How To Prepare For a Photo Shoot

Preparing for a Photoshoot 101

As much as photo shoots can be exhilarating and fun, they also require preparations in advance for the perfect outcome. I don't suggest nonchalantly heading to a studio or location with your photographer you paid good money for, to have your pictures taken, and expect them to be perfect, as there is only so much that can be done in post-production. When you hire a personal branding photographer, having these tips on preparation in your back pocket will help assure you feel ready to go and fabulous on the day of your shoot. All these tips apply to the men also!

Have a healthy skincare routine

Photo by Lance Reis

You’re beautiful. You’re perfect. You’re fabulous. Don’t feel pressured to stray too far (or at all) from your typical beauty/grooming routine. A gentle exfoliation for your face and lips the night before your shoot, followed by your favorite moisturizer will go a long way in helping your skin look it’s best.

Check that your hair, skin, brows, and nails are all clean, tidy, and groomed to your liking, and Voilá! You’re photo shoot ready!

Book ALL the Things (with a buffer)

• Haircut
• Hair color
• Brow or body wax
• Facial
• Manicure
• Pedicure
• Spray tan

If you are someone who regularly schedules any of the above services, or would like to use your shoot as an excuse to get pampered a little extra, great! Just make sure to get them booked ahead of time and give yourself a buffer of about a week before your photo shoot.

Giving yourself that buffer allows your skin time to normalize and recuperate. It also provides a ‘woopsie’ window in case one of said services doesn’t quite turn out how you expected. More on this HERE

Don’t forget your teeth

Photo by Lance Reis

If you have teeth staining do not worry, it's perfectly normal. Most people do. I suggest using white strips to
whiten teeth in a week. This will give them that little boost just before the shoot but if you can't afford them all is not lost. Any professional photographer can whiten your teeth in post per your request :)

Pay special attention to your hair

Photo by Lance Reis

Don't neglect those beautiful locks. Preparing your hair for a photoshoot is just as important as your skin. Plan your next haircut for the week leading up to the shoot, even if just a trim to keep your hair looking fresh and on point. Opting for hair colouring is also a great idea if you have roots showing. Talk to your hairdresser about what hair style will best suit your face for your upcoming photoshoot.

I always recommend the week before your photo shoot use a nourishing, deep conditioning treatment on your hair. This will ensure it is healthy, strong and fabulous for your shoot.

If a hair stylist was booked with your photo shoot make sure to arrive with clean, dry hair. If a stylist is provided, simply ensure your hair is clean and dry when you arrive and they will style it for you upon arrival.

Take care of your hands and legs

Photo by Lance Reis

Remember, photoshoots are not only about faces. Go for a manicure and a pedicure a day before your shoot, so that you can flaunt your legs and hands in your sleeveless/side slit dress. And if you wear a wedding ring, make sure to clean it to enhance the beauty of your hands.

Most of my clients like to show up with a fresh tan, if you want to get a spray tan rather than use a tanning bed before your photo shoot, I recommended you do this 2-3 days beforehand. This will allow time for the spray tan to settle and look natural on camera.

A spray tan or gradual self-tanner is certainly not necessary, but I find my clients love that warm and glowy skin tone in photos. But again you don’t need to do this – I totally advocate and encourage you to rock the skin you are in! If you do choose to tan, just be super careful that it is even – otherwise it can look underwhelming on camera.

Lastly, if you choose to, you can also go the waxing route for a cleaner smoother look but only if you've waxed before. If you haven't there is always a chance you could breakout and no one wants that right before a shoot.

Plan what to wear, bring options

Photo by Lance Reis

Clothes are another essential element to pay heed to. Strategically putting complementary
pieces of clothes together will enhance your looks, resulting in a good looking photo. It's also a good idea to bring along 5-6 outfits that you love. You can even select those dresses which you might not wear because of their impracticality. More on what to wear HERE

Just relax and seize your day

Photo by Lance Reis

Most importantly remember to stay hydrated and get a good night’s sleep to look fresh in your pictures. A photo shoot should be like a reward for yourself so go all out and pamper yourself the whole week leading up to the shoot. Not required but you deserve it. Finally, take on as little stress as you can the week leading up to the shoot. That means a week long news and media detox. Acknowledge everything in your life that brings you stress and negative feelings and avoid them at all cost. I always want my clients showing up to our shoot feeling fabulous, strong and sexy. Have fun!