GSmithPhoto wrote:
Perhaps I'm overthinking this, but how can I find a make-up artist who uses a particular brand of make-up to work with?
Looking for a creative to help style a glamour shoot, but not sell me their whole line of product ($$$$).
Ideas would be welcome - SF, Emeryville, Berkeley, etc. given preference.

Gregory,

For those narrow specifications, I would put out a Casting Call for a Make-Up Artist. Definitely include which brand it is that you want them to use, and see if there are any who find you through that. That seems to be a long-shot, though. But perhaps it isn't just models and photographers who look through the Casting Calls from time to time.

The other path I would investigate would be to determine who in your areas is using the specific brand. This would require contacting the manufacturer's rep to find out to which salons/studios they supply product, then asking among them for anyone available for prepping your shoot.

The boudoir photographers in your area may not be keeping their individual MUAH artists busy enough and may be willing to ask around for you.

And the next wedding show in your area may have booths representing MUAH for bridal parties. Collect the business cards and call them later, since they'd be focused on their usual end-user clientele during the show itself.

Finally, for an additional fee, the model(s) involved in the shoot may find it helpful to expand their own make-up repertoire in order to competenly create the look you're seeking.

Those are the directions I would suggest. Happy hunting.

Yours,
Bill

Fall River Photo wrote:

Gregory,

For those narrow specifications, I would put out a Casting Call for a Make-Up Artist. Definitely include which brand it is that you want them to use, and see if there are any who find you through that. That seems to be a long-shot, though. But perhaps it isn't just models and photographers who look through the Casting Calls from time to time.

The other path I would investigate would be to determine who in your areas is using the specific brand. This would require contacting the manufacturer's rep to find out to which salons/studios they supply product, then asking among them for anyone available for prepping your shoot.

The boudoir photographers in your area may not be keeping their individual MUAH artists busy enough and may be willing to ask around for you.

And the next wedding show in your area may have booths representing MUAH for bridal parties. Collect the business cards and call them later, since they'd be focused on their usual end-user clientele during the show itself.

Finally, for an additional fee, the model(s) involved in the shoot may find it helpful to expand their own make-up repertoire in order to competenly create the look you're seeking.

Those are the directions I would suggest. Happy hunting.

Yours,
Bill

Thank you so much for your helpful information!
I've found that for the occasional high-end portrait client, M A C Cosmetics has created a wonderful glamour look for portraits, making my job of making them look great that much easier.  M A C has retail establishments in the Bay Area, and from speaking with them, they have Beauty Consultants who sell the appropriate products that best suit the individuals' needs.
Working in a hotel environment, I come across MUAH's who are there to apply make-up for the bridal parties, but no one seems to do glamour beauty make-up.

Your ideas sound good, however, and I'll give them a try.

-Gregory

I'm not always following in the forums, but I'd love to hear how the search turns out. Feel free to message me with how it goes.
Bill

Thomas Van Dyke wrote:
The good news is you've discovered MAC and their in store reps are highly experience and very talented... Listen carefully to what they tell you.

Best Advice? Loose your desire to shoot glamour and especially "Mature" imagery and instead (ideally) become a Wedding Photographer which is were the revenue is...
Hope this helps or is at least food for thought...
All the best on your photographic journey Gregory

Well, my introduction should continue to include some backstory - I started out shooting weddings, beginning as a second shooter, then moving on to my booking my own weddings.  When I suffered a stroke which hospitalized me for two weeks, I chose to let go of the stress associated with shooting weddings.  I continued to shoot, but on a far smaller scale for individuals. 
I enjoy photography once again, not as a profession, not to make money, but a form of meditation and relaxation.  I'm reaching out to a model who is also a licensed cosmetologist who is a former MAC Cosmetics consultant.  I don't mind paying for the results, since it's funded by the client.  I wish you great success in your endeavors, Mr. Van Dyke.  I'm very happy with where mine have taken me.

P.S.  Four images, most are marked 'M' in order to be in compliance with Model Mayhem rules.  Thankfully that places me on your list of 'unacceptable' people to collaborate with here.

GSmithPhoto wrote:
P.S.  Four images, most are marked 'M' in order to be in compliance with Model Mayhem rules.  Thankfully that places me on your list of 'unacceptable' people to collaborate with here.

Why do you say "thankfully"?