Why Every Portrait Session at My Naperville Studio Includes Hair and Makeup

People ask me why hair and makeup is built into my portrait sessions instead of being an afterthought or an upsell. So here's the real story.

For years, I watched the same scene play out. I'd photograph families, and the moms would direct everything from behind me. "Get one of the kids by the window!" And when I'd say "okay, now hop in," I'd hear it every time: "Oh no, not me. Just the kids."

Then one day a new mom called me about newborn photos and spent half the call apologizing for how she looked. One week postpartum. Apologizing. To me, a photographer, whose entire job is making people look and feel amazing.

That was the moment. These women weren't avoiding photos because they didn't want memories with their babies. They were avoiding them because nobody had made them feel ready to be seen.

So I changed how my business works.

Now it's simply part of the experience

Every portrait session begins with professional hair and makeup. You arrive, my glam squad takes over, and by the time you step in front of my camera, your shoulders have dropped two inches. Feeling beautiful on the inside shows on the outside... I have watched it happen hundreds of times.

And for the women who want a barely-there look? We keep it natural. This was never about transforming you into someone else. It's about walking in front of the camera as yourself, on your very best day.

Here's the thing about how we see ourselves

People don't see us the way we see ourselves. We are so hard on ourselves... we see the tired eyes and the postpartum everything, while our kids just see Mom. Someday, the photos of YOU will be the most treasured ones in the house. Not the perfectly posed ones of just the kids. The ones you're actually in.

Hair and makeup is how I get you in the frame.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to do hair and makeup?

Nope. But if the reason you're skipping it is "I don't want a fuss made over me"... that is exactly why I include it. Let someone take care of you for an hour.

What if I never wear makeup?

Then we go natural and light. You'll still look like you. That's the entire point.

Does hair and makeup come with newborn and family sessions too?

Yes! That's actually where this whole thing started. Mom gets hair and makeup while we get the baby settled.

If you've been putting off photos until you lose the weight, grow out the haircut, or feel "ready"... I got you. You're ready now. Call or text 312.600.5151 or email emily@emilycummingsphotography.com. Studio 25, 25 W. Jefferson Ave, downtown Naperville.