Advice & Tips for Models | How to prepare for a Photo Shoot

Most professional  models know by experience about what needs to be  done before a photo shoot.  If you  do  not have a lot of modeling experience I suggest you  look over the following list of    things that will help you  for  this shoot and in  the future. The more of these guidelines you  follow the better your shots will turn out.

Body  hair: Be sure to take care of  all  hair removal prior to a  shoot, but leave at least 2-3  days between when you  wax/shave  any  sensitive areas (such  as your bikini line)  and your shoot date. This time is necessary to allow  for  any  irritation to disappear before your shoot.

Nails: Take care  of  your nails. Be  sure that your nails are   neat and well maintained. Short  nails are   preferred. A natural, non-colored,  or  French  manicure look is preferable. If you  plan on  posing barefoot, be  sure your feet and toes are  in good condition.

Hair:  Check your hair!  If it has been a  while  since you  had a  trim, now  is the time. Just be  sure your hairdresser knows that he/she can't go  too wild  this time. If you  hair is dry,  opt for  a deep conditioning treatment. If you  colour your hair, get a refresher or  have your roots done. Now  is NOT the time to try new  hair colour/style or  beauty treatment! Do NOT arrive to your shoot with damp or  wet hair expecting it to be  completely styled!  Bring  a  hair brush along as the photographer will  want to show your hair off  with various looks. Wear  your hair natural and down, unless you have been given other directions by  the photographer or  your agency in  advance. Bring  a couple hair clips or rubber bands to put your hair up  or in a different style. 

Teeth: If you  plan on  showing your smile, be  sure that your teeth are  ready for  prime-time. If your teeth are  discoloured, you  may  want to consider having them cleaned/whitened.

Eat:  Eat  something light before the photo  shoot.  You  will  need your energy.

Water: The  secret for  beautiful skin. Drink  plenty of water starting a week in advance of your photo shoot. This will hydrate your skin.

Rest:  Get plenty of  rest the night before our  photo shoot. Your  energy will shine through in each pose!

Please bring a  robe, or  blanket, or  large towel (something  easy to take off and put on)  to cover up  with and keep warm if necessary.

Posing: Practise different poses in the mirror at home - different faces (smilimg, seductive, happy etc) (look  in magazines for  ideas)

Sun   block:  Between  now   and  the  photo  shoot  please be   conscious  of exposure to the sun and use sun block

Skin  Care: The  day  before and of  your shoot Exfoliate your entire body and face and moisturize using a non-greasy, non shimmering lotion.

Clothes: Make  sure that your clothes are  not busy. No florals, pinstripes or pictures.  Plain   colours  are   best. Busy  clothes  can   take  attention  away   from  the model. Don’t  wear tight clothes (bra   or  underwear)  prior to our   photo shoot since these leave strap marks and take a  while  to go  away.   Wear  a  button front shirt to protect hair and make-up so you  don't pull  it over you  head to remove it.

Deodorant:  If  you   are   going  to  wear  a   sleeveless  top,  do   not  wear deodorant. It will show up  in the photo. If you  wear perfume to the photo shoot (not recommended), make sure it's very  light. Photographers studios are  not always large and strong perfume will  overwhelm the photographer and the others who  have to work with you.

Jewelry:  Be careful about the jewelry you're going to wear - again this can be  distracting.

Avoid   breakouts: No  matter  what the  temptation,  stay away   from  new makeup and skin care products just before a photo shoot. You could be  in for  a big, unwanted surprise by  having a  reaction to these new   experiments. Just  stay with what you  know works for  you.

Makeup: Discuss if a make-up artist will be  on  the set, if so arrive with clean hair and absolutely no  make-up.   All traces of makeup should be  gone from your skin. All eyeliner and mascara should be  gone. Your face should be  clean and product free when you  arrive.

Lips: Avoid  dry  lips by putting Vaseline on  your lips before bed and the morning of your shoot. Exfoliate your lips by brushing them when you  brush your teeth.

Eyebrows: Have  your brows professionally shaped and then keep them up by plucking the strays every few  days. I will Pluck  strays the day  of the shoot but probably will not have time to shape your brows.

Tidy  up:   everything about you   from head to toe should be   at its best and clean. (fingernails, toenails, nose hair, back of neck shaved, etc.)

Check on  makeup, clothing and prop requirements. Unless you’re already working professionally (and often even if you  are)  you  will probably have to supply your own. Make  sure you  have what you  need.

72  hours before your photo shoot, avoid the following items (these items can  give  you  oily skin and swelling):
a. Red  meat b.  Alcohol
c. Caffeine
d. Spicy  foods
e. Retin A and Alpha Hydroxy creams (causes skin peeling that will show with photo makeup)

Tan  Lines: For body (lots of skin showing) shots, be  sure you  get rid  of tan lines by visiting a tanning booth a few  times.

Skin:  Coconut Oil or  shea butter is great for  keeping the skin glowing.Treat your body with TLC from top to toe.

Music: Bring  your own  CD's. The  music you  like  to listen to will help you relax.

Be on  time. (On time is 30  minutes early)

Source: hdmakeup.co.za