How To Get Camera-Ready for your branding or business photoshoot

You don’t need heavy makeup to look brilliant on camera—you need the right finish, tones, and shine control so you look like yourself on your best day. These tips are designed for personal branding, headshots, and team portraits (studio or on-location), and they work across skin tones and genders.

What “camera-ready” really means

• Skin still looks like skin. Aim for natural or soft-matte, not flat or overly glowy.
• True-to-you colour. Match your neck/chest; avoid shade-jumping.
• Minimal texture. Powder only where you shine (T-zone), not everywhere.

3–7 days before

• Keep skincare simple; avoid first-time peels/retinoids.
• Tidy brows; trim beard/’stache the day before (not the morning of).
• If colouring hair, finish at least 48 hours before the shoot.

On the day: quick routine

1. Cleanse → moisturiser (let it sink in).
2. Optional primer on T-zone if you run oily.
3. Base: sheer–medium coverage that matches your neck; corrector + concealer only where needed.
4. Set: press (don’t sweep) a little powder on forehead, sides of nose, chin.
5. Cheeks: cream or satin blush in a natural, healthy tone.
6. Lips: satin/cream in a shade close to your natural lip or your brand palette. Gloss sparingly.
7. Brows: softly define and set—avoid blocky shapes.
8. Eyes: neutral mattes; tightline or soft definition. Keep shimmer minimal. Lashes trimmed to fit.
9. Glasses: reduce mascara on lower lashes; bring an anti-fog cloth.

For men/masc & gender-neutral grooming

• A touch of concealer on redness/under-eyes, then anti-shine gel or pressed powder on T-zone.
• Brush brows; lip balm; beard oil for flyaways (light hand).

Deeper skin tones

• Choose undertones that don’t turn grey on camera; test in daylight.
• Use setting powder that matches your depth (not translucent if it flashes grey).

Brand alignment (small details, big impact)

• Coordinate lip/wardrobe accents with brand colours.
• Avoid trends that date quickly; timeless beats “Insta-heavy” for business use.
• Keep nails neat and neutral or on-brand.

What to pack

Blotting papers, pressed powder, your lip product, mini brush, spoolie, tissues, lens wipe for glasses.

Prefer professional makeup? I can recommend trusted HMUAs across Ayrshire & Glasgow, or you’re welcome to do your own. Subtle, polished, and true to you always photographs best.

Ready to update your business images?

I create on-location branding portraits, headshots, and team sessions across Ayrshire, Glasgow, Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire, Inverclyde, and Dumfries & Galloway. Get in touch: hello@renataclarkeportraits.com.