In today’s day and age, it’s never been easier to figure out how to get your hair and makeup work for you. Long gone are the days of the tubs of matte mousse foundation and sponge makeup brushes. Just go to your media page of choice, and you are going to get thousands of suggestions and tutorials to help you look and feel your best. With so much DIY help at our fingertips, one thing I get asked a lot is whether or not it’s actually necessary to book professional hair and makeup for your branding session. Short answer? Yes, it is, and I’m here to tell you why! As a Scottsdale branding photographer, I love working with people to plan their perfect sessions. Here’s why I always recommend sticking with the pros ahead of your branding pics.

Getting ready for a night out on the town is one thing; getting ready for the camera lighting is another. It can be really hard to figure out how to create a look that will translate as well on camera as it does off. A lot of the products on the shelf have something called flashback, where they appear white during photo sessions. Additionally, if you pick the wrong shade or don’t blend to perfection, it’s going to show. A professional hair and makeup artist (HMU, for short) gets this and has extensive training to figure out how to create the perfect photo-ready look that draws eyes for all the right reasons!

No matter how prepared you think you are heading into your session, there’s a good chance you are still going to spend your morning feeling completely stressed out. This is where a good professional hair and makeup artist is going to make all the difference. The last thing you want to be dealing with an hour before the session is eyeshadow that looks muddy, no matter how much you work that brush. A HMU focuses on creating a relaxing experience while using the skills they’ve worked so hard to acquire!

If you feel good about your appearance, that’s going to show through the finished pictures! A talented professional hair and makeup artist will make that happen. They know how to highlight all your best features, hide any imperfections (so long, stress zits!), and give you a look you simply cannot wait to show off.

Lastly, hair and makeup artists really know how to create a more natural style that stays true to your personality while still looking great on camera. With minimalism in vogue, a lot of us have pared down our makeup collection, replacing Nakeds 1-5 with a few shades we know work for us. A makeup artist knows how to achieve the whole “no makeup makeup” look while still ensuring you don’t look washed out on camera. The effect will be a natural look that highlights your lovely face while also avoiding the fall-off effect that can lead to your pictures looking pale and dull.

If you have been wondering whether a professional hair and makeup artist is actually necessary ahead of your session, I hope this answers your question! Now, it’s time to find the photographer who will be there to help you stick the landing! As a Scottsdale branding photographer, I adore working with my clients to help them build up their business. If you have been considering booking a session, let’s have a conversation so you can decide if I’m the one for you. Send me a message today to find out more!
Copyright © 2025 Danielle Muccillo Photography | Terms & Conditions | Design by Dear Kate Brand Strategy