Today, I’m excited to shine a spotlight on Shaunna, an incredible makeup artist who plays a pivotal role in bringing our vision at Motherly Portraits to life. Her artistic touch has a way of making every mother we photograph feel like the most radiant version of themselves. In this conversation, we dive into her journey from her beginnings in makeup artistry to what makes her passionate about enhancing the natural beauty of our maternity and motherhood clients!

Antonio: What inspired you to pursue a career in makeup artistry?

Shaunna: I've always been obsessed with beauty and self-expression. Growing up, my mom was my biggest inspiration—she always took time to look her best before heading out. But the real turning point for me was losing my aunt, Caprice. She was such a vibrant, creative spirit who could light up any room, but she often felt overlooked. After she passed away, I knew I wanted to channel her creativity into something meaningful. Makeup artistry became my way to honor her memory and help others feel seen and beautiful. It’s not just a job for me; it’s personal.

Antonio: You’ve probably seen a lot of different styles and looks in cosmetics, what is your favorite makeup look to create and why?

Shaunna: My favorite look to create is an enhanced version of yourself. I love working with different faces and discovering unique features—like a freckle on the lip or a scar. Those little details might not always be someone’s favorite, but they make each person one of a kind. Helping people embrace what makes them unique, and showing them that they can shine just as they are, BUT I do love a sultry glam. 

Antonio: And with all the different techniques and products in cosmetics industry, how do you stay current with the latest makeup trends and techniques?

Shaunna: I stay current with makeup trends through social media, where I follow celebrities and professional artists. I also freelance with talented peers, and we learn a lot from each other. It’s a great way to stay inspired and up-to-date!

Antonio: Can you share a time when you faced a challenging makeup situation, and how did you overcome it?

Shaunna: Pregnancy hormones are wild! Just when you think you’ve seen it all, something surprising happens. I had a client with normal skin, and as soon as we started applying makeup, her face became super oily—it was like the makeup was just separating right off. I’ll admit, I started to panic a little, thinking, “Okay, Shaunna, figure this out!” I took a deep breath and calmly explained that I was going to wipe off everything and switch to airbrush makeup. It’s a reminder that anything can happen during a makeup application, but the most important thing is to stay calm and keep your composure. In the end, we got her looking beautiful, and it turned into a great experience.

Antonio: What do you like most about doing makeup for maternity and motherhood photoshoots?

Shaunna: What I enjoy most about doing makeup for maternity and motherhood photoshoots is that I get to connect with other moms. Since I’m a mom myself, I love when they first sit in my chair and we can share some real moments. It’s amazing to talk, share stories, and sometimes even have shed some tears together. As we go through the session, I really love being their hype woman! I want to help them feel fierce and showcase their inner strength. It’s such a joy to see them transform and leave feeling beautiful and empowered during such an important time in their lives.

Antonio: Can you share a moment in our studio that was meaningful you feel especially and why that experience was to you?

Shaunna: This is a tough one, but every woman I’ve had the honor of doing makeup for has left a lasting impression on me. One story that stands out is from a mother who raised her daughter as a single parent until she met her spouse. During our time together, she opened up about her upbringing and the challenges she faced. What struck me most was her determination to attend college while raising her daughter, who lived on campus with her. Her story truly showcased the strength and resilience of women.

Antonio: Share a moment in our studio that made you feel especially connected to the client and why it was meaningful to you.

Shaunna: The Motherly Portraits studio is truly a magical place. One moment that really touched me was when a client brought her son and husband in for family photos. The love and connection between them were so strong, even without words, and it really hit me in the feels. I could feel the warmth of their bond, and I ended up tearing up. It reminded me of how precious these family moments are and how powerful love can be. Experiences like that make my work feel incredibly meaningful and remind me why I love what I do.

We’re so fortunate to have Shaunna’s artistry and expertise shaping the Motherly Portraits experience. If this interview inspired you, don’t miss out on following her creative journey—find her social links below to see her latest masterpieces and reach out!

MOTHERLY PORTRAITS

Antonio specializes exclusively in fashion and fine-art inspired maternity portraits. For more of MOTHERLY PORTRAITS please visit our maternity gallery. For bookings and information on maternity photography please reach out to us by filling out the contact form here. We are excited to learn about you and your baby so we can provide you with a fully customized experience.