Learning About Modeling (For Aspirers) 3

PREPARING FOR PHOTO SHOOT

By: Emmanuel Abazu

Practice – Practice – Practice!

Even top models spend time in front of the mirror– practicing expressions and poses to prepare for a photo shoot.

It is important to know how your face feels when you smile, or laugh, or frown, or pout. It is important to know how your body feels when it is posed in an attractive manner.

Practice facial expressions in front of the mirror – learn how your face feels with a perfect smile – no gums, eyes open – not squinting. Practice your poses in front of a mirror – while naked.

Yes – it says “naked”. With clothes on you have pockets, collars, etc. to “hang on” to. Without clothes – you have to learn how to place your hands and make them look attractive.

If you are shooting with me, I will guide you in poses –however you will be much more confident if you are able to do some basic poses on your own. Look through current magazines for ideas.

Their catalogs are the ultimate models posing guide!   Study them and pay particular attention to how the models pose in different style clothing.   Look closely at how they hold their hands.

Select your outfits and write a detailed list of the styles and colors that you are bringing. Add specific shoes and accessories to your list. Do NOT bring jewelry unless requested by the photographer or client.

Portfolio images are about YOU – you are the product – don’t water down the image with jewelry.

Props! – Think of props that you can bring to match your outfits. Props make a photo more believable and also give you something else to do with your hands.

Steps to Prepare for a Photo shoot

1 week before the shoot

60 hours (3 days) before the shoot

48 hours (2 days) before the shoot

24 hours before the shoot

1 week before the shoot

Remember – great commercial photographs aren’t accidents – they require planning.

60 hours (3 days) before the shoot

Wax or shave your legs and armpits 3 days prior to a shoot. If you are modeling swimwear or lingerie, be sure you hit the bikini line. This is also the time to be sure your facial hair is under control. Don’t have your facial hair waxed in the three days prior to your shoot in order to allow for irritation to disappear.

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 color your hair, get a refresher or have your roots done.

Note: Now is NOT the time to try new hair color/style or beauty treatment! If your color doesn’t come out as planned or your skin breaks out because you reacted to a new cleanser, you won’t look your best!

48 hours (2 days) before the shoot

Call your photographer. It is VERY important that you call 48 hours prior to the shoot.

To confirm the date and time.

To confirm the list of outfits – styles and colors and props.

To ask any last minute questions that you may have.

Get your nails done. Generally, short and neutral (nude polish or a French manicure) is the desired look.   I can’t even begin to tell you how many great photographs have been ruined by horrible nails!   Don’t forget your toes!

Drink plenty of water; avoid salty foods and alcohol prior to a shoot so that you are not puffy on the day of the shoot.

24 hours before the shoot

PLEASE – Get plenty of sleep before a shoot.

Bags, dark circles, and bloodshot eyes WILL ruin a shoot. Sleep at least eight hours a night for the three days prior to your shoot and avoid alcohol.

PHOTO SHOOT PREPARATION

Your modeling portfolio shoot is the most important photo shoot you will ever do as a model.

Think about it… hopefully some day you will appear on the cover of a major magazine and that will be the coolest shoot you ever do, but your very first photo shoot, the one you do for your modeling  portfolio is the shoot that creates the images that will get you signed by agencies and get you hired for work. NO PRESSURE!

Proper photo shoot prep is crucial to being prepared, feeling confident and comfortable and having a successful shoot that will create the WOW images that your portfolio needs.

Be sure to read the articles linked here for lots of information about how to prepare for a successful photo shoot.

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