prepare
What to expect
Getting in front of a camera for the first time (or first few times) can be intimidating. In fact, even pros still get cases of nervousness. So don't worry, it's natural. The best advice I can give is don't worry about it. Relax. I will do whatever I can to create the type of environment where you can do just that.
I consider a photo shoot to be a collaborative and creative effort between the model and the photographer. I welcome all exchanges of ideas and I'm always open to experimenting and trying something new. Many first-time models worry about posing. When it comes to working with new models, I don't expect the person I'm shooting to have an arsenal of different poses at their disposal. And I never pressure anyone to perform. I will work with you with the skills you have and provide as much guidance and direction as you'd like until we're both happy with the results. I always welcome to bring your own reference material for posing ideas. This includes magazines, posing books, photos, and anything else that might help you get ideas about looks or poses that you'd like to try. All of these items are freely available to refer to and get ideas from while we're shooting.
Preparing for a shoot
Practice, Practice, Practice. Even top models spend time in front of the mirror practicing expressions and poses. It is important to know how your face feels when you smile, or laugh, or frown, or pout. It is important to know how your body feels when it is posed in an attractive manner. Practice facial expressions in front of the mirror; learn how your face feels with a perfect smile - no gums, eyes open - not squinting.
Practice your poses in front of a mirror naked. With clothes on you have pockets, colors, etc. to "hang on" to. Without clothes, you have to learn how to place your hands and make them look attractive.
Be able to do some basic poses on your own. Look through current magazines for ideas. Browse magazines and catalogs to get ideas on different poses. Study them and pay particular attention to how the models pose in different style clothing. Look closely at how they hold their hands.
72 Hours Before Your Shoot
- Be sure to take care of all hair removal prior to a shoot, but leave at least 2-3 days between when you wax/shave any sensitive areas (such as your bikini line) and your shoot date. This time is necessary to allow for any irritation to disappear before your shoot.
- Take care of your nails. Be sure that your nails are neat and well maintained. Short nails are preferred. A natural, non-colored, or French manicure look is preferable. If you plan on posing barefoot, be sure your feet and toes are in good condition.
- Be sure you have worked out all the necessary details about your shoot. You should know where you're supposed to go, the easiest & fastest way to get there, and what you need to do to prepare for your shoot.
- If you are meeting at the studio, please be sure that you know how to get to the studio.
- You should also have a good idea of what items you are going to bring to your shoot.
- Eat healthy. Drink plenty of water. Avoid fatty, greasy, and salty foods prior to shooting. Please avoid alcohol or anything that will make you puffy or bloated. Also avoid anything that may stain your teeth.
- Pack up what you'll need at least the night prior to your appointment so you are not rushing around in the time before leaving for your shoot.
- It is also important that you get a good night's sleep. You will not only feel better, but you will look better if you are well rested and energetic on the day of your shoot. Dark circles and bags under one's eyes is not attractive.
- Eat a light meal before you leave for your shoot. Food is fuel and if you skip your meals before shooting, chances are you'll run out of energy, lose focus, or become irritable. None of which will improve your photos.
- Please bring bottled water, snacks, and anything else necessary to keep you going, but avoid bringing anything that will stain your teeth.
- To avoid squinting due to bright studio lights or sunlight, please do not wear sunglasses prior to your shoot.
Your Wardrobe Selection
Unless specific arrangements have been made in advance, the model is responsible for bringing her own attire. For most fashion shoots do not wear underwear, socks, or tight fitting clothes. Anything that presses on your body will leave red pressure marks which often can take up to one hour to go away. Also remember bras are usually never worn for fashion shoots, they leave undesirable lines. If you are shooting with the intention of doing an "all-purpose" shoot, then bringing a variety of different types of clothes is a good idea. I like variety and options (but please refer to "styles of clothes" below). Please bring as many wardrobe changes as you like and we'll try to work them into the shoot. Options are always good and you never know when you'll feel like wearing something. And if you think you might want to bring something, but have second thoughts about it, bring it anyway. It is better to always bring more than you think you will need, however it may not always be possible to shoot with everything you bring.
