Is cc cream enough?

You need to start with primer. The makeup should be formulated for high definition photography (including no SPF) otherwise it will wash you out. Maybe do an online chat with a makeup advisor or Sephora.com or Ulta.com

View Quoted Comment I am definitely using primer with cc cream on top.
Absolute no to my sunscreen to avoid the white ghost like effect your talking about.
I’m just unsure since the product is quite sheer if others who’ve maybe done their own makeup think a cc cream is enough for Any professional photo shoot. Also using a setting powder and blush bla bla you get the idea.

I think it depends on what else you are adding. You mentioned you are using setting powder, blush, etc. All of that stuff does add coverage so it probably doesn’t matter quite as much whether you go with the cc or the medium coverage foundation, especially if you are using concealer and contour and all that. However, with that being said, if you want that smooth, airbrushed look I suggest going with foundation. You may consider getting one shade darker than your usual shade, because photography can sometimes wash you out, just be sure to blend well. Hope this helps! Ultimately it comes down to personal preference but I’m sure you will look great either way!

View Quoted Comment Great tip on the slightly darker foundation!
The foundation is sounding like the better plan for the more air brushed look.
The worst that can happen is I get some foundation and experiment and don’t like it….then just back to plan A! 🙂

It totally depends on you, your skin, and the look you are going for.

If you have good skin and prefer a natural look with minimal product, CC cream can be plenty. Also some CC creams are very buildable and can provide a lot of coverage if needed.

If you are going for a "less is more" look and trying to avoid using a lot of product, I think CC cream is a better option than foundation. Foundation on its own, without some highlight/contour or blush to help shape and color your face, will make your face appear very flat whereas a less full coverage CC cream will still allow some of the natural variation in your skin tone (rosiness of cheeks, etc) shine through. When I use foundation instead of a BB/CC cream I feel like I always have to apply a lot more makeup everywhere to look good.

Also I am a photographer and nearly all of the things people say on here about photography and makeup are incorrect, broad generalizations, or only apply to flash photography and have zero impact on natural light photography. The thing you most want to look out for to avoid flash back (again flash photography only) is products containing certain minerals, like mica, which reflect and bounce light (the most common culprits are setting and mattifying powders or powders used for "baking"). All SPF is not problematic (mineral sunscreens are more likely to cause issues with white cast or flashback, chemical sunscreens not so much) and wearing SPF is actually really important for your skin. If you are going to be outside for any length of time during your event please don't skip the sunscreen! Also flashback is primarily an issue when the source of the light is coming from the same angle as the camera and a good wedding photographer will always extend the flash away from the camera using externally mounted flash or will "bounce" the flash by pointing it at a ceiling or wall; a good wedding photographer is unlikely to us a flash directly mounted on the camera and pointed at the subject because it's just not flattering. The reason you sometimes see flashback in celebrity photos is because those photos are typically either taken my journalists crammed next to one another at events or paparazzi, both of which use camera mounted flash because it is more compact and easier to handle than having the flash off camera.

If you ARE worried about flashback, you can pretty easily test looks at home by using the flash on your phone to take test photos of you in your makeup. It will work best if the room is slightly dark (and flash is actually needed to illuminate the shot) and someone else takes your photo for you from about 3-5 feet away. The flash next to camera lens on your phone will mimic the same effect that a "pro" photographer using a larger camera and camera-mounted flash will.

Also, your makeup does not need to be extra dark or extra dramatic for it to show up on camera if you have a good photographer (one who is both skilled at taking photos and editing them). If you are concerned about how your makeup will show up on camera, consult with your photographer and ask them about whether or not they use flash and how they use it, or specifically ask them if they have any issues with flash back or brides looking too pale or washed out in photos.

View Quoted Comment 10/10 best and most thorough advice!!! Thank you SO much! 🧡