Hey there loves,

I have been encountering artist that do a little of everything including hair, styling, photography, etc. Obviously the hair and makeup combination I understand. I have thought about learning photography but I really don't want to run the risk of being all over the place and not focusing in on my expertise. How many artist out there are also photographers or vice versa and how has that worked for you? Has it increased or decreased skill level, busine$$, or opportunities? Thanks!

My photography
https://www.modelmayhem.com/584415

I would like to take hair styling classes in my area but so far I haven't found any that are offered. It's annoying when someone wants hair and neither of my stylists are available I would love to be able to do it from time to time.

I think being able to do hair is a very helpfull skill to have, especially when starting out. On jobs working for a bigger client, there has usually been a seperate hairstylist onbaord. But for the smaller ones I have been asked to do hair.

I would like to learn to do better basic hairstlying but it's not something I would like to focus on, I'm a make up artist first and foremost.

When I first graduated school and up until I moved, I assisted a lot simply because I knew how to do nails quickly and properly.  Being able to do a quick and clean colour change was very helpful.  Best 12 week course I've ever taken!

I've also worked hard to learn a couple hair styles really well for when I have to do hair.  Clean pony tail, bun, simple bridal up-do, using hot rollers and straightening.  I'm absolutely helpless with anything else.

I'm working on styling but that's only because I want to do some of my own concepts and there aren't very many stylist around here.  I know how to sew, and do any quick fixes.  I carry a small sewing kit with buttons, some clothes pins and these clips that can create temporary hems.

I don't know anything about photography or filming but I can hold one of those light reflectors and I'm pretty good with a boom mic.  I don't have an eye for photography.

I think it's important to know a little bit of everything so that if something does happen, well, you look really good coming in to the rescue with double sided tape to fix that fallen hem!   I don't want to do most of these things but I have the minimal skills required just in case.  I'm still starting out and I want to make sure I'm prepared for everything and can leave a great impression.

I think it's important to be a jack of all trades.  At least for me and a few friends I work with. We seem to be better able to understand the client.  Almost a mind reader of sorts.  Sounds silly but when the photographer asks if you have this, or can you do that, it sure helps.  And we all seem to constantly get rebooked.  We can also flip work to each other and get a great end result.  If I am getting a day rate and I can make the day go easier and faster, why not?  Of course there are exceptions but that is expected.  R-

I defer to the old saying ..... Knowledge is Power
the more you know the better you will understand whats happening on set

I personally am NOT a photographer but I know all about lighting , filters , lenses and lighting set ups
I understand if I see a ring flash on the camera what the effect will be
I can walk in to a photoshoot , look at the lighting setup and tell what we are going for

I did a thread quite a while ago on lighting that turned out to be a huge wealth of information with everyone that contributed to it

A great book to read and study is  " The Lighting cookbook for Fashion and Beauty "

it really helped me alot and I would suggest it for anyone in our industry

In my opinion, adding photography is probably not the most synergistic or lucrative of the disciplines you could add.
If you want to add something to makeup and hair, I'd go for wardrobe styling. I'm seeing more and more makeup artists adding light styling now days and it can make the difference definitely on who is the most desirable for a project that isn't so complicated that it really demands a dedicated stylist.

Great feedback everyone.  Thanks or the book recommendation Makeup man. I think that would be a great start for everyone. I think as creative people we can naturally gain a better understanding of how everything works by familiarizing ourselves with all components of the craft. :-)

I have a BA for graphic design,...  so I can post edit, and be a Photog, even design and brand logos/websites if I wanted too, but I love bodypainting/makeup so that's what I focus on...