http://www.timothiphoto.com





Greetings New York Actors !
 
 
We've uncovered your brand and found the perfect photographer... now let's set our sites on one of the finer elements of the photographic process..drum roll please... MAKE UP !! You can have the greatest branding in the world, your clothes could be flawless, you could be shooting with Richard Avedon but without a fabulous artist makeup artist your headshot just won't have that polish it needs to really get you noticed !
 
Here to give us some help with that is Superstar Hollywood makeup artist Ellen Vieira. With over 15 years of experience, Ellen has worked on some of the most famous faces in Hollywood : Miley Cyrus, Courtney Love, Patrick Dempsey, Dennis Hopper, Taye Diggs, Kathy Bates and Brooke Sheilds to name just a few. She has worked on Gray's Anatomy, Ugly Betty and Deadwood as well as the films Evan Almighty, The Heartbreak Kid and The Hannah Montana concert tour. Ellen will share with us some of her tips and do's and don'ts for the perfect actor's headshot makeup. Are you ready New York Actors ? May I introduce Ellen Vieira ! 
 











Q :  what's the biggest mistake you see actor's make in the way they apply their own makeup ?

 
 
A : The biggest mistake actors with their makeup and also hair  is a look that is no longer current or modern. Too many times, people get stuck with a look that they started wearing in High School or College that they believe they looked their best in then, so it should work for them now, right? Not so! It is important to look at what is happening in fashion now and stay current and modern with makeup and hair styles. Wearing heavy lipliner or too much mascara, too much blush, or heavy bronzed makeup can date your look and not be flattering.

 
 
Q : what is your biggest makeup pet peeve ?
 
A: My biggest pet peeve for makeup is actors who do not take care of their skin. This is usually a problem with male actors more than females. Daily maintenance of skin and complexion is the number one element of looking good in a headshot and on TV and Film.  So many commercials, TV shows and film are shot in HD now which is a very crisp, sharp, digital film and an unforgiving medium for an actor. There is only so much makeup can do, often times the makeup artist has to use a very natural light foundation on the skin for HD and if the actor's skin is not clear and unblemished, or if the skin texture is dry or ruddy, is very difficult to make that person look good.
Every actor needs to invest in skin products and take up a daily maintenance regime to keep their skin beautiful. I also advise every actor to get a facial once a month.

 
 
Q : if an actor can't afford a makeup artist for a shoot what would be a quick overview of the basics for color film ? black and white ?
 
 
A : I personally think there is no excuse for anyone to not get a makeup artist for a shoot. There are so many highly trained makeup artist fresh out of Makeup Film School who are willing to do makeup on a headshot for low pay in order to practice their work and get photos to start their portfolios. All an actor needs to do is get online and research makeup schools in their town and call them for a list of students . Most makeup schools have a roster of students who not only need models for their classes but also experience doing makeup. If an actor wants to learn to do their own makeup, they would probably need to take some makeup courses which are offered at some community colleges but will probably end up costing more money than just paying someone to do it.


 
Q: what kind of simple makeup tricks can men use on camera ?
 
 
A:  One of the best makeup tricks a man can use is to brush his eyebrow hairs up with a small moustache or eyebrow brush which one can purchase at a drugstore. Just this simple task of grooming the eyebrow can really make a difference.
 
 



Q : favorite tips for dark skinned actors ?
 
A :  Dark skin can sometimes become very sallow or ashy, so, it is really important to invest in a good concealor and hi-lighter. The concealor can even out dark areas and the hi-lighter can brighten those dark areas.

 
Q : what distinguishes a good makeup artist from a bad one ?
 
A : If a makeup artist does not match your skin tone either going to light or to dark with foundation, well that can be a problem. Also, it is best to always ask the makeup artist if they are aware of how to do ethnic skin and also ask them what products they use especially if there are any issues with allergies to certain products.
 
 
Q : what should you look for in choosing a makeup artist for an actor's headshot shoot ?
 
A : Always ask where they got their training, if they have a website, and if they don't ask them what they have done so far with their skills. Have they worked on models, real people, indie films, etc.?
If they have worked a bit, they will probably have a website with pictures.
If they are starting out, just make sure to ask them where they went to school and specific questions as to what looks you need and provide a photo of yourself online so they can take a look at you before they do the job.
 
 
 
Q : what would be the number one thing an actress could with her makeup daily that would vastly improve her look ?
 
A :  The number one thing anyone can do to make sure they look their best with or without makeup is to get their eyebrows groomed into a natural shape, not over plucked and not too bushy. One visit with an eyebrow grooming professional can establish the shape and then an actor can maintain that on his or her own.

 
 
Q : what are your favorite skin products and why ?
 
 
A : There are so many skin products out there that are great, both expensive and inexpensive. I really can not promote one over the other but what I can say is that many companies like MAC cosmetics and Khiels offer discounts for
working actors or union actors anywhere from 20 to 40 % off the retail price.  Both these companies have great skin care products as do less expenisive drugstore brands like Oil of Olay and Loreal.

 
 
Q : what are your favorite makeup brands ?
 
A : Some of my favorite brands are Nars, Makeup Forever, MAC, Sheseido, Max Factor, Chanel, Bobbi Brown.

 
 
Q : any final tips ?
 
A : The best thing any actor can do is not be cheap, hire a makeup artist so that they are assured of a beautiful headshot look, and if able it always helps to have a hairstylist as well!

 
Well that about wraps things up this week New York Actors ! Check back next week when we will explore wardrobe..how it relates to your brand, your actor headshots and grabbing the attention of agents and casting directors !
 
 
Till then...

 
http://www.timothiphoto.com


peace and grooviness, Timothi Jane  Graham xxoo