It’s not common knowledge to know how to prepare for a photoshoot — especially when nerves are high the night before. Photoshoots come with stress, encounters with meeting new people, and often uncomfortable wardrobe.
Even with full services provided (e.g., makeup, hair, costume), there are things you can acquire and bring to ensure you produce the best pictures possible.
The more you prepare, the better your first impression.
Realistic Advice on How to Prepare for a Photoshoot
Although photoshoot day can be frantic, there are a few things you can do the night before to keep your head straight when you wake up and perform your modeling duties.
- Plan Your Time Wisely — It’s essential to have a game plan to ensure a time efficient shoot. Quality can be compromised when rushed, so always plan to include extra time in your schedule to accommodate for any unplanned circumstances.
- The Little Things — Make sure to self groom yourself beforehand by showering, washing your face, touching up your roots, deep conditioning, shaving/plucking, and cleaning nails.
- Stretch — Center your body and gain better balance by stretching your muscles from top to bottom. Modeling often entails extraneous poses that will push your body to its limits.
- Pre-Hydrate — Drink plenty of water the night before a shoot to hydrate your skin and feel your best the morning of the shoot. You also want to pre-hydrate your body so you don’t have to extra-hydrate right before a shoot, causing inconvenience with needed bathroom breaks.
- Get In Character — Spend a few moments in the mirror to become more familiar with your modeling character, tone, and attitude. The more you practice, the more you’ll exude confidence on set.
- Bring the Basics — No matter the shoot’s concept, it’s always smart to bring neutral colored, low profile undergarments; whether to avoid panty lines or distracting colors pops and undesired focus. A poor choice in undergarments could make or break the quality of a shoot. Sometimes footwear can cause issues due to size discrepancies; bring an extra pair of shoes that could work for your shoot as a backup or used to walk to your shoot location.
- Get Enough Sleep — Sleep is crucial to rid your face of swelling, redness, and bags under your eyes. Make sure to avoid alcohol and get at least eight hours of sleep before a shoot to look your best.
- Don’t Pick Your Face — You can primp and prime, but be sure not to pick your face to the point of redness or injury the night before a photoshoot. No photographer wants to spend extra time editing unnecessary blemishes. You can arrive at the shoot barefaced if agreed upon, but always come wearing moisturizer.
- Bring Water and Snacks — Photoshoots can often take longer than planned, which is why it’s imperative to stay hydrated and enjoy a light snack beforehand to avoid nausea or fatigue while modeling.
Anything you can do to be ready before you’re scheduled time will leave you with all the more for posing and creating content. Modeling is a gratifying, confidence-building activity that not many are privileged to experience. Be sure to spend some time preparing to ensure you, your photographer, and any support staff comes away having had a pleasurable time working together.
You’ll continue to improve in how to prepare for a photoshoot, and as always, serve your best!
How do I prepare for my first photo shoot?
Practice posing in the mirror beforehand! Understanding your body and angles is very important. Don’t be afraid to ask for critiques from the photographer, as you are working as a team to create unique content.
What should you not do before a photoshoot?
The biggest thing I’d recommend not to do from many photoshoot assisting experiences is drinking too much while on set. It can be fun while you’re modeling, but your photos won’t come out as good as you thought you looked in person.
What should I eat before a photoshoot?
Treat photoshoots like a mini workout and avoid eating anything that may leave you feeling full or indigested. Drink lots of water and eat what makes you feel best.
What is the best thing to wear for a photoshoot?
Anything that inspires you! Loving the look is one of the best ways to embody your character and boost your confidence in your photoshoot.
