A complete guide for how to prepare for a photoshoot
Once you have confirmed the agreement you have in place, which includes some or all of these details; who you will be shooting with, where you will meet, who else will be there, how long the shoot will be, what styles you are aiming for, the ‘levels’ you will be working to, plus how long it will be before you get your images, any agreed limits on publishing them and confirmation of your changing facilities (if on location) you are ready for the next stage.
Hopefully prior to all this you will have discussed content ideas using Pinterest or a similar image library service so you will now have an idea of the theme for the shoot. Everyone wants the shoot to flow and be easy. More fun for you, quicker turn around of images which leads to greater exposure. So many of these tips, although simple, can make a major difference to the productivity on the day.
A few days beforehand
Some shoots have themes or specific lighting styles in mind and naturally clothing can make a significant difference in creating the overall look. Once you know what you should wear, make sure to assemble your wardrobe and lay them out on your bed. Maybe visit the local charity shops for anything which may enhance the vibe. Get items laundered, ironed, and anything else needed. There’s nothing worse than a last minute 'it was here' type panic. Look for loose threads, stains, rips or tears which may need to be addressed. These are all minor things which can add significantly to editing time.
(Happy Photographer points +1)
Tip Tip: Remove labels. If possible remove the little ‘white’ washing labels found inside all clothing. These are easily missed during the shoot, however they stick out like a sore thumb during the edit and can, once again, be another time consuming edit.
(Happy Photographer points +2)
Hair and Make Up: Some models have a natural gift for creating a variety of looks with minimal effort. However there are those who panic when going beyond their usual ‘daily’ look. Talk this through with your photographer if this is the case. Everyone wants the best result and so if that means calling on the services of an MUA then booking someone needs to be done in advance. Be honest with the photographer, the last thing you want is rejection on the day. If you are doing your own make up, practise the looks and take a few selfies, either as reference or to send the photographer as confirmation. If your roots need attention then do this early. If appropriate, wax, shave and check brows and edit accordingly.
Top Tip: Fake Tan: Never… Just don’t … please ... ever. If you want a tan the photographer can easily add that in the edit. This saves you hours of ‘looking for the bit you missed’. It is guaranteed the photographer will always find patches during the edit and it will be a real pig to edit or remove. So please just don’t … ever.
(Happy Photographer points +3)
Props: The power of a prop should not be underestimated and many photographers will sing your praises forever if you ‘think’ your theme through and add little twists that make it ‘so much more’. It can be as simple as a piece of material, a hat, an item of clothing, jewellery, anything which is ‘on theme’. Props allow you to bring the ‘moment’ alive. Again a visit to the charity shop can bring great rewards.
(Happy Photographer points +4)
Posing: Use the Pinboard as a starting point, practise the look and position any of the examples show. Pay attention to the small things, the shape of the hands, where they are positioned, the turn of the body, where the weight is on the hips, how the legs are posed. It may seem simple but great models practise, practise, practise until it is second nature. There’s so many examples on social media all of which looks effortless. Standing in front of the backdrop in a studio for the first time can be a very intimidating place, especially if the photographer is new and is waiting for you to ‘pose’.
Travel: How are you getting there and back? Book your tickets early to get discount (if appropriate). Check your car is road legal (MOT/Insurance/Tyres) as automated cameras and congestion zones are often an unwelcome surprise. While you’re at it check the lights are all working depending of time of travel to and from the shoot.
The night before
Look after yourself: A good nights sleep has to be the best preparation. Younger models sometimes think this doesn’t apply to them, however if you can’t give 110% for the duration of the shoot, plus the travelling, plus the time getting dressed to look immaculate, dealing with make up and hair with ease, getting on and off things to pose, then you are doing both you and the photographer a big disservice. A quality photoshoot can be thrilling and exhausting. Drink water, don’t eat big meals, if you want to look your best and get top results, then treat yourself well.
Keep your body happy. This advice goes for life in general, but it’s essential for your portraits. Make sure to eat something, drink plenty of water and get a good night’s sleep before your session. Steer away from a boozy night before. Your body and your clear non-blooshot eyes will thank you! Photo sessions are a blast but they can be exhausting, so you’ll want to feel comfortable and happy! Removing bloodshot from the eyes with bags below is yet more editing work.
