Preparing for a shoot

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1 Month Before the Shoot

You will almost never have this much time to prepare so consider this your "always" list. Models must be in top shape at all times in terms of physique and grooming.  These are things you should always be doing to maintain yourself and stay ready for the next opportunity.

 

• Spend 5 minutes every day in front of the mirror.  Practice smiling, practice intense looks, practice every face you see in magazines. Do it until you know what your face feels like in each expression so you can do it without the mirror and still nail the right expression. Then, get naked (totally naked) and practice full body posing.  Clothes are a crutch and to really master the art of posing you must be able to do it without them.  Close the curtains!  Copy the models in magazines and find your most flattering poses, the ones that show off your assets and minimize your "flaws."  You may also want to spend time modeling different accessories such as shoes or purses so that both you and your prop look good - this will pay off later!

• Everything that goes in your mouth - food and drink - affects your skin, your teeth, your hair, your weight, your everything.  Use your head and eat things as close to their natural source as possible (fresh fruits & veggies, whole grains, etc.) and avoid processed foods. Two general rules of thumb: more packaging = more processing (and less nutrition) and the longer the ingredient list, the less you should eat.

• Alcohol leads to weight gain, a tired and dull complexion, and spotty skin.  Cut back or quit.

• Drink water! You've heard it a hundred times but that's because it's so true.  A hydrated body has less food cravings, glowing and clear skin, faster metabolism, detoxed organs, and much, much more.  

• Hit the gym.  Do this and you can strut your hot body for the camera with confidence.  A healthy, toned body looks amazing on camera and is worth the sweat.

• If you have trouble with your skin start clearing it up now.  Everyone's skin is different so see a dermatologist or do an honest assessment of your skin and use reputable products to correct those problems.  

• Make sure your pearly whites are white.

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1-2 Weeks Before the Shoot:

• Don't start using any new makeup or skincare products, they could lead to a breakout.

• Keep out of the sun, it dries your skin and leaves tan-lines.  

• If you want a tan, try out any self-tanning products at least two to three weeks before the shoot and make sure you know how to maintain it. You can also hit the tanning bed nude.

• Consider your wardrobe.  Remember that the focus should be on YOU, not the clothes, so don't select wild prints, super bright colors, or anything too baggy or too tight.  For headshots, dark colors and textures show up best.

• Arrange to have a close friend or relative come to the shoot with you. You should never go to a shoot alone.

• Make sure you're getting lots of sleep to avoid bags under your eyes.

• Whiten teeth if needed.

• Stop wearing dark nail polish, it leaves a stain on nails and will show through when you are wearing clear polish.

• If you are going to wax anything (legs, eyebrows, bikini line, etc.) do it about one week prior to the shoot to allow any redness and swelling to subside.

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2-3 Days Before the Shoot:

• Call your photographer; confirm time, location, wardrobe, and ask any last-minute questions.  

• Avoid greasy, spicy, and salty food.

• Get your hair trimmed by your regular stylist if you need it.  This is not the time to try a new style! 

• If you dye your hair, make sure your color is good and roots are not visible.  Get a touch-up done if necessary.

• Get a manicure and pedicure or do one yourself.  Short to medium length nails with just a clear coat of polish is what you want for any job you are doing.  If you are doing a portfolio shoot and prefer something different, make sure it coordinates with your wardrobe and try to stick to light, neutral colors.

• Tweeze eyebrows.  Don't overdo it!

• If you are having close-ups done or doing a makeup job, have a light facial to close the pores.

• Exfoliate your face and body.

• Give your hair a deep-moisturizing treatment.

• Ensure you have everything you need in your model kit (see below).

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Day/Night Before the Shoot:

• Remove hair from underarms and legs.  Don't forget your bikini line!  Don't wax this close to the shoot, it can leave the areas red.  

• Exfoliate and moisturize your whole body.

• If you are using self-tanner, do it after you shave and exfoliate or you'll just scrub it off.  Try to do this in the morning so that any mistakes are visible by evening.  This should not be your first time using a product, only use self-tanner the day before a shoot if you are experienced with it and know it will look natural.

• Avoid drinking any alcohol, it leaves the face puffy.

• Remove any watches, rings, or other jewelry that could leave an impression on your skin.

