So you’ve booked your next shoot and you’re excited (or even nervous!), what can you do in the lead up to make sure everything runs perfectly?
1. Tell your photographer about your ideas!
You’ve probably spent some time looking at locations, planning outfits and thinking about your hopes for the day, so why not tell your photographer? If you’ve got inspiration images for mood, let them see those too! I always appreciate a mood board (Pinterest is fantastic!) being sent over prior to our shoot so I know what we want to achieve on the day.
2. Organise outfits, and then organise more outfits.
Not every look you love in the mirror will look the way you hope on the day through the camera, so bring along additional looks to play around with. You wouldn’t want to run out on the day! I will assist you with cutting down a large collection of looks to what will work with your idea, the location, and on camera. I have years of experience styling shoots so bring as much as you please and I'll help you style it down on the day. Also try to remember to cut out all of your tags before your shoot - nothing looks worse than a black tag peeking through gorgeous lace!
3. Allow yourself plenty of time!
If you’re planning on getting your makeup and hair done, allow lots of time to get it right and arrive at the location and settle in. After your shoot, don’t plan too much, you’ll likely be quite tired!
4. Think about props.
Props are wonderful, they let the viewer know a little more about you AND they give you something to do with your hands! If you’re in doubt about bringing something along as a prop, bring it anyway! I’m happy to help style details of your shoot once we’re on location.
5. Get a second opinion (but trust your gut!)
It’s amazing what another mind will think of! If you’re stuck for styling advice, show some of your ideas to a friend and see what a fresh set of eyes and clear mind will bring to the table.
6. Make it your own with styling.
This one is particularly important if you’re shooting in a hotel! Bring along throws, cushions, decor, books, purses, perfumes or anything else you can add to the space to make it less ordinary and more you! Making your shoot truly unique is a difficult task, but it's the most rewarding! I recommend starting on Pinterest to put together a mood board of all the poses, decor, outfits, makeup looks and general vibes you like and build your shoot from what you come up with there. This is also a great way to build something to make sure you and your photographer are on the same page on shoot day!
7. Love Your Skin.
There are so many things about your skin that should be cared for before a photoshoot.
- Try to keep a good skincare routine
- Don’t forget to shave (if that’s your thing)
- Moisturise head to toe, before AND during your photoshoot
- Avoid fake tanning at home and running the risk of dark wrists and fingers - this is especially difficult to remove in editing. If you want a bit more of a bronzed glow, I am happy to add it in post.
8. Look at yourself in the mirror. A lot.
A great way to make sure you nail your angles is to simply listen to Tyra Banks and live in front of your mirror. Do you look incredible with a slight pout? Or is smiling your thing? Do you own a high jawline, or is the smouldering eye look more your winning shot? Try copying some facial expressions you’ve seen on models. Once you’re confident, try to pose without looking at the mirror, and check how it looks afterwards.
9. Make a list.
You make a list for groceries, so why not make a list for your photoshoot? If you know you need to pick up fresh flowers on your way, and have a very particular pair of shoes that match an outfit, write them down. Even the silly little things like the matching briefs for your bra! If you have something to check before walking out the door, there won’t be any risk of meltdowns.
10. Make another list - of shots!
If you know you have requirement of shots you want to attempt on your day, save them to your phone for east access so we can refer to them during your shoot. Your mind will be buzzing from the excitement and it's easy to forget you really wanted a particular pose so write it down and we can make sure we get it for you.
11. Get a feel for the space.
If you can, arrive at your location early and scout your favourite spots and think of any particular ideas you may have for the location. If you’re shooting outdoors, have a look at the area at the same time of day as your shoot to see where the light falls so you can plan your shoot out avoid missing that perfect light.
Handy things to bring:
- Eyelash glue
- Spare stockings
- a hair brush or comb
- a hot tool to adjust curls that may drop
- translucent powder for any shine that may occur on hot days
- spare lip colour in both what you're wearing and a variation in case we want to change things up
And remember: even if you forget something, your photographer can make it work. I've had so many things go wrong in the lead up to a shoot and on the day, but we always make it work! My shoots are relaxed and fun, it should feel like two friends just having a girls day rather then anything remotely scary.
