STUDIO BEAUTY

Everything You Need To Know To Become A Beauty Photographer

My Photography & Retouching Tools

My Lens

99% of my studio work is photographed with a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens. I bought it a few years ago, initially choosing this option because its L-series sibling was double the price. Last year, however, I got a chance to compare the two and wrote about it here. I am convinced that the non-L-series lens is great for studio beauty photography, and you don’t need to pay the extra dollars for the L-series if that’s what you need this Macro lens for.

I also own a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens. I had rented it a few times for specific shoots and eventually decided that I wanted to own a brand-new one. The reason why I went for it is that I had a few large production shoots for cosmetics brands where the photography stills were secondary and I often did not have a chance to take the models and makeup artists out of the video set to grab my shots. I had to shoot from where the video cameras were positioned and couldn’t get any closer. My 100mm would not allow me to get the necessary frames and 70-200mm gave me all the flexibility and zoom that I needed.

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My Camera

I have been shooting with a Canon 5Ds for a while, and I am extremely happy I purchased it for many reasons besides loving to shoot Macro Beauty with it. There have been instances where the large file size saved some key shots of a commercial project and also gave me an added advantage when my clients wanted to print something way larger than they initially planned – I was able to make it happen for them. My Canon 5D mark II is my backup camera, and I also shoot simple head and shoulder images with it when collaborating or testing (non-commercial, non-portfolio stuff).

For BTS videos, I use my Canon 7D and for high-quality product or beauty video, I use my new Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro.

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Julia Kuzmenko McKim Beauty Photographer & Retouching Artist

Hello and welcome!

I am a commercial beauty and product photographer and retouching artist living and working between Los Angeles and Dallas. Formally trained in Commercial Photography (Melbourne, Australia), I believe in the power of a strong team within every creative project.

As a photographer, I strive for a visually balanced capture that requires minimal post-production, and as a retoucher, I aim to leave no trace of my presence, while elevating a perfectly captured image.

I am a photographer first and foremost, but with my extensive experience with and deep understanding of makeup, lighting, and retouching, I also lead Avenue Retouching Agency, a post-production and consulting agency in the beauty ecosystem designed to assist cosmetics brands in creating visuals that capture the consumer’s eye.

SEE MY WORK

My Clients:

My Video Course

STUDIO BEAUTY

A video training created for
amateur and professional photographers
interested in Beauty Photography

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My Smart Retouching Tools

Work Smarter, Not Harder

For Photographers & Retouchers

Beauty Retouch UXP Panels

Experience a game-changing retouching revolution with our Beauty Retouch panel. Designed by experts for photographers and retouchers, this Photoshop plugin turbocharges your workflow, eliminating tedious tasks and delivering flawless results in record time.

From advanced retouching scripts to decluttering your workspace, this all-in-one solution empowers you to achieve professional-grade retouching with unrivaled efficiency. Don’t settle for ordinary; unleash your creativity and transform your business with the Beauty Retouch panel.

For Makeup Artists & Beauty Lovers

MUA Retouch UXP Panels

Revolutionize your retouching game with our retouching panel, designed for campaign-level perfection. This intuitive Photoshop plugin is your ultimate beauty companion.

No Photoshop expertise needed – our free exclusive Photoshop Basics video course will guide you through the software essentials.

With buttons that mimic real makeup products and a seamless navigation system, achieving professional results has never been easier.

Whether you’re a makeup artist or a beauty content creator, the MUA Retouch panel will elevate your portfolio and social media images to new heights!

For Everyone Working in Photoshop

Pixel Juggler UXP Panel

We created the Pixel Juggler UXP panel to simplify access to regularly used Photoshop© functions which are typically hidden in various submenus. We also added a few custom scripts and tools that will complement our Beauty Retouch and MUA Retouch UXP panels’ functionality for your retouching of beauty, fashion, and portrait images.

Whether you are a photographer, retoucher, professional makeup artist or a beauty lover looking to perfect your portfolio or social media images – the Pixel Juggler panel will help you save time while working in Adobe® Photoshop®.

Beauty Retouch Panel

MUA Retouch Panel

Pixel Juggler Panel

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