How to Improve and Grow Your Work Relationship with Professional Photographers

Photograph by Yvonne Taylor, Hair by Leah Watson for www.CrystalAgency.com

A photographer's experiences with you on the set will determine whether they will book or recommend you for another assignment.

Here are 8 things that you can do to facilitate great working relationships with all of the photographers that you will come in contact with.

Things You'll Need

• Makeup Kit, Stylist Kit

Instructions

1. 

   In editorial work, things are "perfectly imperfect". Don't rush in every 30 seconds to straighten clothing simply because you feel like doing so. There is little a photographer will miss in the viewfinder. If they don't worry, don't you worry.

   But if it is something that is really out of place, ask the photographer "if you can go in". If you are on location and the wind is blowing, the last thing most photographers want is someone trying to make the clothes perfect. Most work is 80% planned, the other 20% allows for those wonderful accidents which can turn a good photo into a great one.

2. 

   If you call yourself a fashion stylist, STYLE!

   Photographers love stylists who can come up with wonderful, off-the-wall combinations, finding different ways to show things. When they discuss with you the direction of the shoot they want you to come up with great ideas.

   Take the time to get to know and understand the photographers style, direction, and the designers and visual looks that he/she gravitates to. Don't just show up with "off-the-rack" outfits. That takes only time not talent. A photographer once told me "If I wanted that, I could go to the stores myself, and use my credit card". If the photographer loves Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and Alexander McQueen, they won't be thrilled when you show up with cotton T-shirts that read "Daddy's Little Girl' written on the front. They will make a mental note, and never hire you again.

3. 

   You're the Make-up artist! Great, then be an artist.

   Don't give half an effort because it's a model test. Don't say things like that's the way other photographers like it'. Every photographer is unique. Most are very demanding and expect you to give nothing less than your very best.

   Study and practice the newest directions in make-up, know what's happening in the major magazines, and to realize why people like Pat McGrath and Linda Cantello are at the top of their game!

4. 

   Do your homework.

   STUDY the major fashion magazines. READ magazines that are pertinent and crucial t the success of your business. READ & STUDY! PDN (Photo District News) is an invaluable resource that you will refer to over and over again. European and the U.S. fashion magazines will be a continued source of inspiration, and help you remain current in your style.

   Says fashion photographer David Anthony "A few make-up artists that have made a strong impression on me during my career come to mind immediately. The first is Jasmin Manders. She was at the Celestine Agency when I first met her. We worked together on a few advertising jobs, and it really opened my eyes to someone who took their art seriously.

   I also worked with Lena Koros in Los Angeles, who told me that one-day she was going to be working for the best magazines. Today, she is represented by Nars, and is living in New York, working with some of the best photographers. I see her credits in top magazines often!

   The last Make-up artist is very special to me. I worked with her for four years. Her name is Kelly Meredith and the Plutino Group in Toronto, Canada represents her. Kelly's drive and determination is enviable. She studied magazines, practiced, studied more, practiced, and in short taught herself the artistry that she is well known for. She worked with me in Europe and in Canada, and she does absolutely beautiful, creative, flawless make-up! Kelly put up with my demanding regime, always wanting to give me her best, because she wanted to be the best. Kelly's work is now seen in many of Canada's top magazines and advertising campaigns, and I really hope to have the opportunity to work with her again!"

   --For more information about testing with photographers, building a book, setting a day rate, and finding an agent to represent you, check out The Hair Makeup & Styling Career Guide by Crystal Wright. it can be found at www.MakeupHairandStyling.com, or you can order it over the phone at [phone].

   Crystal Wright is President of www.CrystalAgency.com an LA based talent management firm that represents professional makeup artists, hair stylists and fashion stylists who work behind-the-scenes in print, video, film and TV.