Marissa of Artistry Kissed by Riss Answers questions about makeup, confidence and glam. — *Image provided by Zdarko Photography*

Marissa of Artistry Kissed by Riss, sharing her expertise. — *Image provided by Marissa of Artistry Kissed by Riss*

From Everyday to Empowered: Why Your Photoshoot Needs a Makeup Strategy

Hey there, confidence chasers and beauty enthusiasts!

We talk a lot about lighting and posing, but there’s a secret weapon that makes a high-end photoshoot sing: intentional, camera-ready makeup.

I sat down with the amazing Marissa of Artistry Kissed by Riss, the genius behind the "Goddess of Fall" looks, to get the inside scoop. Her answers are full of professional secrets that will transform how you prepare for your next shoot!

Part 1: Camera-Ready Secrets (Prep is Power)

Q: When a client is nervous about being in front of the camera, what’s one makeup tip that instantly boosts their confidence?

Marissa: Almost everyone is nervous! Most people tell me, "I still want to look like me" or "don't make me look dead." My motto is "natural but extra." We take what you normally wear and amp up that color palette just a smidge. That little extra bit translates to natural but extra through the camera lens. Feeling prettier than normal, but still absolutely you, is key to confidence.

Q: What is the biggest mistake clients make when prepping their skin for a long photoshoot?

Marissa: It’s all about the way you prep your skin! People are afraid of layers looking "cakey," but without proper prepping, the makeup sinks into pores and creases.

The Base: Start with cleansing and exfoliating to wash away dead skin cells.
The Foundation: Use a toner to smooth skin, followed by a serum or moisturizer that you let dry completely.
The Final Layer: A primer is your last step of skin prep. It creates the perfect base! (Don't forget the undereye proper moisturizing is essential here to avoid a creased look.)

Q: What is the most important difference between everyday makeup and professional, high-resolution camera makeup?

Marissa: The difference is often shimmer and glitter. The shimmer in most cosmetics reflects light in the camera lens, which can sometimes make the photo look less high-end. Shimmer can also sit in creases and pores, dulling the final quality of a professional image. We opt for smooth, dimensional finishes.

Want to learn more, or book Marissa?

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Part 2: The Artistry & Vision (Beyond the Basics)

Q: How do you translate a theme (like the "Goddess of Fall") or a brand’s aesthetic into a makeup look?

Marissa: I focus on shadow, blush, and contour to accentuate the outfit and the scenery. For a "Goddess" look, we use warm tones to make blue or green eyes pop, and deep brown contouring to amplify a chiseled face. It's about translating the feeling of the theme onto the face.

Q: For bold, artistic looks (like a smokey eye or a bright lip), what is the key to making it look elegant and not overdone?

Marissa: It's all about balance and blending. Bold looks need to be well-blended. A bright, bold lip needs a liner that subtly blends into the color for added elegance. You want all the features to compliment each other rather than to compete with each other.

Part 3: The Client Experience (Confidence & Value)

Q: What do you do during the makeup session to help a client relax and step into their "main character energy?"

Marissa: Walking a client through each step is key! I tell them exactly what I’m doing and why, which gives them great tips for their own routine. I even hand them a mirror to show where we apply a product to create lift or a sensual effect. Showing the process builds excitement and truly calms their nerves before the shoot.

Q: As the photographer, what is one piece of advice you give clients right before they step in front of the lens that always helps them nail the pose or expression?

Marissa: I remind them why they’re doing the shoot: to own the moment! Whether it's to feel beautiful for their business brand or to remind them who they were before life got too complicated, that feeling is the goal. Seeing yourself look and feel better than you have recently makes you feel like you can take on anything!

A Final Word on Value (from Chris)

Marissa’s passion is clear: Confidence shows through in photos. While you may be naturally beautiful, the magic touch of professional makeup (a little or a little more than a little) takes an ordinary photo and enhances it x100.