The success of a photoshoot depends equally on the photographer's and model's work, so your active participation in both the preparation and the shooting process is essential.
Every person is unique. If you want a photoshoot to be truly about you - be open with me. Tell me what is important for you, what you want to show, what to leave behind the scenes, where you are planning to use these photos, etc.
Preparations
1. References
Gathering a bunch of great photos to use as a reference for the photoshoot is important. Do not select too many. If you show me 3-5 samples, I would understand you better. I would help you to choose clothes, accessories, and hairstyles. During the photo session I will help you with posing. Also, I will come up with the optimal shooting plan.
Remember, for a studio photoshoot, you need to choose studio references. It is impossible to recreate the mood of outdoor photoshoot indoors. You will only confuse yourself and me by showing me photos from the fields or taken at the coast at sunset.
Look at the overall mood of the photo, not the specific pose or model clothes. 100% copying is the way to nowhere. Each person is unique, it is important to find your best angle.
On Pinterest, I add photos that inspire me: https://www.pinterest.com/anna_zhe/studio-portraits/
But of course you can find your sources.
Only after understanding the style of shooting that you like, I recommend thinking about the details.
2. Clothes for a studio photoshoot
My advice is to choose what you'll wear 1-2 weeks before the photoshoot.
You may already have everything you need, or you may need to purchase some additional pieces. Check my rentals, and if you like anything, let me know which items I need to prepare.
Do not forget, the same outfit can look completely different in different lighting.
Suitable clothes for the studio shoot:
⁃ any underwear, but it is advisable to have seamless nude underwear;
⁃ shorts, T-shirts, bodysuits, tops (plain color without sleeves);
⁃ jeans;
⁃ pants with a classic cut;
⁃ plain color dresses;
⁃ leather jackets, jeans (preferably oversize);
⁃ jersey pencil skirts or light flowing skirts;
⁃ classic trench coats (black or beige);
⁃ classic or oversized jackets;
- loose and light sweater or cardigan;
- clothing that reflects your hobby or passion.
An important point: clothes should be your size or a little looser. Even such a minor detail as slightly squeezing underwear under a tight-fitting dress can spoil the silhouette of the body and visually add extra kilos even to a slimiest girl.
3. Shoes
The shoes should match the chosen clothes, no need to get a lot of options.
For example, shoes that always look good in a studio shoot:
⁃ classic high-heeled shoes;
⁃ sneakers, slipons, boots.
Bare feet look beautiful in photos, and I also have several basic pairs of shoes in my studio.
Be sure to prepare your shoes for the shoot - the soles should be clean, so they don't leave footprints on the paper backgrounds in the studio. If washing don’t help you’ll need to tape the sole.
The shoes you arrived in for the shoot will not work, even if you just walked from the car to the studio wearing them. Old shoes will spoil the image, so leave them at home =)
You can only be wearing change shoes in studio, so you may also bring it from home or use studio slippers.
4. Accessories
- Large jewellery looks good;
⁃ A hat/baseball cap;
⁃ Fresh flowers.
Appearance
I’m trying not to impose my beauty standards to everyone, but below I will tell about the details that affect the final picture. Depending on your personal preference, you may or may not follow these guidelines.
1. Nails
Neat nails both on the hands and feet are important. I recommend choosing a plain neutral nail polishing and natural length. Of course, you can keep your nails naked, but even clear nail polish will make them excellent in the pictures.
Outgrown gel coating and nails of different lengths are too easy to spot in the photo. Please avoid decorations like gems, foil, excessive design, and bright shades. Soft, neutral colors work well best for such a maternity photoshoot.
2. Brow correction
I advise you to thread and color (if needed) your brows several days before the shooting, as swelling and redness sometimes may persist for 24 hours. But please, book a trusted master appointment in advance.
3. Hair removal
Unwanted body hair is noticeable and spoils the photo, so hair removal (or shaving) is vital. Every skin reacts differently, but better give yourself a few days to heal before your photoshoot.
Please note, that beige tights are not suitable on studio photoshoot, and if you planned to wear a light dress, your legs will be open. Hair above the knees, unfortunately, are also noticeable. And also many girls did not even know they had hair on their arms and mustaches, and were very surprised to see it on closeup photos.
4. Tanning
Golden skin looks better in the photos.
I can adjust the color of your skin a little on retouched photos (but my possibilities are not endless).
In general, I don't recommend going to a solarium, but you can go ahead with careful self-tan using a light shade couple of days before the shooting.
Stick to these rules:
- Choose a self-tanner only a few shades darker than your skin. Do not try to change it significantly;
- Read the instructions carefully and follow them precisely. It's true what they say - yes, you will need a special glove for the application. And you will need to moisturize and scrub your skin a few days before applying self-tanner. If it's too much for you – avoid that; you'll look better without spots and orange palms =)
5. Makeup and styling
My shooting packages include natural makeup and hair styling as a bonus. If you' d like to use this option, on the day of shooting you need to:
- get enough sleep;
- wash your hair well, but do not use a curling iron (otherwise it will be challenging to change your hairstyle before the shoot);
- moisturize your face and body.
If you plan to use another make-up artist or do your own make-up, please do not use too much foundation and powder. Sometimes it looks unnatural and often emphasizes wrinkles and pores which were not even visible without cosmetics.
It’s important to choose foundation the same shade as your neck and shoulders. I don’t know why, but many makeup artists are trying to lighten or darken the face, and when girls wearing open clothes on the photoshoot, the complexion is very different.
I also do not recommend 3D volume and more lashies. Often, they make eyes more narrower and smaller, the opposite what ones should expect from them. In addition, the glance fades, since not enough light comes to the eyes through such eyelashes.
If you have any questions, just ask.
See you!
