Interview with makeup artist Maria Oviedo
Makeup artist Maria Ailen Thomson is a frequent collaborator in my fashion, beauty and portrait projects. She is delightful to work with and extremely talented. She is a team pllayer who elevates each shoot. Although primarily a makeup artist she is highly skilled as a hair stylist, although she will never admit it. I asked her some questions for this blog.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest makeup trends and techniques? Can you share an example of how you incorporated a current trend into a photo shoot?
Naturally, I consume a lot of content about trends in the world of fashion since it's a subject that has always interested me, and I believe that the world of fashion and makeup are closely related. I gather information through images from luxury brands' photoshoots as I am a person who is extremely guided by my sense and visual instincts. Additionally, I collaborate with other artists (hairstylists, makeup artists) and learn a lot from them about new trends and different techniques. Finally, I make an effort to attend new training sessions in the United States and other parts of the world.
One of the latest trends in makeup is the much more natural effect, where the skin takes center stage and the dewy skin look provides a much more youthful appearance. I think this trend benefits me a lot because my style as a makeup artist leans towards a more natural look. I enjoy accentuating natural beauty; it's like my guiding principle. Most of the clients I attract understand this perfectly, so you could say that I naturally incorporate this trend into my makeup work for almost all my projects.
Photo shoots often involve collaboration with a team, including photographers, stylists, and models. How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration to achieve the desired look?
Indeed, in photo shoots, collaboration with a team, including photographers, stylists, and models, is essential to achieve the desired look effectively. We all have different roles, but they converge to reach a common and best possible final result. Generally, I try to maintain open communication with the person or company leading the project so that I can align my instincts with the creative process. However, in reality, to achieve the best outcome at any given moment, it's important to engage in good dialogue with all members of the project if possible.
Art, including photoshoots, is highly subjective, and we all have different visions and tastes when it comes to creating. I believe that all opinions are valid in order to ensure everyone involved is happy with the result. Photoshoots require teamwork, and the energy we bring to the set is crucial. That's why no matter how I wake up on any given day, I always strive to maintain a friendly and highly productive attitude.
What steps do you take to ensure that makeup looks appear flawless and long-lasting under different lighting conditions and camera setups?
Ensuring a makeup look appears flawless and long-lasting under different lighting conditions and camera setups is largely related to the quality of the products used. That's why I always make sure to have reputable brands in my kit. Not to mention that maintaining good hygiene and product quality is crucial, as it directly affects the skin of the person wearing the makeup. This goes beyond lighting and camera conditions, but it's essential to mention.
First and foremost, I use foundations that are approved for use with flashes to avoid altering the skin tone. In the case of outdoor shoots, I use foundation with SPF that is also approved for flash photography (usually known as HD foundation). The goal is to avoid creating the appearance of spots or shadows on the skin, which could negatively impact the final result of the photoshoot.
In general, a good skin preparation and high-quality products help achieve the best results. By adhering to these practices, the makeup will have a more flawless appearance and will withstand different conditions, including various lighting setups and camera settings.
Can you provide examples of your most memorable and successful makeup collaborations for fashion and beauty photo shoots, and what made those experiences particularly rewarding for you?
I believe that one of the best feelings I've experienced in my profession is when a model is just starting her career and maybe has never seen herself with makeup done by a professional before. Suddenly, she sees herself and feels beautiful. I cannot provide just one example because luckily, there are several such instances.
For me, the most rewarding moments as a makeup artist are not solely about working with celebrities or high-profile clients. It's about creating positive and meaningful experiences for the people I work with, making them feel beautiful both inside and out, even if it's just for a moment. Embracing the subjectivity of beauty and finding joy in the appreciation and happiness of others has transformed my perspective on my profession, making every collaboration an opportunity for fulfillment and personal growth.