Overview
We want your studio photo session to go as smoothly as possible and 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 studio photo shoot. The items in this checklist will ensure that you bring everything you need for photo shoot day, and that you get as many different looks, outfits, and quality footage as possible from the studio session.
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
- Help us help you – If there is a look that you are going for or a pose that you have seen somewhere online that you want to try, send it to us and we will help you achieve that look in the studio
- 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 we may have when retouching your footage if your makeup is uneven or does not match your look. Minimal or no makeup is best and makes it easier for us to retouch the footage in post as needed. The exception to this rule is if this is a glamour shoot and you use a makeup artist who can fix your makeup during the session
- 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. If you want a tan we can very easily add one during the retouching phase.
- Arrive on time – we set up the studio and prepare to start the photo session at the scheduled time. If you arrive late you are cutting into your session time or we may be unable to complete your session if we have someone arriving soon after your session was supposed to end
- Stay connected – keep your phone charged and nearby. On the day of the photo shoot we may need to give you last minute instructions. Or you may have problems finding the studio. If we cannot reach you we may be unable to complete the studio session
Outfits
- The more outfits the better – we always tell our models to bring as many outfits as possible. 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 (unless that is the look you are going for). Ensure you bring different colored underwear that matches your outfits.
- Strapless bras / Pasties – Bra straps are unsightly and nearly impossible to properly hide on set. Few outfits can properly hide bra straps and fewer still can hide them from the camera. Always wear strapless bras or pasties for photo shoots. We cannot remove most bra straps through editing and even if we do there will be an additional processing charge due to the amount of time that it takes
- Bra colors – similar to underwear colors, bring bra colors that match the outfits that you will wear
- Exceptions – If this is for a fashion designer or a clothing brand then the outfit combinations will need to align with their brand’s vision and look
- Send us pictures – send us pictures of the outfits you plan to wear. We can help you leave some at home if we do not feel they will compliment your session or recommend that you bring different ones instead
Accessories
- Hair accessories – hair accessories are a very easy way to completely change your appearance. Pony tails, buns, bobbi pins, etc. can help add a different look that may turn out to be your favorite footage. Bring your favorite hair accessories to complete your look
- Fashion accessories – Eyeglasses, purses, high heels, etc. could complete that perfect look. Bring any accessories that you think will help your outfits.
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.
- Barefoot – are you more comfortable barefoot? If you are comfortable then we are comfortable. Consider posing barefoot to have a different look and feel
