Do you tip the MUA at a photoshoot?

[Aoife 24K]

Tomorrow I am going to have my second photoshoot. And I wondered about tipping. For my previous shoot I went to a makeup artist first (a MAC makeup artist) and had my makeup done. I love my MAC artist and I always tip her very well. Tomorrow's shoot is at the photographer's studio. The MUA is hired by the photographer. Should I tip her? Should I tip the photographer? Of course I am paying a goodly amount for the session. So any feedback from you gals more experienced with photoshoots? Sorry about the late request but I have been trying to do everything to get ready for it and that question just popped back into my mind.

[Elaine Margane]

Aoife, I would think that tipping in that situation would not be appropriate.  I have had several photoshoots for headshots for acting auditions, and there has never been any thought of tipping my photographer or his makeup artist.  As you say, the photographer is being paid well for her or his services.  Besides, you have a fairly good idea of how your photos will turn out, but not exactly.  What if they aren't up to your expectations?  You would be tipping in advance, before seeing the results of your photographer's efforts. 

Also, I suspect that more than one of your previous lovely photos has already wound up in your photographer's portfolio book.  That's a bonus for her. 

If you are really thrilled with your photos, you might consider a tip, but I would think it would be purely optional.

Good luck and have fun,

Elaine

 

    

[Miss Honey]

Our group (Hot Rod Honeys) does pin-up hair styling, makeup and photo shoots, but since we actually charge very little compared to most studios (we do everything on-site at car shows, etc.), tips for MUAH are very much appreciated! Our stylists are independent contractors so only get a cut of what they actually bring in.  If you like the way you look in the mirror, the photo shoot itself is a completely different matter. As a photographer in those instances, I would never expect a tip and might even turn it down unless the client felt absolutely compelled to give me one.  In your case, I would suggest asking the studio/photographer what they think is appropriate.

[Keri Pettit]

Do you normally tip your hairdresser or manicurist?  If so , I think it's appropriate to tip your Makeup artist or Hair artist on a photo shoot. 

As a photographer I have never been tipped, and absolutely don't expect any tips. Especially on a paid shoot. 

Have a great shoot!!

 

 

 

[John Warren]

As a photographer, I'd say tip the MUA if you feel it is deserved. That is between you and the MUA.

As a photographer, I have been tipped as well. Totally shocked the first time it happened but made sure they knew it was greatly appreciated. It was a wedding and you don't want to insult the bride or the bride's mother ...

[Edson Carlos]

Photographer input: I'm totally cool with it,they are paid by me for their services but an additional display of gratitude isn't frowned upon. However I usually work with a larger team sooooo that's also something to keep in mind. Hair, makeup, stylist

[RealDealPhoto]

Tipping of MUA's is totally acceptable. It is the same service you would get and tip for at a salon. Actually on many shoots it will include additional service in that the MUA will stay on set and facilitate touchups and look / style changes. Tipping of course is a gratuity and is meant to reward excellent service so tipping should be commensurate to service received.

As a photographer I find that about 1 in 4 clients will tip, and it is appreciated. As we stand 100% behind all our work tippingwith us before receiving your images would never be a concern as we guarantee total satisfactions. Of course this is our day job not a hobby or part time endeavor so we maybe take it all just a touch more serious.

[Aoife 24K]

Thanks everybody for the replies. Well, I opted to not tip the makeup artist. I was just not sure. I always tip when I get my hair done. I just had a facial done this week and the work was done out of the esthetician's home. I bought a few items in addition for paying for the facial. Again, in that instance I opted not to tip.

Life is so complicated sometimes. I tend to be a very good tipper. But there are times when I am just stumped about what to do.

Once again big thanks to all. And hopefully this discussion will be helpful to some of you gals just about to start on your photoshoots.

Oh, by the way my photo session today went great. I am really looking forward to seeing the results. I will post them soon.

[Kiltedbiker]

I agree with your decision. It is great that you tip well when you arrange for your Hairstylist or MUA, but in this instance I would expect for the financial arrangements to be made between the photographer and the MUA since the photographer arranged for them. If you feel that they did an EXCEPTIONAL job, then I would think that additional tipping could be in order.

[Lolita Black]

I tip, they take their time to be out and are very helpful. The first time I wasn't sure but I brought some money just in case. If you're iever in doubt, ask the photographer. I asked mine and I even asked her what she thought was appropriate and of course I put into consideration what a good job the MUA did.

[Lili Loren]

VERY nicely put Keri :)

Keri Pettit said:

Do you normally tip your hairdresser or manicurist?  If so , I think it's appropriate to tip your Makeup artist or Hair artist on a photo shoot. 

As a photographer I have never been tipped, and absolutely don't expect any tips. Especially on a paid shoot. 

Have a great shoot!!

 

 

 

[Lizzo Van Dammit]

As a model, photographer, and  MUAH, tips are a must. If you are not happy with your services I would like to hear about it, but if you ARE happy, then tip. I look it as business ethics, I charge a certain rate to claim as my services, which in the end are wrote off as my business rates. Not only does a tip solidify that you did an exceptional job, but it also gives a gratification for both you and the other person. Just plain manners.

[Roxy Tart {PL Team / Comm. Mgr}]

One other thing to remember is where you are in the world. PL is world wide. Here in the US, tips are not only the norm, but have come to be expected no matter how good or bad the service is ( good 'ol american entitlement). In other countries tips are not expected and in some places are considered rude. So while I do agree that if someone is preforming a service and they do an excellent job they should be rewarded, try to be aware of the customs where you are. 

This has been a Roxy Tart public service announcement. Thank you. LOL