Makeup by Christine is a local special effects makeup artist whose work blends technical skill with bold creativity. When she needed photography to showcase her artistry, the goal was clear: create striking, spooky portraits that captured the detail, texture, and transformation behind her hair and makeup work.
This project focused on producing imagery that she could use for Halloween‑themed marketing and portfolio promotion, while accurately representing the range and precision of her special effects makeup.
The Concept
Special effects makeup is inherently visual. It relies on detail, contrast, and mood to fully communicate its impact. For this shoot, we leaned into darker tones and dramatic lighting to complement Christine’s work and amplify the eerie, cinematic feel of each look.
The portraits were designed to feel bold and immersive, helping viewers immediately understand her hair and makeup capabilities and creative voice. Each image centered the look as the focal point while still allowing personality and expression to come through.
Photography Approach
My role was to capture Christine’s work in a way that honored both the craftsmanship and the storytelling behind each look. Close attention was paid to lighting, angles, and composition to ensure the textures, prosthetics, and color work were clearly visible.
Rather than over‑stylizing the images, the focus remained on clarity and impact. The final photographs highlight the hair and makeup itself while still feeling polished and promotional, making them versatile for web, social, and seasonal marketing.
Collaboration with Utah Creatives
This project was completed in partnership with McKay Findlay, creator of Utah Creatives, a community that hosts workshops connecting photographers, models, and hair and makeup artists. These creative environments make space for artists to practice their craft, collaborate, and form professional connections.
Working within this setting allowed for a seamless collaboration, resulting in imagery that felt intentional, supportive, and creatively aligned. It was a reminder of how valuable community‑driven projects can be for artists at every stage.
The Outcome
The final series delivered a collection of spooky, high‑impact portraits that Christine can confidently use to promote her business, particularly during the Halloween season. The images showcase her range in special effects makeup while reinforcing her professional brand.
Projects like this highlight the power of collaboration and the importance of strong visuals in creative industries. When artists come together with a shared vision, the result is work that elevates everyone involved.
Want to work together? Let’s connect.
xoxo,
Michaela Rae
