A Signature Part of Your Portrait Experience in Cedar Falls
There’s a moment many mothers know all too well — standing in front of the mirror before photos, wondering how you’re supposed to look rested, confident, and radiant when life has been full, busy, and beautiful… but exhausting.
That moment is exactly why professional hair and makeup is not an add-on at Meghan Goering Photography — it’s a cornerstone of the experience.
When you book a session with our studio, you’re not simply reserving time in front of a camera. You’re stepping into a thoughtfully curated, full-service portrait experience designed to care for you from the very beginning — so you can show up present, confident, and fully seen.
Below, I’ll walk you through what to expect during your professional hair and makeup appointment and why it makes such a meaningful difference in your final portraits.
A Relationship-Driven Approach to Hair & Makeup
For the past three years, we’ve had the joy of working closely with Gabby Skiles, owner of Brighten Salon & Spa. Our relationship is rooted in shared values — care, artistry, and a deep respect for the women and families we serve.
Gabby genuinely cares for my clients as if they were her own. Many of the women she’s pampered here in the studio have gone on to become long-term clients of hers at Brighten — a testament to the trust and connection she builds so naturally.
She has an exceptional understanding of skin tones, facial structure, and how makeup translates on camera, allowing her to customize each look in a way that enhances — never masks — who you are.
Your Appointment Begins With Listening
Every hair and makeup appointment starts with a conversation.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Gabby takes time to understand:
- How you normally wear your makeup
- What makes you feel most like yourself
- Whether you’re drawn to something soft and natural or a more polished, elevated look
The goal is never transformation for the sake of change — it’s refinement. You’ll still look like you… just rested, confident, and beautifully polished.
Why Professional Makeup Matters on Camera
(A Real-Life Test We’ll Never Forget)
One of the most powerful examples of why professional makeup matters came from a simple trial we conducted in the studio.
We photographed the same subject twice:
- Same lighting
- Same pose
- Same expression
- Same beautiful dress
The only difference?
One image was taken without professional makeup.
The other was taken after a full makeup application.
The result was striking.
The dress hadn’t changed — but the way the eye moved through the image had. The makeup brought balance, dimension, and refinement to the portrait. Skin appeared smoother. Features were gently defined. The overall image felt elevated, timeless, and finished.
This is the difference between a photograph and a portrait meant to be displayed as art.
Makeup that photographs well is not the same as everyday makeup — and that knowledge is where true expertise shines.
Designed to Photograph Beautifully (and Naturally)
Professional makeup for portraits is intentionally applied to work in harmony with:
- Studio and natural lighting
- Camera lenses
- Skin undertones
- Final print mediums
The result is never heavy or overdone. Instead, it ensures your features translate beautifully in print — from heirloom albums to framed wall art — while still feeling completely natural in person.
You won’t walk out looking like someone else.
You’ll look like the most confident, rested version of yourself.
And that confidence is visible in every image.
One Less Thing to Carry
Professional hair and makeup is included in all Signature Sessions and The First Year Collective because I believe mothers and senior girls deserve to be cared for — not rushed.
On the day of your session:
- There’s no scrambling at home
- No worrying if your makeup will last
- No wondering if you look “photo ready”
You simply arrive, exhale, and let us take care of you. Our clients often say how they love that their only job is to “show up.” We take care of the rest.
A Full-Service Portrait Experience in Cedar Falls
From start to finish, every detail of your session is thoughtfully designed:
- A curated client wardrobe
- Professional hair and makeup
- Guided posing and expression coaching
- Custom artwork designed specifically for your home
My role is to remove the stress, decision fatigue, and pressure — so you can simply show up and enjoy the experience.
You take care of everyone else every day.
Here, we take care of you.
Ready to Feel Truly Taken Care Of?
If you’re dreaming of a portrait experience in Cedar Falls where you feel pampered, confident, and deeply valued — I would love to talk with you.
Let’s create something meaningful together.
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