Models: How to Prepare for a Shoot

I’ve been meaning to post this earlier but i kept adding stuff to it. These are tips for any model going to get a photo shoot, or just anyone looking to get their photo taken.
Body
- Please wear something that fits you well, and make sure you are wearing the right kind of underwear. Buy nude seamless panties and a bra if you have to, you will get many uses out of it as you can wear them under anything.
- Especially if you’re going to a nude/swimsuit/lingerie shoot: Do not wear tight clothing the day of your shoot. It leaves ugly red lines that are a pain to retouch.
- Don’t eat anything that you know will make you bloat, or give you gas. Things like pasta, certain veggies like broccoli, can have this effect.

- Ask the photographer about wardrobe (if there isn’t a wardrobe stylist) and bring as many options as you can.  You never know what could work!

Hair
- Make sure it’s clean and un-styled. If my MUA/stylist has to do a whole ‘take down’ job and spend and extra 30mins on your hair, i will just send you home.
- Make sure you keep profiles as up to date as possible on your hairstyle and colour. Again, if you show up not as advertised, i will send you home.

Face
- Come with a clean face, i don’t have time for you to take off all your make-up because you couldn’t stand to turn up barefaced.
- If you have a breakout, or injury (this applied to body as well) please let me know and we can work around it, or reschedule.
- Likewise, if you’re sick, don’t come near us, call me up BEFORE the shoot and tell me. We can reschedule. I will not risk mine, my husband’s or my MUA’s health.
- Tell the MUA if you’re allergic to something.

More on make-up and model tips from my awesome MUA friend, Melanie Ho Ken

Posing for newbies
- If you have a double chin -straighten your neck, relax your shoulders and push your chin out and down slightly. You might feel like a tool but it looks amazing in pictures.
- Smiling – Think of something funny or happy as you smile, it’ll be much more relaxed. Or, place the tip of your tongue behind your front teeth. It relaxes the muscles in your face.
- Arms – Hold them out/back from your body to prevent them flattening and looking bigger.
- Breathe out as the shutter goes off for a fuller pout and relaxed shoulders.

General tips
- Tell your photographer if you need to bring an escort. Escorts are only permitted if they do not interfere. I understand some people need drivers (or parents in the case of younger ones). But please tell them they have no say in the shoot, most photographers will just send you home if they feel it’s not going well.
- Know that you will probably have to sign a release. Please don’t lie about your age as I randomly ask for ID. Make sure you read what you sign with ANYONE. If you have problems with the contract, tell me and we can talk about it.
- Be early. No-one likes waiting and it makes you look unprofessional when you’re late.
- Reply to communication promptly. 24hrs is more than enough time to at least send a quick message or txt.
- On the note of communication, if you know your spelling/speech is bad, work on it. Talking in txt speak or slang isn’t professional and generally makes you look like you don’t take your work seriously.
- Be polite! I’ve worked with many people that i wouldn’t work with again because they were just plain rude.

Above all else, try to be as prepared as you can!  Don’t be afraid to ask questions either, everybody was a newbie at some point.