In a nutshell, if you want to look flawless, natural and like the best version of you, yes! The main reason is that cameras are so advanced they pick up so much detail that we want to refine and soften our look so nothing is standing out or detracting from the overall shot.

Professional makeup artists know how to bring out certain features and areas of your face through techniques such as contouring and highlighting, so that your face has dimension in all the right places, your eyes look bright and stand out (very important as that's what people are drawn to first) and that any tiny imperfections aren't perceptible.

It's not about changing how you look- it's presenting an enhanced, polished and fresh version of yourself to the camera so that you stand out for all the right reasons and the camera doesn’t see all the tiny things our eyes don’t!

There are three main types of makeup that we lean towards for photoshoots! ‘No makeup makeup’ is for when you want to look like you're not wearing makup at all- we use a very light amount of product just to even things out but its quite sheer. We often only add a tiny amount of colour to brows to even out, lips and eyes are usually nude. If there is mascara, it’s very minimal.

Natural makeup is what to ask for if you want to look like you're wearing a little makeup but not too much- we provide enough coverage to make skin look perfect but not heavily made up, and we will bring out the eyes. We’ll also do some subtle contour and highlighting to bring out the contours of the face and shape it. It may be a little more than what you are used to, but on camera it will read as ‘natural looking’, as the camera always makes you look like you are wearing less makeup than IRL.

Glamour makeup is for when you want to look like you're wearing makeup. Base will be full coverage to make skin look flawless, we will be bringing out the eyes more dramatically, and there will be noticeable contour and highlighting to bring out the contours of the face and shape. It will include more dramatic false lashes and heavier application of eyeshadows and lips so that it all shows up on camera and reads as a glamour look.

My top tips are to aim for a little more sleep a night in the week or 2 beforehand. Tiredeness definitely translates to the camera. Also, hydrate! Aim for 2 litres a day especially in the week before your shoot, as dehydration can make you appear older and tired, and make wrinkles more prominent.

Nourish your skin and keep it moisturised, as makeup hates dry skin and the camera can see flakiness. Try a light exfoliant (only if your skin isn't irritated by them), or go get a facial if that’s your preference. Use plenty of moisturiser and a good serum and lip balm. Always use spf 50 when going outdooors to protect your skin from damage.

If you have any skin concerns, irritations, allergies, etc please speak to your makeup artist in advance so they can prep and bring the right products. For hair, wash the day or night before unless it's especially greasy- then you can wash it morning of. We will send you a prep checklist as well as plenty of instructions in your confirmation emails the week and day before your appointment- so please keep an eye out.

Usually around 50 - 60 minutes for makeup, and 45 minutes for hair. For both, I generally set aside around 90 minutes.

If you have longer hair or hair that is quite thick, we will usually add in a little extra time.

Also if you like to have a chat it may take a bit longer- I’m partial to having a good chat too! So sometimes if I am coming to you, I will factor in a bit of extra time so we can relax and not feel too rushed (usually around 2 hours).

Just let me know when booking what your preference is! For headshot days, we generally do have to stick to the alloted timeframes as we are fitting in several people in one day, and we need to stick to the shooting schedule.

Not really! Apart from your outfits, props and accessories, I generally recommend arriving in something comfy that you can get ready in (unless you have something you need to pull over your face, in which case, it’s best to arrive already dressed).

Some comfy shoes and anything you need to help you relax- a hot drink, some snacks, a book, if we’re geting ready on location. I’m happy to chat to you as we go, or if you’d like some quiet time, that’s fine too. Sometimes making a playlist and bringing a speaker to play it on is a great idea- it can help get you in the zone.

Remember, you’ll be getting the chance for some well deserved pampering and much-needed time out before your shoot. You can go into you shoot feeling relaxed and toally confident knowing you look and feel amazing, while having a chance to collect your thoughts before you get in front of the camera.

Of course! I am happy to travel for branding shoots anywhere within 30km of Melbourne CBD, and travel for free anywhere within 10km of our Coburg North studio. Travel beyond the 10km zone will incur a small travel fee.

If you live outside of a 30km radius of Melbourne, please get in touch and we can discuss your requirmeents further.

If it works better for you, I can also host you at my home studio before you head off to your shoot location.

For headshot days I always do hair and makeup on location so it’s easiest for you.