(Happy Photographer points +5)
Shave if appropriate: Razor burn, irritation or cuts on the day will make you feel uncomfortable and can greatly impact the shoot, so do it all the night before and you’ll have time to heal or apply creams whatever works for you. The way you feel is paramount to the final image. I feel I’m repeating myself here.
It is perfectly normal to have small skin blemishes, a spot or dry patch. These are the easiest to remove so don’t be too concerned. However check nail varnish for chips and repair if needed.
(Happy Photographer points +6)
Travel: Check your train or coach is running on time. Top up with petrol/diesel if appropriate.
The Biggest Top Tip: Confirmation: It will be a massive relief to the photographer if you text, email, call or whatever to confirm you are packed and ready and will be arriving on time the following day. This simple polite message will put you head and shoulders above so many people who sadly waste everyone’s time, saying ‘yes’ to a shoot and then never turning up. Models who are reliable, consistent and professional are never out of work.
(Happy Photographer points +7)
On the day
Bring useful necessities: A little bag which contains a number of ‘just in case’ items has often saved the day. A little mirror, chapstick, safety pins, clothing tape, snacks, comfy slip on shoes, bug spray, medical items/tablets, small scissors, small needle and thread, spare glasses, mini torch are just a few things to have to hand. Don’t go mad, but after a few shoots you’ll realise how important these can be.
Munchies: Bring whatever will keep your energy level up. Water, snacks, fruit, Hobnobs, Jaffa Cakes or whatever. Hopefully the photographer will have asked you about such things and will at the very least have tea or coffee to hand. Anything else is a bonus.
Make sure hair is freshly washed, conditioned and dried. Depending on circumstances, some models prefer to arrive bare faced and others fully made up ready to shoot. Allow time to put on make up.
Top Tip: Depending on how much skin you will be showing don’t wear tight fitting clothing which will leave marks. Keep it loose and comfortable and dress when you arrive. Material patterns from underwear left on the skin especially when seen under sheer clothing, is virtually impossible to edit. Think it through, this includes tight hats, socks, bangles and certain jewellery.
(Happy Photographer points +8)
Take breaks: Hopefully you won’t have a solid full day of shooting with no breaks and this will have be agreed at the booking stage. I tend to shoot for a bit, take a break, chat and review the images and then do a little more for the duration, however everyone is different. Sometimes you both get ‘in the zone’ and every image is so fabulous you don’t want to stop. Other times one or the other of you will run out of steam and need a break to reset. Don’t be frightened to say you need to stop. Everyone wants the best results remember.
Travel: If possible try to arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time. It will allow you time to park the car, locate hidden doors and chat with the photographer and any helpers to break the ice. Everyone gets nervous at times including the photographer. The better the vibe, the better the pictures.
Delays: These things happen. If anything effects your journey do keep the photographer informed without delay. He will appreciate you even more when you arrive.
(Happy Photographer points +9)
What happens next
It is perfectly normal for the first question after the shoot to be ‘when will I see my images’? Everyone will have a different work flow and this question should be part of your initial conversation with the photographer before you commit to a shoot.
Some will send you all the images to choose, some may only give you the one’s they think are good, some will turn them around quickly, others can be months. Some will have restrictions and what you can post and when. If you see my other page, it explains how I work. However all these questions need to be asked before your shoot, so you know what ‘returns’ you will be getting for your ‘investment’ of time, money and effort when working with someone new. Every shoot is different, but it is much better to be realistic with your expectations beforehand. This way no one is offended, or upset when something is ‘assumed’ and not agreed.
Just remember, modelling is a gratifying, confidence-building activity that not many are privileged to experience. It is a real skill which when learned, could provide you with a long career. Being 'pretty' just isn't enough. A good photograph is about the 'moment'. The model is a significant part of this illusion.
Time spent preparing is never wasted. It will ensure you, your photographer and any others involved in your shoot come away having had a pleasurable time working with you. This will guarantee repeat bookings, recommendations and is a big step forward in your career.
(Happy Photographer points +10)