before you go to your next photoshoot….
Happy New Year! It is crazy that we are already in 2025.
On NYE I spent my time doing photos with my sweet friend, Katie Brown, and we celebrated a tough year and making it to our big 3 year mark in our businesses!
That day was so hectic. I was cleaning out our home, getting ready to go into the new year with no baggage, and the next thing I knew it was time to go. I told Katie that I would just get ready at the studio and do my makeup there. I showed up in 3 day old unwashed hair, definitely not brushed, no makeup and sweats. I realized my makeup bag was actually lost, but I at least had some liquid blush HAHA I told her that I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do photos cause she was over here looking supermodel status and here was me. BUT she doesn’t let me get away with things that easy, so I agreed. As i’m doing the photos I realized that there aren’t too many times I put on makeup to do my own self portraits. The most I do is mascara, blush and clear eyebrow gel.
You see, a few years ago, I made myself stop wearing makeup. purely personal reasons. I wanted to learn how to love myself in my most natural state and since then, it’s a rarity I will put on anything more than those three things. I’ve gotten so used to having a bare face, that now I feel WEIRD AF when I do have a full face of makeup on. So, after I edited these insanely beautiful photos it hit me: I felt so good about them, because they are exactly how I look in my regular life. I felt completely like myself and comfortable during it. It reminded me that I always tell my clients that I want them to be themselves and I mean that.
The one thing I always noticed was that people felt like THEY HAD to have their makeup done for photos, even if it was something they aren’t used to doing and if they felt uncomfortable with it, you could tell. That isn’t to say that you shouldn’t get all done up for photos. I think you should do exactly what feels comfortable for you. If you love to wear makeup, then babe slather that on. YOU DO YOU. I support anything truly.
but…
if you aren’t someone who wears makeup on a regular basis and you want to feel natural in your photos.. maybe opt for a very simple look or come clean faced! I don’t think there is any one way to do photos and especially when it comes to your branding. You are getting those photos done to show off YOU to your client base. If you don’t look or feel like you, then I’m not setting you up for success when it comes to loving your photos.
I think 2025 is the year we all start doing things that feel good to ourselves. Despite what’s in right now, the societal pressures of appearances, or whatever it may be that makes you feel like you have to be one way. fuck that. Let’s live for us and our own internal validation.
I’m excited to start this new year off fresh, to try new things and I cant wait to see some of you in my studio!
xoxo,
Jordan