(EMAILWIRE.COM, May 23, 2009 ) All women worry about their makeup and skin - as in, whether it is too heavy, too translucent, etc. However, the time when women worry most about their makeup is when they have to take a professional studio portrait. Whether you are taking a portrait with your family or a professional headshot for your business cards, it is crucial that you learn to avoid some of the most common makeup mistakes that women make in photographs. To help you learn what not to do, here are some makeup mistakes to avoid in professional photographs, from the folks at Haas Photography in Beaver Dam, WI.

Shiny, Glossy Skin - "Plenty of genetically blessed women can get away with translucent, shiny, or shimmering foundations. However, in photos, this just makes your skin look oily. Even if you don't usually wear a full face of makeup, it is important to do so for photos. The first step should be concealing pimples, followed by evenly spreading a matte foundation across your skin with a slightly dampened sponge. To really cover up any unsightly blemishes or shininess, finish with a loose powder in the same shade as your foundation. This make feel 'cakey' at first, but the result that you will see in your finished portraits will make it totally worthwhile."

No Contour - "In your day-to-day life, you probably don't take the time to precisely and carefully create contour in your face with blush or bronzer. In photographs, however, this is necessary. Bad photographs often feature women whose face lacks definition. Creating gentle, blended lines with blush or bronzer can help you to avoid this. First, you want to create definition underneath the apples of your cheeks, along your cheekbone. Use a blush that is only a few shades above your natural skin tone; pale girls should use peach shades, while darker girls can experiment with light mauves and bronze shades. Create faint definition along the bridge of your nose to make it appear thinner, or along the bottom of your jaw to mask a double chin."

Lip Gloss - "Lip-gloss may be great for a night on the town, but it just doesn't work in pictures. While a little bit of faint shimmer can accentuate a pair of gorgeous lips, most women will do best to stick to matte shades. However, make sure that your lips are well moisturized before applying lip liner or color. Cracked, dry lips are totally obvious on film."

If you can avoid these makeup mistakes, you are sure to take some beautiful portraits. Smile and say cheese!

For more fantastic tips on finding the right photographer and taking great pictures, visit the Haas Photography blog at http://www.haasphoto.com/blog/.

And for the best portraits and professional pictures in Beaver Dam, WI, visit http://www.haasphoto.com.

Contact Information:
Haas Photography
Gary D. Haas
Tel: 800-400-4243
Email us