Tips on How to Prepare for a Photo Shoot

How to prepare for a photo shoot - What to do and not do

Through my experience with female models I have been surprised by the large number of 'models to be' that lack the very basics to make a photo shoot successful. This has prompted me to write a short straight forward guideline that it is easy to follow.

On site one can easily point out which models took the tips seriously. It only takes just that little bit to turn a fair photo shoot into an excellent one.

So do you want to arm yourself with some essential tips to feel confident and act like a professional model? Do you want to be popular with photographers in order to get more hired jobs? As a photographer, do you want to direct your models with a professional attitude? If yes, then read the following with care.

Natural Look Makeup

Makeup should only be slightly heavier than normal. About like you might wear in the evening while foundation must be applied much heavier than usual.

Mascara should be clean and contains no clumps.

Use natural eye shadow, such as, shades of brown, blue, green and silver. Not black!

Eyeliner can be green, blue, white or black. If using black it must be very thin.

Use matte lip stick and avoid lip gloss.

Hair

Any hair style will do but I would suggest avoiding horsetails (except for theme shoots).

Finger and Toe Nails

These should be well groomed.

Natural or basic colours work best, so that they fit well with what you will be wearing.

Clothing

Stay away from striped clothing. Solid colours such as red, blue, orange, brown, green, purple or other colours produce better contrasting photos. Black clothing items ideally should not be your first preference.

Avoid large, bold brand names or words on clothing.

Vary the style. Plan outfits completely.

Shoes should match clothes you are wearing and must be clean.

It is suggested that clothes that wrinkle up very easily should be brought on hangers. Wrinkled clothes do not look nice!

Underwear

Wear golden (non-shine) tan tights, especially when wearing short skirts or dresses.

Session can be taken with or without bra, this subject to model's discretion. If wearing a bra make sure it is seamless and it fits properly underneath the clothes you are going to wear. This stands too for other underwear items. With today's thin fabrics you might want to carefully select these pieces so they do not give unsightly lines.

Tip: black coloured bra on black/brown clothing, skin coloured bra on white clothing, white coloured bra on coloured clothing

If you are doing any nude or partial nude shoots wear loose underwear and no bra for at least 2 hours before the shoot. Underwear leaves ugly press marks on the skin that take very long to fade away!

Personal Hygiene

You should never shave legs or other parts of the body the night before the photo shoot. This should be well planned beforehand.

Watch those underarms!

Accessories

No watches. No rings. Again these must be removed at least 2 hears before the shoot.

Earrings should be simple in shape and moderate in size, except for ring earrings.

Ideally no other jewellery should be worn. If wearing a necklace makes sure that's dainty.

If you wear contact lenses, bring with you your glasses in case you need to remove them.

Props

Take with you any props that you would like to use (any other item that you feel that it might say something about your character).

A hat matching one of your outfits is always suggested as a prop item.

In your personal bag you should have:

Your hair care tools and products Wipes

Brush to clean clothes Mirror

Small make up kit for retouches Foundation

Last but not least

Have a good night's sleep the night before the shoot and restrict your alcohol and tobacco intake for a few days before the shoot - it all shows in your face.

Please do not cancel without sufficient notice and for no good reason. Time is money for the photographer.

Please switch off mobile phones during the photo shoot.

It is strongly suggested that you do not take your partner/lover/boyfriend//girlfriend/husband/wife during the photo shoot. Both the model and the photographer can be inhibited from giving their best. On the other hand, if it makes you feel more at ease, a friend with the right attitude can be helpful during the session.

By following the above mentioned tips you can turn a photo shoot in one that is both productive and relaxing. If you are yet not sure on how to go about directing and posing a model, I suggest you do some homework beforehand so that you never get stuck behind the camera.