featured vendor :: interview with make-up artist, Debbie Ballow

Recently, we had the pleasure to sit down with Debbie Ballow, a make-up and hair stylist based out of Solana Beach, CA.  Debbie does quite a bit of work with Studio Carre’ and its boudoir photography side, so we thought it would interesting to talk with her to see how she got her start in the business and what she enjoys most about what she does.

Q: How long have you been a make-up artist/hair stylist? What is your background?

A:  I started doing hair back in 2001. I have always had a certain magnetism to the arts; I love any craft and project that involves using my hands and creativity.  I became intrigued with the chemical work and how color and texture could be successfully changed to improve a person’s appearance.  My mom is also a stylist, so I grew up around it.

Then in 2002 I went to Je Boutique College of Beauty and also took a MAC make-up, one-on-one workshop where I learned about the fundamentals of make-up and design. I loved it!

Q: Now that you’re doing what you love, what inspires your work?

A:  I love that there are always new and changing trends in make-up and hair.  I am inspired from my different clients, learning and working with their particular likes and dislikes.

I also try to attend classes on new trends.  Things in the industry are constantly updating, so I like to stay on top of the changes. I continue to challenge myself to perfect the latest and most effective techniques for applying hair color, smoothing treatments, airbrush makeup, and precision haircuts.

Q: For boudoir photo shoots, how long do typical make-up/hair sessions last?

A:  Each service takes about 45 minutes to an hour.  Of course, length of time will depend on the style or look we’re trying to achieve.  My style involves a lot of contouring, and I like to enhance features, so I take my time to make sure the client looks her best.

Q: Are all make-ups created equal?  What is “photo-friendly” make-up? How do you address a client’s “problem” areas, if any?

A:  I am particularly drawn to airbrush make-up.  Reason being, it is HD photo-friendly and great for T.V.  When it comes to boudoir | intimate photography, it is important that make-up adds to the client’s beauty and not detract from it.  Some traditional make-up has the risk of looking heavy and unnatural.

Airbrush make-up, on the other hand, is water-based and is therefore hypoallergenic; it comes out a light spray and provides a light veil on the skin.  The result is no caked-on make-up look, and there are so many shades that I can achieve the perfect match every time.  It’s great when you have a shoot that will last a couple of hours.

With regard to problem areas, I find the airbrush make-up works best, again. Primer and powder are also great additions to my routine.

Q: How easy or difficult is it to modify one’s make-up during a boudoir photo-shoot?

A:  Most clients typically have two looks, sometimes more.  In any case, we’ll change the look halfway through, for example.  It depends, really.  When we’re going to work with multiple looks, it’s best to start lighter and softer and then get more dramatic later on.

Q: What other occasions do you provide make-up/hair services for?

A:  I do hair and make-up for all occasions: headshots, senior portraits, maternity shoots, fashion shows, weddings, etc.  People usually hire a make-up artist for the day.  For a complete list, I encourage people to check out my website.

Q: How do make-up styles differ between boudoir photography and other occasions?

A:  Boudoir photography is not very different in that the same amount of time is spent on the client.  In terms of style, I find that the make-up and hair is more dramatic for boudoir shoots, i.e. heavier make-up, false lashes, smoky eyes.

Q: What are five things people may not know about you?

A:  I’m an open book.  Everyone typically knows everything about me, which I guess could be considered bad, but it works for me!

 Q: Why do you like working with Shannon?

A:  I love working with Shannon and Studio Carre’!  Our shoots are always so much fun because in the way we work, we’re always on the same page.  Our vision for the client and the shoot are so similar, and I find we both want to tell the same story.  We both take a lot of pride in what we do, and I think that shows in our work.

 

Why we like working with Debbie…

Debbie is an amazing and creative artist, especially when it comes to making my clients feel gorgeous at their shoot.  She pays special attention to what they like/dislike about makeup and what they want to achieve with their looks.  Although it’s sometimes a ‘blank canvas’ when we walk in the door for a shoot, she’ll already have ideas in her head to try and asks the clients if they’re up for it.  She’s also very pro-active about keeping up with trends, new makeup products, and new looks to try for future clients!