Behind the Scenes: Professional Makeup for Campaigns and Shoots
See how I translate creative briefs into camera-ready makeup on professional sets. From Schwarzkopf campaigns to designer lookbooks, here is what goes into a seamless shoot experience.
A look behind the scenes of the major campaign for Schwarzkopf Essential Looks 2023. This video shows the scale of the production and my role in creating the clean, polished makeup for the different hair trends.
This reel from the Krisha Sunny Ramani campaign captures the luxurious and glamorous feel of the shoot. It shows the festive makeup looks I created in motion, highlighting their sparkle and elegance.
A behind-the-scenes glimpse from the Akashi Clothing campaign. This video showcases the modern, edgy, and chic makeup looks I designed to complement their contemporary fashion collection.
This fast-paced video for Urban Jungle shows the variety of models and looks involved in the campaign. It was a dynamic shoot where I created fresh, youthful makeup and grooming for a large cast.
A creative behind-the-scenes reel from the Krisha Sunny Ramani shoot. This video highlights some of the more artistic makeup details, like under-eye glitter, that I added to elevate the campaign's look.
A fun and colorful video from the Joyology Beauty launch. This shows the playful atmosphere on set and the vibrant, multi-colored makeup looks I created to match the brand's energetic identity.
A beautifully edited black and white reel from the Krisha Sunny Ramani campaign. It captures the timeless elegance of the collection, with my makeup providing a sophisticated finish that translates well to monochrome.
A moody and atmospheric behind-the-scenes video for the ethnic wear brand Nayantaara. This reel shows the romantic and dramatic makeup looks I created to fit the campaign's artistic direction.
A short, captivating reel from the Nayantaara campaign. It focuses on a close-up of the model, showcasing the intense and mysterious eye makeup I designed for this dark, elegant look.
A behind-the-scenes clip for Nayantaara, showing the beautiful movement of a ruffled saree. The model's makeup is soft and glamorous, designed to look radiant and elegant on video.
About On Set: The Process
Shooting for brands is about the monitor. On a 10-hour campaign, I am not just applying makeup—I am standing by the photographer’s screen to manage flyaways, fix shine between outfit changes, and ensure the foundation density reads correctly for 4K cameras. If you hire me for your production, you are hiring someone who understands that the final image is the only thing that matters.
Working on professional sets requires a different approach than personal events. My role is to bridge the gap between the creative director's mood board and what the lens actually captures. Whether it is a high-volume e-commerce catalogue requiring 30-plus outfit changes or a high-fashion editorial campaign, the technical requirements vary wildly.
Managing High-Volume Production
For catalogue and e-commerce projects, consistency is the goal. I develop a 'Master Look' that ties the entire collection together, allowing for rapid outfit changes without having to redo the base. My kit is packed with long-wear, studio-grade products from brands like MAC and Kryolan, specifically chosen to handle studio heat and heavy lighting without breaking down or reflecting glare.
The Technical Side
On commercial sets, I prioritize skin-first preparation. For brands like Schwarzkopf or Fastrack, the makeup must be flawless but invisible to the viewer. This involves color-correcting skin tones, precise matte finishes for men’s grooming, and high-definition application that holds up under 4K video recording.
Collaboration on Set
I operate as part of the production team, not an outside observer. I am experienced in working with production houses, photographers, and stylists to maintain flow. This means being ready to pivot when the lighting changes or when a specific creative element—like a graphic liner or a period-correct style—is requested mid-shoot. My priority is keeping the timeline on track while delivering the quality the brand requires.
Drishti Nigotia
I am Drishti, a makeup artist based in Mumbai specializing in commercial and editorial sets. I love collaborating with photographers and creative teams to build looks that tell a specific brand story.
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