Behind the scenes professional services, the ones most often forgotten about.
I have done a post about the cost of photography services, but today I want to talk about the other professional services that are associated with our business model.
Make Up Artist- These individuals spend years, some even have college degrees, honing their skills and knowledge. On top of time, lets talk about the expense of products, have you been to Ulta lately? Shits expensive. While you can get away with some of the cheaper brands, it is generally on the side of caution to use the higher quality to guarantee bendability and help decrease any chances of allergies. On top of price, most artist are very conscious of buying ethical products, not what some YouTube diva tells them to buy. Now imagine having to buy all of your make up again, but than add making sure you have the availability of all skin tones, now you can see where things add up. We have talked about product, lets talk about brushes, other tools to keep things 100% sanitary (which being a clean freak is 100% in our lane), applicators, specialty tools (airbrush set up, etc), lashes. Setting spray and the list that goes on and on. So when you hear what a Make Up Artist rates are, please think about the skill, time and product it will take to get you that photo ready appearance. While you may do a great job yourself, makeup artist know which products look great on camera and which ones to skip (the highlighter, just a little goes a long way). Trust the professionals!!
Hair Stylist- This one is a complicated thing in the state of Ohio, you must complete cosmetology school and obtain a State issues license. Hairstylist spend years honing their skills and knowledge. Even something as simple as a basic style will cost due to having the right skills and knowledge! Knowledge of all different hair types, hair care, protection, proper products, because not all hair is created equal. Lets talk about proper sanitation, yep this is a huge thing. Special cleaners and disinfectants that have to be kept in very specific forms and times. (It’s a hole complicated thing, that if you have hours and hours to read will blow your mind) Hair stylist are some of the hardest working professionals that have the most restrictions of all the beauty regulations, so make sure to Thank your hairstylist nest time. Teeeheee. Trust me some of the styles you see are not easy, I’ve heard it time and time again, “Oh I can do my own hair” and then get a call minutes before a session because their hair was not so easy. Trust me when I say, leave it to the professionals until you are 100% comfortable.
Now, how do you choose the right stylist for you? Look for someone that specializes in the style you are looking for, ask for references. Most artist are remarkably diverse, and practice new styles and experiment while some can only complete the same look over and over well, but can’t do anything outside of box they prefer to stay in. Always ask your stylist before requesting something out of the norm.
We do offer a host of talented artist available upon request to complete your look, they do these services as independent contractors at salons, and on location at deeply discounted rate in conjunction with photo services from Gem City Pin Up. Because we have to maintain a standard and for legal reasons we do not allow outside stylist to practice in the studio, so please if you choose to use a professional services outside of our studio, make sure you arrive fully ready.
LOVE YOUR MUAH ARTIST!!! AND THEY WILL LOVE YOU BACK!!!
****Please note, I am not a professional in any of these field and just know from experience that amount of time and dedication that is put in by these professionals.