Photographer
Jeff Rojas
Posts: 6
New York, New York, US
So here's a couple of questions for those of you who are professional MUA, HMUA, etc.
When a photographer has their own studio, what specific items are absolutely necessary for you to do your job? i.e. Vanity mirror, tables, electricity, etc.
What items aren't necessarily required, but would be preferred?
Makeup Artist
ArtistryImage
Posts: 3091
Washington, District of Columbia, US
Jeff Rojas wrote:
...When a photographer has their own studio, what specific items are absolutely necessary for you to do your job? Jeff first let me compliment your thoughtful concern for your team... synergy is a wonderful thing...
As for your query?
1. A Call Sheet which includes contact info for the entire team... SOP for high end commercial work... those involving AD's; Casting Directors and/or client reps, albeit sadly neglected by so many Photographers... go figure...
2. A story board and/or concept imagery... without the aforementioned it is a really a crap shoot as to what to expect, and how best to allocate product for the session.
But wait, are you baiting for "items" here? Thus assume you are focused only on YOUR studio or what to share on CreativeLive to your students...
In that case then GOOD LIGHT to work by... window light is superb... typically 5560K but north-facing of 6800K +/- works also... I can't count the times when I've been shown to a dark corner to apply the talent's look... and when I've ask for a lit' illumination I've given a single 60 watt bare incandescent... surely you jest?
An artist needs to see the face with side illumination 45 degrees either side... NOT from above which cast horrific shadows under the critically important eye area...
A mirror is totally unnecessary unless it is a bridal client and we all know how bridezillas need to monitor every brush/airbrush stroke... lol
Electricty is only necessary for hot tools for hair styling... please be certain to provide a dedicated 15amp circuit here... I'm so weary of "OMG!" YOU'VE KILLED MY LIGHTING... put your power pack on it's own circuit, k?
Next very important item (not hardware but critical) is having the talent arrive with a clean face, and dry hair... this speeds up prep by an order of magnitude...
Really could go on and on here however I'm going to give your the finest piece of wisdom I've ever received as a commercial shooter.... ASSIST other commercial shooters in your market in order to get your head around studio/location etiquette...
Unless you actually invest considerable time on a commercial sets you'll never appreciate the challenges each and every team member is confronted with... QTF
My sincere compliments to your commercial web portal... you are strong in male fashion, very strong... bravo!
Photographer
Jeff Rojas
Posts: 6
New York, New York, US
ArtistryImage wrote:
Jeff first let me compliment your thoughtful concern for your team... synergy is a wonderful thing...
As for your query?
1. A Call Sheet which includes contact info for the entire team... SOP for high end commercial work... those involving AD's; Casting Directors and/or client reps, albeit sadly neglected by so many Photographers... go figure...
2. A story board and/or concept imagery... without the aforementioned it is a really a crap shoot as to what to expect, and how best to allocate product for the session.
But wait, are you baiting for "items" here? Thus assume you are focused only on YOUR studio or what to share on CreativeLive to your students...
In that case then GOOD LIGHT to work by... window light is superb... typically 5560K but north-facing of 6800K +/- works also... I can't count the times when I've been shown to a dark corner to apply the talent's look... and when I've ask for a lit' illumination I've given a single 60 watt bare incandescent... surely you jest?
An artist needs to see the face with side illumination 45 degrees either side... NOT from above which cast horrific shadows under the critically important eye area...
A mirror is totally unnecessary unless it is a bridal client and we all know how bridezillas need to monitor every brush/airbrush stroke... lol
Electricty is only necessary for hot tools for hair styling... please be certain to provide a dedicated 15amp circuit here... I'm so weary of "OMG!" YOU'VE KILLED MY LIGHTING... put your power pack on it's own circuit, k?
Next very important item (not hardware but critical) is having the talent arrive with a clean face, and dry hair... this speeds up prep by an order of magnitude...
Really could go on and on here however I'm going to give your the finest piece of wisdom I've ever received as a commercial shooter.... ASSIST other commercial shooters in your market in order to get your head around studio/location etiquette...
Unless you actually invest considerable time on a commercial sets you'll never appreciate the challenges each and every team member is confronted with... QTF
My sincere compliments to your commercial web portal... you are strong in male fashion, very strong... bravo! Thank you kindly!
I think your requests are absolutely reasonable. I've been to plenty studio spaces that do not provide adequate lighting which is extremely unfortunate.
In my honest opinion, the investment a photographer makes into your dedicated space makes all the difference. I really wanted to know if I had to start over, what I could do better. You never know unless you ask. 
Makeup Artist
Danielle Blazer
Posts: 846
Los Angeles, California, US
In addition to adequate lighting and access to electric outlets, a trash can and table space to work from is great. I carry my own table just in case, but many artists don't. Also...if you provide a chair, someone mentioned a high/director type chair...this is great for makeup, but a standard size chair is also needed for hair. I'm not that tall and models tend to be, so I can't do hair in a high chair. I carry my own chairs in both heights, but many don't, so again...best to be prepared. If you have a private bathroom in your studio, please be sure it's clean, smells fresh, and is stocked.
Photographer
LeonardG Photography
Posts: 405
San Francisco, California, US
adjustable height chair with low back
nozzle hose faucet
towels
outlets (two 20A circuit nice)
good light
hand mirror (besides large fixed)
electric fan
hard hat hair dryer
for backup and insurance:
small and large curling iron
flat iron
hair dryer
cotton balls/q-tips/sponges
nail polish remover
styling gel
make-up remover
nail clippers
lip balm
eye drops
tissue
99-100% alcohol
hair spray
combs/styling brushes
straws
spray bottle
hair clips & bobby pins
hot rollers
package of pipe cleaners
aluminum foil
ziploc bags
plastic wrap
vaseline
first aid kit
small make-up kit
empty location tool bag
Makeup Artist
KaliDaSkope Beauty
Posts: 3
Dallas, Texas, US
Definite needs are high chairs for models to sit in. Good lighting. A working space for makeup and hair (large enough for all our supplies).
Ideal for hair and makeup artists!
Makeup Artist
Dashee La Maquilleuse
Posts: 97
London, England, United Kingdom
LeonardG Photography wrote:
adjustable height chair with low back
nozzle hose faucet
towels
outlets (two 20A circuit nice)
good light
hand mirror (besides large fixed)
electric fan
hard hat hair dryer
for backup and insurance:
small and large curling iron
flat iron
hair dryer
cotton balls/q-tips/sponges
nail polish remover
styling gel
make-up remover
nail clippers
lip balm
eye drops
tissue
99-100% alcohol
hair spray
combs/styling brushes
straws
spray bottle
hair clips & bobby pins
hot rollers
package of pipe cleaners
aluminum foil
ziploc bags
plastic wrap
vaseline
first aid kit
small make-up kit
empty location tool bag Can I ask what do you use pipe cleaners and aluminium foil for?
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