These photos showcase different styles and techniques of makeup photography. In the first two photos, the makeup is presented in a contemporary and unique way that makes it stand out, using paint to create a modern look. The models' shocked expressions complement the makeup well. The next two photos add embellishments like pastel leaves to the face to incorporate nature. Another set of photos explores abstract makeup looks that use the entire face and body to create unusual, exaggerated features. Close-up photos then highlight texture in lips and brushstroke effects. Black and white photos convey strong emotion through makeup and expression. The document also discusses oriental influences, characters, body art, drag makeup and more.

1. Image Bank
Throughout my personal project I am looking to embrace and explore all aspects of makeup in the
photography world. I think it important to consider the different elements of makeup and how this
is brought out in photography. Here in these first two photos I have found the makeup is presented
in a contemporary and unique execution that have made is stand out and added distinctive features.
I like the way the paint has been used to create something modern in makeup photography – it gives
a nice shine and the light reflects of it well. The expression of the models is almost shocked, and this
compliments the makeup well as it is quite free and chaotic in terms of movement. The cropping of
the photos are interesting, particularly the photo on the left as the cropping very tight around the
face and this has accentuated the eyes, making the shot more enticing to look at as the model has
connected so well with the camera. On the other hand the photo on the right hasn’t used eye
contact to gain the viewers attention and establish a focal point – instead it has used the black paint
to highlight this. Both the shots are very clean and sterile apart from the paint, which is messy – this
has provided a nice contrast in the photos.
These next two photos have looked at adding embellishments to the face to add a nature element to
the look. The first of the photos is very soft, using pastel colours and with the models expression
complementing this. I like the pose and how she has hidden half her face as this has added
emphasis on the eyes. The pastel coloured leaves that have been used on the neck and shoulder
have added a nice texture in the shot. The opposing image is really interesting as there are ‘little
people’ with weapons and wasps on the models face. I like the idea of having the wasps on the face
as they are considered ugly, and the model here has been done up in typical glamour makeup to
show beauty, adding a contrast. I like the expression of the model and the cropping of the photo
around her face.

2. Another element of makeup is abstract makeup – this also makes for visually interesting
photography. The middle two photos for example have used the entire face ad upper body to create
an abstract look. I like how the second one has been photographed straight on the features have
been brought out in a weird, exaggerated way thanks to the makeup. The photo almost looks like
some kind of weird painting. The third photo has been done slightly differently with a ‘splatter’
effect. Dark and light colours have been used in the makeup to work harmoniously with the light in
the photo toe highlight and accentuated the subject’s features. Both of these photos have been
kept very clean in terms of the backgrounds, as there is so much going on in the makeup – both of
them have also ensured the model is making eye contact and connecting well with the camera. The
other two photos though have focused the makeup around the eyes. The first photo has really
accentuated the eyes, and though the model is not making eye contact they are still the focal point
as all the colour is here. The final photo is really pretty and I think has quite a surreal feel about it. I
like the bright and vibrant colours that have been used in the makeup and the contrast this has with
the expression on the face. The messy splattered effect that has been used on the eyes also
contrasts nicely with the perfect lipstick. There are lots of different textures present in the photo
too like the sheer look of the lips, matte eyeshadow and dewy skin.
These next two photos can be linked to surrealism – they have a mysterious, night-time galaxy kind
of feel about them. I like how in both of the photos the makeup has a metallic look about it. The
first photo is very sophisticated looking – the angle that the photo has been taken at has made the
model look taller, in turn portraying a stronger and more dominate character. I like how the dark
background has been used as it has really made the subject sand out and accentuated the idea of
the galaxy body-art/makeup. On the other had the second photo has used a single silver colour and
similar background which has softened the look and the overall effect more subtle. I love the
expression of the model in this photo too – it’s very kind of lifeless and very still and this gives the
idea of being a statue. I adore the shiny texture effect that has been created with the makeup and
the way it has caught the light.

3. Contrast is another area of makeup that can be photographed. I like here how
it has been shown though a contrast in the skin tones and complexions. There
is also a contrast in textures on the skin the woman has very matte skin and the
man has more sheer skin. There is pop of colour in the red lipstick nails. The
focal point of the subject’s eyes has been accentuated with the male model
covering one of the woman’s eyes.
Close up photos are another way of photographing makeup, often used in advertising or in the
promotion of a product as you can see more detail. In the first photo all the colours are very
harmonious and subtle, but this has allowed texture to be seen more in the photo on the lips and
the contrast they have between the skin on the face. The second photo has used a close up shot to
highlight the texture that can be seen in the makeup as it has been created using an unusual tool to
get a brush stroke effect. The model has looked away from the camera and this has allowed the
contemporary makeup to become the focal point. In the last photo, there is a bright contrast in
colour which is seen across the lips to show a more contemporary look, like in the second photo. I
like how the light has captured and highlighted the colour and the shape of the models lips. It has
also accented the nice sheer look the makeup has.
Black and white photos always seem to have more emotion in them. The first photo is very strong
even though the model is not making eye contact with the camera – this has been accentuated both
through the makeup and the strength in expression. I love how you can really see the features and
angles on the face. The model has not made eye contact with the camera but the focal point has not
been lost as the makeup has highlighted them and drawn the viewer’s eye here. The expression on
the models face, as with the second photo, really has a lot of emotion in it and I think because there
is a lack of colour in the photo this has prevent anything else distracting from the raw emotion on
the model’s faces. The second photo sees a more dramatic makeup look that is softened with the
hair style that the model has. The eyes have connected well with the camera and this has made the
overall image more visually drawing to look at.

