Overview
We want your modelling photo shoot to go as smoothly as possible. We also want to ensure that your results meet your needs and exceed your expectations. To do that we need your help. We created this checklist to help you prepare for the day of the photo shoot. The steps in this checklist will ensure that you are ready for photo shoot day, that your footage meets your comp card needs, and that you are happy with our services.
Preparation
- Watch YouTube – If this is your first modelling photo shoot we strongly recommend that you go to YouTube and watch other models describe the poses and the process
- Practice posing – if this is your first modelling photo shoot you should practice posing in front of the mirror because once you are in front of the camera you will not be able to see yourself
- Get some rest – get a good night’s sleep ahead of time. If you are tired it will show in the footage
- No makeup – use minimal or no makeup; the more makeup you wear the more problems you will have as the Florida heat and humidity affects it. Minimal or no makeup is best and makes it easier for us to retouch the footage in post as needed
- No Spray Tans – spray tans are the absolute worst thing we work with when post processing footage. They look even to the human eye but the camera picks up every detail which will make your skin look splotchy with uneven color especially when using studio lighting.
- Arrive on time or early – we always arrive early to set up our equipment, check the layout of the venue, and check the weather at the venue location. If you arrive late you are cutting into your session time.
- Stay connected – keep your phone charged and nearby. On the day of the photo shoot we may need to change venues, direct you to parking, or give you last minute instructions. If we cannot reach you we may be unable to complete the photo shoot.
Outfits
- The more outfits the better – we always tell our models to bring as many outfits as possible, 6 is usually a good starting point. We can film many different looks very quickly with the right model. Different outfits get you more looks faster and save you money on photo shoots. We never set a limit on outfit changes and encourage our models to change as often as they need.
- No patterns – do not wear outfits that have patterns, logos, or pinstripes. Solid colors are best.
- Underwear colors – bring different colored underwear. If your underwear is neon pink and you are wearing a white dress it will be very obvious in the footage. Ensure you bring different colored underwear that matches your outfits.
- Strapless bras – Bra straps are unsightly and nearly impossible to properly hide on set. Few dresses can properly hide bra straps and fewer still can hide them from the camera. Always wear strapless bras or pasties for photo shoots.
- Bra colors – similar to underwear colors, bring bra colors that match the outfits that you will wear.
- Outfit Changes – outfit changes can take up a lot of your photo shoot time. We recommend bringing outfits that are easy to change into and out of and be prepared to perform outfit changes in your car to save time.
- Proper Fit – ensure that your outfits fit properly. Outfits that are too big will be obvious in the camera, and outfits that are too small will wrinkle your skin or leave deep marks after changing them. Swimsuits in particular must be properly fitting to show well in the footage.
Accessories
- Pasties – For female models we can’t stress it enough, bring pasties. Many modeling outfits make bra straps unsightly, bring pasties to complete your look. We do not Photoshop out bra straps due to the level of effort required so plan ahead.
- The more the better – we mostly work outdoors in Florida where there is wind, high humidity, and bright sunlight.
- Hair accessories – bobby pins, hair ties, hair clips, anything that can control your hair will be important outdoors on a windy day. Hair spray could also fit into this category, you know what works best for your hair, make sure to bring it on your photo shoot day.
- Fashion accessories – Eyeglasses, purses, high heels, etc. could complete that perfect look. Bring any accessories that you think will help your outfits.
- Control sweat – sweat is very difficult to fix in post, we recommend bringing some accessory that you can use to swipe sweat without damaging your makeup. A small cloth, a facial pad, anything to absorb sweat when needed.
Shoes
- Heels – high heels help add definition to the legs and can also change your posture in positive ways. Bring multiple pairs of high heels even if this is just a head shot. Sometimes wearing your favorite pair of heels can change the look of the photo shoot footage.
- Comfortable shoes – we frequently have to walk to get to the next photo shoot location, especially for street fashion photo shoots, we recommend that you bring a comfortable set of shoes for walking or for those times we need to walk in the sand or grass where heels would become a problem.
Bug Spray
- Protect yourself – this is Florida, there are many types of biting insects that will attempt to bite you during an outdoor photo shoot. We strongly recommend bringing your favorite bug spray for all outdoor photo shoots. We mainly film during sunrise and sunset, this is also the times when the bugs are the worst, ensure you bring some kind of bug protection.
