7 step guide – preparing for your photoshoot

This guide is as relevant to the professional model, as it is to the lady venturing out on her first makeover & photoshoot. Professional models tend to keep themselves shoot ready, as they’re regularly in and out of photoshoots and this is where this guide serves as a go to checklist/planner.

For the purposes of this guide; we’re going to assume that your makeup and hair will be done once you arrive at the photoshoot by a qualified makeup artist and hairstylist (MUAH) however, it still serves as a pre-shoot preparation checklist for models doing their own MUAH.

The week(s) leading up to your photoshoot is the time for planning and preparation: what clothing levels do you plan on working to? What outfits will work well with your chosen levels and concepts? What beauty routines are you planning on taking and when and how will you fit them in?

Think of the following guide as a step by step checklist; you won’t need to follow all the steps all of the time, but it’s good to know you’ve got them in check.

How to prepare for a photoshoot!

The 7 steps

1. Face
2. Hair
3. Skin
4. Hands
5. Clothing
6. Communication
7. Travel

1. FACE

Facials… if you already have a beauty regime that includes a facial then you’ll know what works best for you. Generally it’s worth planning a facial around 7 days before your photoshoot, this allows sufficient time for any redness to subside leaving your skin feeling soft and refreshed.  If you have enough time before your photoshoot, then consider a trial run and pamper yourself; a night in with a good book or movie allowing time to relax, focussing on nothing but you and that book.

Sleep… it may sound obvious but a night out on the town is not a good recipe for you looking your best the following morning. Wherever possible, try to get at least 3 or 4 good nights sleep leading up to your photoshoot day. A healthy 8 hours sleep will leave you feeling and looking amazing.

Pimples… we all get them and it’s usually when we’re run down, tired or stressed. The golden rule is “Don’t pick or squeeze!” it’s relatively easy for makeup artists to cover pimples, but swollen blemishes, flaky skin and scabs, are a little trickier.  Most of all don’t worry, as it will only make things worse!  Good photographers are a dab hand at removing blemishes during their image editing, so relax, we’ve got it covered!

Eye area… our eyes tell a story. They’re like a window to your soul. If you’re burning the candle at both ends it will show in or around your eyes first, so if necessary you may want to re-read the paragraph above about sleep!

Eyebrows… do you regularly have your eyebrows waxed or threaded? If so, plan your next appointment to fall a few days before your photoshoot date (you’ll know whether you need a couple of days or more) If you’ve never had your eyebrows waxed or threaded before (and you plan on having it done) then we would recommend a trial session well before your photoshoot OR if you prefer the good old pluck and trim method; we would again recommend you schedule this in a few days before your photoshoot.

Lips… use lip balms regularly to avoid dry and chapped lips.

2. Hair

Colour… if you dye your hair; ask yourself will it need dyeing again prior to your photoshoot? Will your roots need re-doing? As a word of caution: don’t plan on dyeing your hair within 3 days of your photoshoot, treat it like you would your wedding day hair! Don’t make any drastic changes without planning in sufficient time for a trial and possible recovery period.

Cut & Style… same rule applies. If you’re thinking of a change, give yourself plenty of time before your photoshoot OR If you’re planning on getting a trim, make an appointment for 2 to 3 days prior to your photoshoot.

Conditioning… Whether you choose to visit your favourite hair salon or indulge in a deep conditioning treatment at home; conditioning your hair will leave it looking and feeling amazing!

Washing… pre-shoot preparation. As a rule, we usually suggest that you wash your hair the night before your photoshoot unless you would consider your hair as “oily” in which case we’d recommend the morning of your photoshoot.

3. Skin

Exfoliate… your regular beauty regime may already include exfoliation, so stick to what you know! If not we suggest that you exfoliate your skin 2 or 3 times prior to your shoot; leaving 3 or 4 days in between each exfoliation session and 3 or 4 days before your photoshoot day.

There’s nothing better than a soothing pamper session in the tub armed with an exfoliating scrub or washcloth to reinvigorate the skin on your face and body.

Hair removal… if you prefer waxing give yourself sufficient time to heal before your photoshoot. Shaving can be done the night before if you don’t suffer from redness afterwards. REMEMBER to shave your legs and underarms and if you plan on shooting in lingerie or swimwear your bikini line.

Tanning… don’t feel you must, but if you prefer yourself with a bit of colour give yourself 2 – 3 days before your photoshoot (be careful not to over do it!)

No Marks… if possible, avoid wearing tight fitting clothing on the day of your shoot. We ask this as no-one wants that elastic sock line on their beautiful picture. This is completely dependent upon the level of clothing that you will be shooting during your photoshoot.  Whilst we’re on the subject of marks, we recommend wearing a “clear” antiperspirant on the day of your photoshoot. This will prevent any white marks on the outside of your clothing as you’re getting in and out of dresses etc.

Hydration… it’s vital that you keep yourself hydrated before and during a photoshoot. Dehydration can affect the skin so drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol prior to your photoshoot as this can cause you to become dehydrated.

Food… it is important that you make sure you eat something before your photoshoot. You’ll need to keep your energy levels up, feeling hungry depletes your energy as well as your attention span.

4. Hands

Nails… if you’re looking to push the boat out then why not book yourself in somewhere for a full manicure and pedicure a few days before your photoshoot.  You could then continue your pampering by spending the night before paying attention to your finger nails and toe nails. Remember your hands will be visible and possibly featured in a lot of your photos, so don’t forget the attention is in the detail!

Nail Polish… this is down to personal preference as you may want to re-visit your photoshoot brief, and wardrobe selection to choose a colour that works for you. If colour is not for you or the wardrobe you have selected, then consider going with a nude or clear varnish.

This concludes part 1 of our 7 step guide – preparing for a photoshoot. In part 2 we’re going to be covering Clothing, Communication, Travel and more… you won’t want to miss this!

Part 2. can be found @ www.pinupmakeover.co.uk/7-step-guide-preparing-photoshoot-part-2/

Let us know your thoughts: have we missed anything?

• Do you do anything different when preparing for photoshoots?
• Do you prepare for paid photoshoots differently to TF photoshoots?
• Do you have any special makeup tips?
• Did you find this guide useful?

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