Lesson Learned: Why I’m Now Working with Makeup Artists for Headshot Clients
As a professional headshot photographer, I’ve worked with a wide range of clients since launching my business back in 2015. Over the years, I’ve developed a smooth and efficient workflow, built great relationships with clients, and fine-tuned a style that makes people look their best.
But recently, I was reminded of something important: you never stop learning.
The Missed Opportunity
Not long ago, I got a call from a potential client asking if I worked with a makeup artist. I told them the truth—I didn’t have a makeup artist I worked with regularly.
It wasn’t that I was against it. It just hadn’t come up much. Most of my headshot clients have kept things pretty simple. A quick touch-up, maybe some hair smoothing or blotting, and we’d be good to go. I’ve only had a few shoots over the years where a makeup artist was actually requested, so I didn’t make it a priority to build a network of MUAs (makeup artists).
But this client did want professional makeup and in the end chose another photographer who had a makeup artist ready to go.
Ouch.
The Takeaway
Of course, nobody likes losing a client. But instead of just shrugging it off, I saw it as a clear message: I need to be ready for the needs I don’t hear about every day—but that matter when they come up.
So I posted in a Facebook group and on Instagram, asking local makeup artists to send me their info (bonus if they do hair, too). I had many talented professionals respond. It didn’t take long before I had a solid number of artists I can now refer to a client to if they ask.
Now, when someone needs makeup and hair for their headshots, I can say, “Absolutely. I’ve got someone great I work with.”
Growing Through Experience
Even after almost a decade in business, I’m still picking up lessons like this. That’s part of the journey—not just improving your craft, but continually improving the way you serve your clients.
Need New Headshots?
Give me a call at 323-493-2552 to book a session. I have several locations in LA such as offices in Venice, Santa Monica and Culver City. And of course I will travel across Los Angeles and Orange County to serve clients.
And yes—if you need a makeup artist, I’ve got you covered.
Running a photography business isn’t just about taking great photos. It’s about constantly learning, adapting, refining, and improving not only my technical skills, but also how I work with clients. One of the things I’ve learned lately is that sometimes, it’s the smallest changes that make the biggest impact.
Recently, I added a new step to my headshot workflow. It’s simple: after we finish the session and review the images together, I now take a few extra minutes to talk with the client about what kind of edits they want. Not just what I plan to do in post-production, but what they’re hoping to see.
This small shift in taking time to talk about editing expectations has had already had a huge impact on client satisfaction.
For example, one client recently asked me to really smooth out their skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles far more than I normally would. It’s not my typical editing style, but it was what they wanted. And that’s what mattered most. I made the extra adjustments, delivered clean, professional final images, and the client was thrilled. That level of personalization built trust and helped them feel seen and heard.
In another session, the client wore a shirt under a sweater, which created some noticeable creases. They asked if I could minimize the wrinkles in post. This tweak made a big difference to them. Meanwhile, a different client might see those same creases as totally natural and wouldn’t want them touched.
And that’s the point: every client is different. Everyone sees themselves in a unique way and wants to present a different version of themselves to the world. That’s why this small change—taking just five extra minutes to talk editing before we wrap—has become one of the most valuable parts of my process.
It’s also reminded me that photography is not a one-size-fits-all service. It’s a collaboration. My job is to listen, understand, and help each client show up in their best light—not just technically, but emotionally too. When someone looks at their headshot and sees not only a flattering image, but a true reflection of how they want to be seen, that’s when I know we got it right.
These little lessons are part of what keeps me energized and growing as a photographer. I’m grateful for the clients who’ve helped shape this part of my workflow, and I’m excited to keep learning, refining, and improving with every session.
Need an updated headshot? Whether you’re refreshing your LinkedIn profile, launching a personal brand, or updating your company’s team photos, I’d love to work with you. I shoot on location throughout the LA area and also offer sessions at my three local spots in Santa Monica, Culver City, and Venice.
Call or text 323-493-2552 to book your session. Let’s create something that feels true to you.
Upgraded My Gear: From Sony A7 I to the A7IV — Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer
After years of shooting with the Sony A7 I, I finally made the leap to the Sony A7IV — and let me tell you, it’s a total game-changer.
In my latest video, I walk you through why I upgraded, what improvements made the biggest difference, and how this gear is going to elevate both my photography and video work. Whether you’re a fellow photographer, filmmaker, or just curious about the tools behind the scenes, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Why I Upgraded
The A7 I has been a reliable workhorse for years, but it was time to move forward. Technology has come a long way since that first-gen mirrorless body. What really pushed me to upgrade was the vastly improved autofocus, and the ability to shoot in clean, detailed 4K video.
These features aren’t just nice to have — they’re essential for keeping up with the demands of fast-paced shoots, where moments are fleeting and precision matters. Whether I’m photographing headshots on location or filming interviews, I can now rely on my camera to track focus and capture crystal-clear visuals.
The Power of the 24-105mm G Lens
The Sony 24-105mm f/4 G OSS lens is the perfect companion to the A7IV. Its sharpness, range, and built-in image stabilization make it incredibly versatile — especially for event coverage, documentary-style interviews, and run-and-gun filmmaking.
I love not having to change lenses constantly. Being able to zoom from wide to tight without sacrificing quality makes my workflow faster, and that makes a huge difference when I’m on the clock at an event or in a tight production schedule.
A Special Project with Dan Greaney
One of the first projects I shot with my new gear was a video interview featuring Dan Greaney, a long-time writer for The Simpsons. While I can’t reveal the subject of the interview (it hasn’t been released yet), I can say it was a real honor to work with someone whose writing has shaped one of the most iconic shows in television history.
Collaborating with creatives at the top of their field is always inspiring — and even more meaningful when they choose me to help bring their story to life. From setting up the shot to rolling the last frame, I felt confident in what I was capturing thanks to the Sony A7IV and the 24-105mm lens.
I bought the camera and lens used, but they performed like a dream — sharp, stable, and just plain cinematic. This shoot really let me stretch the legs of my new setup and confirmed that the upgrade was more than worth it.
Gear Mentioned:
Sony A7IV
Sony 24-105mm f/4 G OSS lens
Need Professional Photos or Video in LA or OC?
If you’re looking for professional headshots, event photography, or high-quality 4K video production, I’d love to work with you. I have offices in Santa Monica, Venice, and Culver City, and I travel throughout Los Angeles and Orange County.
