Hi there. I have a friend that is willing to pose for me so I can get some practice in and learn more by doing photography rather than just reading about it, at least where models are concerned.

I would like to hire a MUA in my area and am not even sure where to start or what to ask  about when it comes to this subject. I AM just trying to make this a fun and memorable time for my friend and myself, not to mention a learning experience.

Just a few dumb questions if I may... Does the MUA stay throughout the shoot? If you pay for the MUA, not TFP, do you still need to credit it them, or is it just the right thing to do

Any help appreciated!

Dan R

If you hire the MUA for three looks then they stay till those three looks are done. Usually after a wardrobe change the makeup changes depending on the shoot.

Do you have to credit the MUA? No, but you should.

It depends on the job whether I stay or not.  I have been asked to lower my rates by a photographer that was in a similar position to you, as they continued to shoot after my time was up.  However I normally charge a day or half day rate.  People usually pay me to be on set for 4-8 hours, and the amount of looks or touch ups needed does not affect the rate I am paid.  Charging a day rate is the standard practice (NOT by look or face) but many artists will charge differently based on the photographer.

If I have been paid, I do not expect any credit or images.  It is always wonderful when a photographer chooses to do so but it should always be at your discretion.  if you hire a make-up artist who is in need of images for their portfolio and may just be starting out, they may be willing to discount their rates in exchange for the images as well.  Feel free to negotiate!

When booked for a shoot it depends on how many models I am doing whether I stay longer or not. I find that with a 1-2 model shoot I am often only needed about 2-3 hours for one look each and minor  touch ups. If there are 4+ models and looks need to be changed I often stay much longer. I'm not sure what the rates are like in your area but definitely negotiate! As for where to find MUAs search MM first, maybe sift through some Facebook makeup business pages, and if you dont have luck with those then try the MAC counters. I use Thumbtack and Gig Salad to find a lot of my clients, you could try those as well. As for giving credit, its always appreciated but I never expect it for a paid job. TFP is a different story. Good luck!

you may find it a good thing to find several makeup and hair artists to work with - test with - to help you not only build a crew of your own - but a few different sets of people that work together - gives you choices to work with and you all will develop different aesthetics - every artist and crew is different - this i find helpful when wanting different looks and genres - hence the term "testing" - such as glamour, commercial, etc - each have different needs and require different talents - this way you can gauge how people behave on set - and how you all work together - what you will and will not want on your crew etc. - have some fun and good luck. 

I stay from beginning to end on my jobs.   Vary rare to do the makeup and run off.  Someone's got to watch it and it's my job to and really who will take better care of the look I created than myself
Treat every job like they are paying you a fortune , even on a test

If you are paying a MUA/H you will be paying half or full day rates. They will be on set for the duration of the the half/full day they are hired for. They will do any changes and maintain the looks during that time. If you are testing/doing trade with a MUA/H you will be paying them in photos. The duration of the shoot and number of photos, looks, etc. should be agreed upon ahead of time as this is a cooperative venture and all should benefit from the project.

You are never required by law to credit MUA/Hs. But yes, it is the right thing to do. Kindness and respect for all your co-creatives will always do nothing but help in your career and can't possibly hurt.