SARA MUA - GOTHIC HORROR: HD

What is High Definition Broadcasting and how does it affect

make up and hair artists?

HDTV(High Definition Television) is is a format for digital television transmission, which can display a resolution from 720p to 1080i. This results in very clear, sharp and almost real life images we see on TV. A lot of broadcasting station offer now also they programs in HD and it becomes more and more the standard. But to receive HDTV you need as special receiver which a lot of people who have older TV models don't have. Means they have to upgrade to HD TV's. And analog TV starts to disappear. Therefore HDTV is the format with the highest quality we have at the moment. But having the highest quality also brings sides effects with it when it comes to make up and hair on TV or anywhere a HD camera is being used. The good thing about analog TV was that it was shot in a special(lower format) so you couldn't see any wrinkles, scars, blemishes or generally the heavy make up which was necessary to give the person the perfect skin. But now with HDTV yo can see every little spot, every line that is wrong or even if the make up artist used too much powder. It is all visible. Which gives all the make up artist and hairstylists a big headache. Therefore make up artist should work on they applying techniques, like blending and buffing the foundation in very well so you won't be able to see it that much. They should also check they work on camera after doing a test shoot maybe, because then they can still work on the things that are too obvious. With the rise of HDTV a few make up brands offer now also HD make up. For instance has Kryolan a HD series which offers HD foundation and powder(click here to see their range of HD products). Smashbox also offers a photo ready/ finish series which I guess can also be used for HDTV (smashbox website). I have also seen drugstore brands offering HD make up but I doubt that they will that good. I am not saying drugstore brands are not good just that I doubt that you get a good result when working in the HD environment. Airbrushing now also used when working with HD cameras because it makes the skin look more smooth.

"Airbrush provides a way of depositing base onto the face through a conical spray pattern

of thousands of tiny dots or “pixels” at a very low pressure that gently overlaps on skin,

and from a distance the eye perceives it as a smoother, natural looking complexion.

Some skin discolorations and imperfections, scars, and puffiness are visually blended out

more successfully under airbrush makeup. Depending on the micronization of the

pigment contained in the airbrush product, these tiny “pixels” of base on skin gives

somewhat the same effect as what the digital camera sees, and the natural tone of the

talent’s skin comes through giving a smoother and natural looking appearance."( 2009 by Creative Artistry & FX)

I think when it comes to hair, you have to be careful that everything is in place and that there is nothing poking out. Also maybe the use of products. I could image that it is maybe visible if you spray too much hairspray or if you use dry shampoo.

Some brands that offer HD make up

Make Up For Ever Professional Paris