4. I think these two photos have very oriental influences. The first photo is very tranquil and pretty,
the expression of the model is peaceful. Although the model is not making any eye contact with the
camera, the focal point is still the eyes are all the embellishments are surrounding them – the
eyeshadow is also the only really dark thing in the photo too which also accentuated the eyes. The
second photo is very editorial – I like the colour theme of red and gold and how you can see a
contrast between the matte red lips and nails and the shiny gold emblements.
These next two photos look at using more than one model in shot. I like this as you are able to get
more then one expression/pose in the shot that can completely change the overall photo. In the
first photo there is a lot going on in terms of colour and it looms very chaotic with how the water has
mixed and merged the metallic colours (I like how these have caught the light). Despite this though,
the models expressions have remained strong and they are still the focal point in the shot; they have
connect well with the camera. In the second photo though only one of the models is making eye
contact with camera and the other is not. However, due to the close cropping and composition of
this photo both of the models still share the same amount of power in the photo (e.g. the model
that is looking away is closer in the foreground). Here the makeup focus is the extravagant
eyelashes, and because the remaining makeup in the shot in simple there is no distractions from this
in the photo.

5. Colour is another important element in makeup photography. In the first photo the lips have been
painted to give a traffic light sort of feel about them. I like how the only real colour visible is on the
lips and not even the eyes can distract from this as they have been covered with the hair. I like how
every expression is slightly different and how the colours balance each other out. The second photo
sees a fruit theme and this inspiration (here from the lemon) has been brought across in the
makeup. I like how the background has been matched to the colour of the makeup here. In the third
photo selective colour has been used to bring the colour out in the photo. I like how this has been
incorporated on both the lips and nails and matte look that it has. I particularly love the cropping of
and composition of this photo. In the final photo I like the contrast in colour seen in the sheer gold
eye shadow, creamy lilac lipstick and the clear dark skin. The models expression has serenity and
the way her hands frame her face has brought more attention to the eyes.
The creation of characters is another thing that can be brought across in makeup photography. I
love the first look as it so surreal and different. The expression of the model is strong and this
compliments the strength in the look. I like how the intricate design stood out against the white
face. The models hair and clothing is quite chaotic but this balanced out with the sterile background.
The second photo is inspired by a lion and this is brought across with how the makeup and hair has
been styled. I like the messy element that the photo with the wild hair and makeup, and the twist
that is added with the accessorises. The lighting is also interesting in this shot with the photo getting
darker towards the edge. The third photo looks bird inspired, with simple makeup incorporating a
colour theme and then an over-the-top headpiece. I like the expression of the model and her pose –
the photo looks very editorial.

6. Body art is another form of makeup that always photographs so beautifully.
Makeup is applied all over the body and an entire look is created. I love the
pose of the model her and how she has used her body to compliment the
makeup. The lighting used in the photo has also really made the angles and
features of the subject stand out as well as highlight the intricate detail in the
makeup. The setting of this photo has been well thought through as well and
this has worked harmoniously with the overall look.
This look sees lots of diamantes and gems scattered across the face to
create a pretty, girly look. I like the idea of using embellishments like
this on the face as it adds a nice 3D feature – these gems have also
caught the light particularly well. The expression of the model is very
peaceful, and although she is not making any eye contact with the
camera the focal point is still her eyes as everything that is going on in
the photo is happening here. The rest of the photo has remained very
clean and sterile.
These next two photos have seen the aid of some Photoshop work to help enhance the looks and
make them more modern and contemporary. The first photo is interesting as there is a lot of action
and movement seen in the colour and the model’s pose is unnatural and strong. I like the way the
colour has all been brought together both on the model herself and the background, and her
periphery is the definition between the two. In the second photo body art is seen in a different way,
to create a messy, contemporary look. I love the pose of the model and how she is holding her
body. I also like how all the colour is following one direction and drawing the attention back to the
model.

7. Drag makeup and the application of makeup is another thing that can be photographed. I love this
first photo that I found where you could see both sides of the man, as himself and as his drag-self.
The composition of the shot is slightly of centre that has worked well as it has allowed space for the
hair. The photo has a sterile background and this has allowed all the focus to remain on the subject
and this has also worked well as there is a lot going on regarding the subject. I liked the focus on the
second photo and how the model is in focus and the background is all blurred. I also like the angle at
which the photo has been taken – it compliments the models facial features. The second photo is
looking at the application of makeup. The photo has been taken of someone looking in a mirror (the
foreground has been blurred where you can see the model and only the mirror is in focus). I like this
as the model has no connection with the camera and is instead focusing on what he is doing – this
has made the photo very natural. The final photo focus’ more on the makeup itself than anything
else. You can see in the background (which is blurred) someone applying makeup, but in the focus
the focus is the makeup itself. This is something that I haven’t looked at but is also a big part of
makeup photography.