• Unless you have very oily hair, wash your hair the day before the shoot, not the day of.  Second-day hair is more manageable.  

• Lay out your wardrobe, with shoes and accessories.  Make sure it is all clean and ironed.

• Charge your phone and make sure the contact info for the photographer is saved in it.  Ensure you have a map and/or directions to the shoot location.  

• Pack your model kit (See Below)

• Confirm a meeting time and go over the plan with your friend or relative who is accompanying you.

• Get plenty of sleep!

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Day of the Shoot:

• Try not to schedule any activities today, just relax and rest your nerves if you are anxious about the shoot.

• If the shoot is very early (sunrise), go for a light jog prior to the shoot to wake up your face.  This eliminates the tired look we see on most people first thing in the a.m.

• Shower and apply antiperspirant.  Do not wear perfume, it attracts insects and can stain clothes.  Deodorant also stains clothing so do not apply it if you are modeling clothes that don't belong to you.

• Don't eat very much for 2-3 hours before the shoot, you may get bloated.  Drink water and eat light.

• Make sure you are relaxed.  I recommend doing yoga or meditation on the day of the shoot to get rid of jitters.  If you practice this routinely it can be extremely effective.

• Don't have too much caffeine.

• Pack all of your wardrobe (with shoes, accessories, and props) and your model kit and arrive on time.  It's so important to be punctual, especially for outdoor shoots.  Make this a priority.

• Bring your favorite playlist.

• Have fun!

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What to Wear to the Shoot:

• Do not wear a ponytail to the shoot, it leaves a kink in the hair.  Style your hair and either leave it down or wrap it in a loose style that you can let down when you arrive (a loose bun secured with pins can give the hair body and a nice wave)

• Wear a button up shirt so you don't mess up your hair taking it off when you arrive and get into wardrobe.  Wear sweatpants and loose sneakers.  You'll look like hell when you arrive but you won't have any marks on your skin during the shoot - and isn't that what's important???

• Do not wear a bra or underwear if at all possible they will leave marks on your skin.

• Do not wear any watches, rings, ear rings or any other kind of jewelry.

• Wear sunscreen for outdoor shoots.

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Model Kit

It is not necessary to bring everything listed but there will come a time when you will be glad if you did!

This is a fairly comprehensive list, tailor your kit to suit your needs.

As a general rule, always bring more than you think you'll need!

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Hair

• Tweezers

• Hair Brush, combs

• Hair ties, headbands, bobby pins, etc.

• Hairstyling products (spray, gel, smoothing serum)

• Hair appliances (curling iron, rollers, straighteners)

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Skin

• Mirror

• Lip Balm

• Vaseline

• Body lotion

• Body makeup

• Translucent powder

• Cotton balls and cotton swabs

• Skin cleanser and moisturizer (Arrive bare-faced for shoots with makeup artists)

• Complete makeup kit (foundation, powder, concealer, blush, lipsticks/gloss, mascara, eye shadows, eyeliner, etc.

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Clothing

Here are the essentials for your wardrobe. You will mostly have some direction on the type of shoot you will be doing, so pack accordingly.

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• Under Garments

  • Black, white and flesh toned undies (one should be a thong)

  • Assortment of bras (black, white, nude, and strapless)

  • Plain black and white stockings

  • Lingerie

  • Nylons – assortment of colors

• Casual -  blue jeans, tanks (assorted colors), LBD (little black dress) etc...

• Business Suit - for a different look. (skirt & jacket)

• Sports (exercise, uniforms, shorts) - If you plan to do sports modeling

• Swim Wear - A few flattering bikinis in this year’s colors & style

• A Robe - to wear between changes during the photo session

• Accessories -  hats, men's shirts, jackets & scarves

• Scarf or makeup mask to prevent makeup transfer

• Props (sunglasses, hats, neckties, jewelry, beach ball, etc.)

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Misc. Items

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• Lotion

• Towel

• Tampons

• Lint Brush

• Eye Drops

• Sunscreen

• Light snack

• Wash Cloth

• Bottled Water

• Insect repellent

• Tylenol, antacid

• Small first-aid kit

• Pen & small notepad

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Small sewing kit with scissors

• Tissues, Cotton Balls & Q-tips

• Shaving kit (for touch ups if necessary)

• Music, books or magazines for downtime