will be responsible for bringing 2 assistants. That way you get the creative control of a single MUA directing the others what to do. If you do have two or more independent MUAs it is possible they won't properly coordinate their efforts and if you do have two or three models in the same shot it may not look right.
Just my $0.02 This, exactly.
Photographer
William Kious
Posts: 8842
Delphos, Ohio, US
I think speed is what differentiates a pro MUA from an amateur. Given an equal level of talent, I would gladly pay a premium for an MUA who can get the job done in less time.
If time is an issue - and you're thinking of hiring from the "not-quite-pro" MUA pool - it might not be a bad idea to have a backup.
Hair Stylist
Keila Sone
Posts: 129
Harrison, New Jersey, US
Makeup Artist
User Name Unavailable
Posts: 558
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
If you're paying something to do the job, then a good artist won't care if there are other artist on set. It's not about ego! I'm happy to do whatever is asked of me when I am hired to be on set.
I don't care if there's 8 people being made up simultaneously, or if I make them all up one after the other. I'm just here to work to your brief, and acheive the result you've asked for.
Hiring multiple artists will be more complicated (and probably more expensive) than hiring a key artist (who you can negotiate with to arrive with the team necessary to get the job done!) Key will be in charge with liaising with you to determine the look(s) and will manage the makeup team, to ensure artistically cohesive, timely results.
If you hire a key artist, you will have less work to do! Finding 3 artists who you feel you will work well with, and who will get the job done, and who are available that day can sometimes be complicated! The key will subcontract to hire people who's work he/she knows and trusts, and who can work co-operatively together!
Clothing Designer
Wilde Hunt Corsetry
Posts: 344
Columbus, Ohio, US
Initially, approach one artist. Tell them what the time frame is, the number of models, and the number/type of looks needed. Let the artist advise you on whether they need assistants or not. That way they can recommend specific artists they trust to do a good job and like working with. Also, then there is no question of which artist is "key". It could get awkward and disorganized if no one know who is in charge, etc.
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