How to prepare for a Photoshoot

 

We've compiled a guide to help you prepare for your photo session.  It's broken down into 3 sections and not everything may apply for your situation. It would be a good idea to start gathering a few photos that you like from magazines, etc. which will help inspire your session. 

 

1 - Appearance / Cosmetics

For Girls

Paint your nails (clear or neutral colors work best)

Style your hair before your session, choosing a comfortable style you know looks good

Plan on arriving at least 15 minutes early to your session.  This will allow

time to make last minute adjustments to your hair and clothing, as well as

give you time to relax before the session begins.

Apply make-up before you arrive and bring product with you for touch-ups if necessary

 

For Guys

Trim nails

Style your hair before your session and bring a comb or brush for touch-ups if necessary

Consider getting a haircut approximately one week prior to your session

Shave before your session

 

 

Glasses

If you normally wear glasses, they should be worn for your session. It is advised that you borrow a set of frames without lenses from your eye doctor to eliminate glare and distortion from the lens.
 

Clothing

• Avoid neon colors, graphic shirts with big words or logos.
• Stay away from fabrics that are prone to wrinkling or cling to you in unflattering ways.
• Choose several outfits to offer variety during the shoot (for example, one formal and one casual).
• Incorporate a variety of colors that are still consistent with your everyday style.
• Avoid too much solid black. Break it up with other colors and patterns.
• Choose flattering fits, styles, and fabrics that complement your natural shape from all angles.
• Accessorize with hats, scarves, necklaces, etc. but don’t go overboard.
• Bring matching shoes, socks, and accessories to complete your outfits
• Iron wrinkled clothes prior to your session
• Consider bringing "props" (letter jackets, uniforms, sports equipment, and musical instruments) to express your interests, making your portraits personal
• Be yourself and comfortable in your outfit choices so you can focus on the shoot, not fixing your clothes, throughout the session.

 

Hair

Do not experiment with new hairstyles and colors before the shoot; it may not work as expected.

Do not trim your hair within a week before the photo shoot.

 

Eyes

Use a lash groomer to smooth brows into place for a defined shape and to prepare before tweezing, trimming or applying makeup.

Get plenty of sleep to avoid puffy eyes. No amount of makeup can fix this.

 

Model's kit

Here are some items you may want to add to your model's bag. Not all items are required, but it is useful to have a reference. 

Hairbrush
Hairbands, pins, clips
Eyeliner
Makeup remover
Small mirror
Concealer in flesh tones
Loose transparent face powder
Lip pencil (nude or skin color)
Lipsticks and lip pencils
Pencil sharpener
Travel size nail kit
Cotton balls and cotton swabs
Hair spray
Moisturizer

 

 

 

2 - Timeline

 

1 week before the shoot

Make a checklist of items you are planning to bring to the shoot. 

Flip through magazines to see which poses you like. Spend some time in front of the mirror, trying different poses & different facial expressions.
 

2-3 days before the shoot

Use light neutral color manicure. No red or black nails, please, they don't work with most outfits and make-ups and draw too much attention to hands and/or feet.

It is the right time to get your nails done. Make sure your nails are good for close-up images.

Avoid greasy, spicy and salty food. Drink plenty of water and have a good night's sleep.

 

24 hours before the shoot

Make sure all outfits and accessories are ironed and properly packed. Pack outfits carefully to avoid wrinkles on clothes.

Tweeze eyebrows and the area between eyebrows. Be careful not to over tweeze.

Use oil and toothbrush on lips to exfoliate and top with Vaseline the night before the shoot. Put Vaseline on hands, feet, knees, and elbows (put cotton socks/gloves on feet/hands overnight to soak in) to soften the skin and minimize wrinkles.

Avoid greasy, spicy and salty food. Avoid alcohol. Drink plenty of water and have a good night's sleep.

Charge your mobile phone and make sure you have my phone number recorded.

 

The day of the shoot

Relax. Take more time than usual to get ready. Moisturize your skin.

Eat a light meal before you leave. Take a bottle of water and some light snacks to the photo shoot, especially if the shoot is outdoors or on location.

Avoid wearing sunglasses on the way to the shoot.  It will leave marks on your face.

Arrive on time. If late, contact me and let me know your estimated time of arrival. If you arrive with a significant delay, the shoot may be shortened as well and the number of final images may be reduced.

 

3 - The Photo Session

 

Ideas

Models are encouraged to share their ideas any time before or during the photo shoot.

Posing

The photo shoot is a collaborative process between the photographer and the model. 

Relax and flow naturally. I will give suggestions during the session whenever something doesn't look right.  Practice posing before the shoot, be natural and keep moving.

 

My shooting style

I do not have a predefined recipe for all shoots. For the most part, I tend to "go with the flow". I usually give suggestions for location and poses and follow the model's performance. I love trying new things, experimenting with different angles.