Style of Clothes
I recommend solid color clothing, with no polka dots, no wild prints, and no distracting stripes. Clothing of this type can have a tendency to distract the viewer from the most important subject in your photos, you. Recommended clothing styles include: shorts, various forms of full and brief tops, mini-dresses, mini-skirts, form fitting pants, and sports & fitness gear. Swimwear & lingerie are also possibilities, if desired.
How to bring your stuff
Many models will either pack a small suitcase or bring a bag of some type to carry all their clothes. If you plan to shoot on location, it is important that bring something that allows you to transport at least three or more outfits easily. Please pack carefully. Clothes you intend to wear should be free of wrinkles and lint.
Props
Unless otherwise arranged, clients are responsible for supplying their own props for a shoot. What are props exactly? Props are any items you can help "accessorize" your photos with and potentially give it extra impact. Props can be anything from a cane or an umbrella, a mask, a magnifying glass, or silk sheets for a glamour shoot. If you have any items you think might be cool in a photograph, please consider bringing them. When in doubt as to whether you think you should bring something or not, please feel free to consult with me.
Clients that supply their own props tend to bring things that have significantly more meaning than what the typical photographer might provide. Plus, photographers who repeatedly use the same props over and over again in shoots tend to have photos that all look the same (or at least less distinctive).
If you intend to shoot glamour style photos, boudoir photos, "Maxim/FHM style" photos, lingerie photos, or any type of photos intended to give off an "intimate" look, please consider bringing items that may help reinforce the look you are going for. These items can be used to help adorn the set. For example, if you wish to try some shots involving a fur-skin rug, then all you need to do is supply the rug.
Additional items to consider include:
comforters, pillows, sheets, fabric to drape across the set or hang from the ceiling, and anything else you think might help add to the look you are going for. If you have any particular ideas in mind and would like to know if you should bring something, please feel to ask.
Items to change the look
Changing the way you look during a shoot will help keep the photos from looking like they were all taken on the same day. Items I'd suggest bringing include:
make-up, hair ties & rubber bands (so you can wear your hair in different ways), hats, jewelry, glasses/sunglasses, and anything you think might make a neat prop or look interesting in a photo.
Other things to consider
Don't forget to bring a small portable mirror of some kind so you can check your make-up, hair, look, etc. during the shoot.
It's also a good idea to bring something to drink, such as bottled water or Gatorade; especially if you are shooting outside. You may want to consider bringing a cooler with ice to pack drinks and anything else you wish to keep cool while shooting.
Depending on the length of your shoot, you may want to pack a light meal and/or a few snacks of some kind. Fruits are preferable to "candy" items and will help provide energy to keep shooting. Avoid eating/bringing anything that may stain your teeth. This includes chocolaty items. As with wardrobe, please bring more than you think you will need.
Make-up
Foundation
Before buying foundation, sample it on your neck, as opposed to your hand. The shade of your hand is different from the shade of your face. Also, test the foundation in daylight for color accuracy. If your skin is problem-free and you desire a little color, try a tinted moisturizer.
Moisturize the face well. Apply foundation before the skin absorbs the moisturizer. Do not put much foundation, it will make your make-up look heavy.
Eye Shadow
Eye shadow that is vivid in color is best with nude lips and minimal color in the cheek - too much make-up can be overwhelming. Some eye shadow colors work better than others, depending on your eye color or skin tone. Dark-skinned women should veer towards light colors in eye shadow, such as yellows and browns. Be careful not to choose a color that is too pink, it can make you look tired. Eye shadow can also complement eye color - blue eyes look fantastic with grays and browns, green eyes are most flattered by golds and yellows, and brown eyes are best suited to golds, grays and blues.
Emphasize your Lips
Use dark rich color lipsticks to emphasize the lips. Purple, dark red or maroon lips are very sexy and eye-catching. Do not use very dark colors, if you have small lips, it would make them look even smaller.
You do not need to blot your lip liner, lipstick or lip gloss unless there is an excess. Color for your lips is an individual choice - there are no rules, simply suggestions. Dark colors are best for dark skin tones. Oranges may not be flattering on everyone. Bubblegum pinks are generally reserved for the young. Berry shades work on almost everybody.
If you prefer a brighter or deeper shade of lipstick, keep your eye make-up to a minimum. A little gloss is the best thing for those who like to accentuate their eyes with heavy eye shadow or eyeliner.
Please contact Maurice Michael if you have any questions before your shoot.