CONGRATULATIONS, you have successfully nailed down a shoot with a photographer … now what? What should you pack? How should you prepare for a model photo shoot and the adventure ahead? Well, there are a few steps you should take in order to be in tip-top shape for your upcoming model photo shoot:

Step #1: Know the Concept
Step #2: Prepare your Hair and Make-Up
Step #3: Prepare your Wardrobe

How to Prepare for a Model Photo Shoot

Step #1:Knowing your concept includes discussing with the photographer exactly what kind of shoot this is going to be. Will it be Glamour, High Fashion, Commercial, Pin-Up, Theatrical or so on. When you know the concept, you are able to mentally and physically prepare how you are going to look and how you are going to pose. For instance, if it is a themed shoot, there is a very particular wardrobe and character you have to develop in order to knock the shoot out of the park. In juxtaposition, if you are doing more of a commercial look, you have more wiggle room. At least a week before your model photo shoot, call or email the photographer and make sure you know exactly what kind of images you both wish to create.

Step #2: Preparing your hair and make-up is essential to the success of your model photo shoot. To start, as discussed, know the concept of the shoot. This will aid in narrowing down your choices of looks. Next, analyze your portfolio and decipher what looks you wish to add. In blogs to come I will go further in-depth about the hair and make-up tools best for each look, however, I will tell you now that there are two objects that I believe are essential for any concept you are going to shoot: Eyelashes and Hair Spray.

In order to take your look to the next level, choose a pair of eyelashes. For Pin-Up looks, thin long lashes will make your eyes appear rounder, giving you that “Doe-Eyed” look for the men at sea to dream about. On the other hand, a thick, mid-length lash will lengthen your eyes, creating that mysterious, sexy, “come-hither” look. Whatever length and thickness, adding eyelashes makes your eyes pop, making your images that much more memorable.

For your hair, hairspray is a MUST have. For a photo shoot, hair has a direct connection to your confidence level. You spend your time and energy preparing it for the shoot and, when you get there it falls or moves or frizzes or what-have-you and your confidence is shot. Hair spray eliminates fly-aways (those little disobedient hairs that stick right up like Alfalfa from The Little Rascals), and holds you hair in tacked so all you have to worry about is the camera.

Step #3: Preparing your wardrobe is the final touch that can make-or break a look. If you are doing a 1940’s Hollywood look with a 2010 short cocktail dress, the you have missed your mark, my dear. Make sure the wardrobe is appropriate for the theme. Also, if you have an image in your head that differentiates from the look the photographer wants, clashing may occur. So, to eliminate this, make what I call a “Goodie Bag.” This goodie bag includes at least five different outfits, different pairs of shoes and jewelry that you believe best encompasses what the concept you will be shooting. This will not only impress the photographer, but it will allow you to nail at least one look that you AND the photographer will love.

Also, make sure you put on and practice posing in every outfit you have in your goodie bag. You can nail an outfit, but when you put it on and freeze up because you have no idea how to pose in it, then the shoot is compromised. So, put on each look and try at least five different poses to ensure that you can, in fact, rock the hair, make-up and the concept for your shoot.

As always, stay positive, stay confident, prepare your look and you will be great.

Lots of love,
Rachel B.