PHOTOSHOOT PREPARATION

“What do I need to do for my photoshoot?” Without fail, that’s the first question I get asked when people book photoshoots with me. The first time I went to a photo shoot, I just showed up wearing a nice top. I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t do research. I didn’t think about how I wanted to look. So it’s no surprise I never did like those photos.

So here are some of the tips I would recommend for making sure you get the gorgeous photos you’ve been dreaming of…

[dropcaps type=’circle’ font_size=” color=” background_color=” border_color=”]1[/dropcaps]Talk to your photographer and ask lots of questions. If you’ve always dreamed of being photographed like a supermodel in a magazine fashion shoot, definitely tell her/him. Don’t be shy about telling them that you would love to get some boudoir shots. Likewise, if you hate glamour, make sure you say so. You won’t hurt our feelings (but we can’t be friends…LOL).

[dropcaps type=’circle’ font_size=” color=” background_color=” border_color=”]2[/dropcaps]Research and share the types of photographs you love and share them with your photographer, so that you’re both on the same page. But don’t just ask for an exact replica, you probably hired your photographer because you love the photos they create, so trust that they’ll create something really special for you too.

[dropcaps type=’circle’ font_size=” color=” background_color=” border_color=”]3[/dropcaps]Put thought in to what you’ll be wearing during the photo shoot. Trust me, body-hugging is your friend, no matter what size you are! It’s all about creating curves, so avoid covering them up with billowy, loose-fitting pieces. If you only take one outfit, it will really limit your choices. I ask people to bring at least five wardrobe changes. It may sound like a lot, but over a three-hour photo shoot, it’s easy to change five time and get completely different looks so you have a much bigger selection of photos to choose from. These are some of the items I always suggest:

• Jeans and white t-shirt (no patterns, no logos)
• Dressy tops in your favourite colours (no patterns, no button-ups)
• Skirt and belt that can be worn with your tops (avoid patterns)
• Casual dress (avoid patterns…there seems to be a theme here)
• Cocktail dress (the more glamorous, the better)
• Formal dress or gown (go crazy with this one)

[dropcaps type=’circle’ font_size=” color=” background_color=” border_color=”]4[/dropcaps]Make sure you have a light and dark coloured bra with good support. Oh, and also make sure you take a strapless bra. Take a strapless bra. Take a strapless bra. Did I mention the strapless bra? If you don’t have one, immediately go out and buy one.

[dropcaps type=’circle’ font_size=” color=” background_color=” border_color=”]5[/dropcaps]Take a selection of your favourite pieces of jewellery (short and long necklaces, rings, bracelets, hair clips).

[dropcaps type=’circle’ font_size=” color=” background_color=” border_color=”]6[/dropcaps]If you like well-defined eyebrows, consider having your eyebrows shaped a few days before the shoot. Don’t do it the day before ’cause you run the risk of in-grown hairs…ewww.

[dropcaps type=’circle’ font_size=” color=” background_color=” border_color=”]7[/dropcaps]Remember to shave your legs and underarms (unless you’re a dude), etc. I can’t tell you how many times I have photoshopped stubble out of pictures, if you know what I mean.

[dropcaps type=’circle’ font_size=” color=” background_color=” border_color=”]8[/dropcaps]Don’t decide to cut your bangs or change your hair style the day before a photo shoot, unless you really love nasty surprises!

[dropcaps type=’circle’ font_size=” color=” background_color=” border_color=”]9[/dropcaps]The night before your shoot, drink LOTS of water and get a really good sleep. Try to resist.

[dropcaps type=’circle’ font_size=” color=” background_color=” border_color=”]10[/dropcaps]Eat a good breakfast. Seriously. You look fabulous. That bagel is NOT going to put an extra five pounds on and you’re going to need energy ’cause it’s going to be like a pilates workout on set.