Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional Makeup

Sponge-and-Foundation-Brush Traditional Makeup is applied by hand using your fingers, a beauty blender or makeup brush. It is not very forgiving when it comes to imperfections and for someone that doesn’t know the proper way to apply the makeup. It could leave your face looking cakey, blotchy and possibly “running” at the first signs of water. There is traditional makeup that is water resistant to help prevent this. If applied correctly and if you’re not touching your face or crying tears of joy, then you should look flawless throughout part of the day.

Traditional makeup application with a brush can cause streaks whereas airbrush makeup will fill any pores and cover lines evenly on your skin giving a flawless coverage that looks natural.

Airbrush Makeup

Airbrush Makeup is applied by an airbrush gun and compressor. It is a specialized technique of applying makeup creating a fine gentle mist of tiny color dots that cover your skin giving you a natural and picture perfect completion. The pressure of the air is as light as blowing out a candle. Most clients say that it feels wonderful and incredibly relaxing, which seems to be very popular for the bride and her bridal party on her special day!

Airbrush foundations can be applied sheer to full coverage, and appears light and flawless unlike traditional makeup that can sometimes settle into your pores and creases. Since the makeup is distributed in micro-fine layers using an airbrush gun vs. a makeup brush or facial sponge, the end result appears more natural and pure. Skin imperfection like redness, age spots, sun damage, enlarged pores and acne scars are hidden by using minimal product so there is no “caked-on” look. The airbrush pattern is micro-fine, it photographs far more evenly and offers a flawless finished look. The airbrush pattern will not leave behind outlines or ragged edges typical of makeup brushes or sponges. This is important because marks that are not recognizable to the human eye may be noticeable in hi-definition and high-resolution digital photography.

Airbrush makeup is intended to last. Even people with greasy or acne prone skin will get results from the longevity of airbrush makeup. The coverage, texture, consistency and durability provided by airbrush makeup results in a flawless complexion that stands up to the scrutiny of hi-definition and high image resolution digital photography. In the wrong hands airbrush makeup could be a disaster for you, but in the hands of a real professional with certified training, the benefits outweigh the cost.

Summery of Benefits of Airbrush Makeup:
• Lasts up to 12 hours
• Custom color blending for the correct color matching
• Your skin looks perfect and fresh all day – no matter how hot or humid it is
• Creates a flawless complexion, which photographs well in HD cameras
• Seamless contouring and highlighting to accent your most beautiful features
• It does not cake, smear or melt away
• Minimum to no-touch ups needed
• Lightweight

Remember, your wedding day is probably one of the most important days of your life. You spend months choosing your wedding dress, flowers and location down to every last detail; don’t cut corners on your makeup. Much focus and money is spent on a photographer and/or videographer, these pictures will be the lasting memories of your wedding day. Be sure not to short change your decision when choosing your makeup options between an inexperienced makeup artist to one with credentials and over 10 years of experience in the makeup business. Pictures are forever and having your makeup professionally done is worth the investment.

Airbrush vs. Traditional Makeup

Wedding FAQs

How do I secure your date?

If you’re ready to book we require a 50% non refundable deposit in the form of check, cash or through Venmo.
Michelle recommends to book services 6 months or more in advance, She tends to book up quickly especially during the prime wedding season months (April-October).

Do you have a minimum for booking?

Yes, Michelle has a 3 person minimum for booking her services. If booking a large wedding party, please let her know in advance in order for her to book another artist so we can accommodate your time schedule.

Consultation

Please allow 1 hour to achieve the perfect look for your special day. Michelle will take her time to discuss colors, makeup styles, and skin care concerns during this trial. Makeup trials include: full airbrush/traditional makeup application,
Individual/strip lashes if requested for you to see what your makeup will look like for your big day, and makeup chart for continuity.

Trials are on Sundays ONLY at Sass Salon in Orchard Park at this time!

Contact me to make an appointment. I recommend booking your trial a few months before your wedding.

Some tips to prepare for your consultation

Want to know what can you do to prepare for your consultation?

Are you a Pinterest junkie? Save some pictures to your wedding board and show Michelle at your trial. Or, while you’re flipping through bridal or fashion magazines, just tear out the pages and bring them along.

Before the Consultation

Booking is done on a first come, first serve basis.
I require a 50% non-refundable deposit in order to secure your wedding date.
It is very important you book in advance as many people who will want makeup so I can block off enough time and book my assistant for large parties.
Advantage and plan as much in advance as possible.
It will make the day of your wedding run so much smoother and less stressful…

What to expect on your Wedding Day

Just relax and take a deep breath, you’re in good hands.
Makeup for the flower girls is complimentary! At this time, the remaining balance must be paid in full. Please be responsible for collecting the rest of the balance from your bridal party.
Contact me the week of your wedding and find out what the remaining balance is and collect this in advance. From my experience, you don’t want to run around chasing people for payment the day of your wedding. Keep in mind, people do add on lashes so that might be the only thing that is added on and will be an additional cost.

Where is Michelle located?

I’m available in Studio or on location for any occasion where you want to look your best!

Travel and parking fees may be applied throughout the Buffalo area and beyond depending on mileage.

Photography FAQs and Information

What to Expect

What a wonderful idea it is to set some time aside and stop from the crazy thing called “life” to capture your children during these precious years and getting those hard to get family photos for any occasion. Michelle enjoys shooting in the natural light, outdoors and has perfect spots to visit in the Buffalo area that we can discuss before booking depending on the type of session you’re looking at. She also has some indoor seasonal sets available during the colder months in the Orchard Park, Hamburg area. Please inquire via my contact info.

What is required for booking?

Michelle requires a 50% deposit with a signed contract in order to book and hold your date. She recommends booking at least 1 month in advance for Family and Children sessions. She accepts, cash, checks and Venmo at this time.

What if the weather is bad?

Michelle will let you know the morning of the shoot if we need to reschedule If it looks like rain. If it’s cloudy out, that‘s perfectly ok! Clouds are actually lovely to have for photos.

Rescheduling

Sometimes something comes up, so rescheduling is allowed with two business days notice (48 hours) in order to use your deposit towards rebooking your shoot the second time. Rebooking with in 48 hours notice and transferring your deposit is only allowed one time. If you must cancel a second time, your deposit will be forfeited.

Rescheduling with less than two business days (48) hours notice is considered a cancellation and your booking fee is sacrificed.

If Michelle Has to Reschedule

Your time is valuable as Michelle’s. So, if for some reason she has to reschedule the date of your shoot, you’ll receive a discount of $25 off of your remaining balance. Or, you can choose to receive a full refund of your deposit if you’d rather cancel than reschedule.

Late Arrivals

If your late for your shoot, this will result in less shoot time and fewer images as there may be another client after you.

Cancellations & No Shows

If you forget your session or cancel within 48 hours of your session, you will forfeit your holding fee.

When will we receive our images?

Michelle will send your edited images within 3 weeks from your session. If you need them sooner, there will be an additional $50 rush fee.

What time of day is best for my outdoor session?

For outdoor sessions, Michelle recommends early in the morning or 1-2 hours before sunset. These are the best times of day for photography.

What outfit should I wear for my photos?

For Fairytale sessions, I recommend a costume that currently fits your child or we can work together to pick out the best outfit for the storytelling sessions. Amazon has great options available. Accessories are wonderful, so bring some along or ask Michelle her thoughts if you have something in mind. For family photos, it’s best to wear solid colors or natural earth tones because patterns can distract from the pictures.