HOW TO PREPARE FOR A PHOTOSHOOT
RULE N1: FORGET ABOUT PHOTOSHOP
It is a common misconception to believe that anything can be corrected in photoshop. No thats wrong! If you are after high quality images, make sure that you skin, hair and nails are on point.
I assure you that no photographer is willing to spend hours correcting a flow that could have been easily corrected beforehand. Get everything perfect on camera and your will get the best images of your life!
RULE N2: BE SOBER AND RESTED
As ridiculous as it sounds, some girls pay for a photoshoot only to turn up there drunk/under influence ‘because they are nervous’ or after a sleepless night. Please remember that no make up can cover a tired face and you never look your best after drinking alcohol.
Photoshoot is your self investment. Allocate a day when you can have a proper night of rest and avoid any alcohol/drugs at least for couple of days.
RULE N3: RESPECT PHOTOGRAPHER TIME
Agree on a date, pay a deposit, turn up 15-30 min upfront, if cancelling due to an emergency, be prepared that photographer will keep the deposit as a cancellation fee.
RULE N4: NO LARGE EXPENSES NEEDED
Remember that clothes and shoes (if used carefully and with tags intact) are returnable for refund.
BODY, HAIR & NAILS
SKIN & FAKE TAN
- Exfoliate and hydrate. Exfoliated and hydrates skin look healthy and glowing. It is the perfect canvas for fake tan.
- Salon oh home applied, make sure your fake tan is even. I repeat no photographer will be willing to even out patchy skin tone in photoshop. When choosing a tone, choose just 2-3 shades darker then you natural skin tome. Avoid yellow or too dark tones.
- Great brands for home application are: St Tropez, Organic oil, Bondi sands. Always use a mitt for mousse application.
HAIR
- Dont underestimate the role of hair in an image.
- Come with clean hair. Use hair conditioner or a mask for soft and manageable hair. Dont apply any product
- Do your color, roots or toner if necessary. Last thing you want is untidy roots
- Bring clip in hair extensions that match your color. Hair volume is never enough. Always match hair extensions to the ends color.
NAILS
Perfect fresh mani and pedi is a must.
Go for nudes, pinks, classic reds. Choose medium classic length
Avoid very long nails and extravagant colors.
WARDROBE
OUTFITS
- Plan upfront. Do not turn up with a suitcase of random clothes.
- Few photographers offer wardrobe styling services, enquiry upfront. You can also hire a wardrobe stylist.
- For a fashion/editorial./magazine publication create 6-7 strong looks.
- For glamour portfolio 2 dresses are enough, considering that the remaining looks will be clean and simple (jeans, white top etc) or lingerie.
- Expensive does not mean good. Many cheap items of clothes may photography well despite of poor quality. Make sure it is well-fitted and are of basic colors: black, white, red, yellow, navy blue, emerald green. Mixed colors like purple, pink etc can be used with caution.
SHOES
- You dont need many pairs. 2-3 pairs is enough for the shoot.
- You can even get away with one pair that matches everything (golden sandals, beige class heels etc)
- Remember that beige and golden shows visually extend legs length.Black shoes can visually shorten the leg.
- Do NOT use platforms or wedges. It looks bulky and outdated.
LINGERIE
- At least 2 gorgeous lingerie sets are compulsory for a glamour photoshoot.
- As with outfits, price does not determines the result. Important is fit and color.
- While going for obvious choices like Agent Provocateur, Myla and La Perla, take a look at more affordable brands that photograph well like Bluebella, etc.
