Pre Photo Shoot

Posing & Facial Expressions	Your Look
Aesthetic & Cosmetic Preparation	Additional Items to Consider
The Countdown	A Typical Models Bag Contents
The Day of your Shoot	Ideas for Shoots
Your "Suitcase"	Photo Shoot Escorts
Props

Posing & Facial Expressions

Although I provide as much instruction & direction as desired during a shoot, it is a significant help if the person being photographed has an understanding of what their body looks like in different positions and to also understand how their face feels when they're making different expressions.

I recommend that all first-time models, and anyone relatively new to modeling, practice posing and making different facial expressions in front of a mirror. It may feel silly to practice such things in front of a mirror, but it is a great way to prepare for what it will be like in front of a camera and should actually make doing your shoot easier and more comfortable.
Although interpretations of different expressions & looks may vary, please practice a variety of different looks so that you are at least somewhat prepared should you be asked for a specific expression, such as: "sexy", "intense", "serious", and "pouty". Again, I will provide as much direction as necessary to get the look & expression desired, but the more prepared you are, the better.

If you have a tendency to show a lot of your gumline while smiling, you should also practice smiling without showing as much of your gums. Don't worry, we'll get plenty of photos with your beautiful & natural smile, but the tendency in professional photography is to limit exposure of the gumline.

Some of the best reference guides for posing are fashion catalogs and magazines. Study them. Pay close attention to the position of hands, the different angles the body makes (including the tilt of the head, arms, torso, thighs, and legs), and facial expressions.

Depending on your primary interest, I'd suggest requesting catalogs from companies such as: Newport News, Chadwick's, Delia's, and Victoria's Secret. If you can't wait for a catalogue to arrive, then simply peruse your local magazine stand to find one that contains poses that reflect a look you would like to achieve.

Aesthetic & Cosmetic Preparation

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. Remember that striking eyebrows, nasal and facial hair (woman also) can show in close-up shots.
If you would like have your hair done a day or two before the shoot but make sure you wash it the morning of the actual 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.
Avoid new makeup and skin care products prior to a photo shoot no matter what the temptation. You could have and unwanted surprise by having a reaction to these new products. Stay with what you know works for you.

Eating and Excersie Habits

I know you will be excited and you will want to be in the best shape for your session, but do not overdo it! Diet and Exercise should be done on a consistent basis and not just because you have a photo shoot this weekend. If you follow and normal diet and exercise program just continue as you normally would up until the day of the shoot.

If your diet consists of mainly hotdogs, hamburgers, bread, and sugar I would suggest cutting back on these a few days before the shoot. Always be sensible about your diet and exercise habits and you should be fine for your upcoming shoot.

The Countdown

72 Hours Before Your Shoot

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.
Be sure that you know how to get to the studio or location where you are shooting. If you are working with a make-up artist, please be sure that they are aware of these directions as well.
You should also have a good idea of what items you are going to bring to your shoot.

48 Hours Before Your Shoot

Please call me to confirm your photo shoot appointment.
Use this opportunity to ask any last minute questions you may have.

24 Hours Before 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.

If you have not yet called me to confirm your appointment, please do so.

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.

Check your nails. You may not be the type who likes to keep their nails long and well manicured, which is fine, so long as they are ready for their close-up. However, damaged nails, beat up nail polish, and nails that have been bitten down to the tips of your fingers will not add to the look of your photos.

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.

The Day of your Shoot

Please call me to confirm your departure and please arrive on time.

Please note that appointments are made to fit within allotted time slots. In order to maximize your time to shoot, arriving and being ready on time is important. Unless otherwise arranged, clients are encouraged to arrive up to, but no more than, 20 minutes early.

If bringing a make-up artist, you may arrange to arrive up to 60 minutess early in order to begin the make-up process early and maximize your shooting time. However, please let us know if you intend to arrive early with a make-up artist so that we are expecting & prepared for your arrival.

Please note that showing up late does not mean your appointment will get pushed beyond its allotted time slot and clients are billed from when their shoot was scheduled to begin, not from their time of arrival.

In some cases shooting beyond your allotted time slot may be possible, if the time beyond your appointment is not booked.
In the event that something unexpected happens and you are going to be late, please call me to provide an update and estimated arrival time.

Please eat a light meal before you leave. 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.

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.

To avoid squinting due to bright studio lights or sunlight, please do not wear sunglasses prior to your shoot.

Your "Suitcase"

Your Wardrobe Selection

Note: Your experience with other photographers may vary.

Unless specific arrangements have been made in advance, the model is responsible for bringing her own attire.
If you plan to shoot photos of a certain style (Maxim style, fashion, glamour photos, etc), then it is to your benefit to coordinate with me before hand to discuss wardrobe options as well as props, backgrounds, and various ideas.

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.

Models I've worked with almost always tell me that they wished they'd brought something that they'd thought about bringing but then decided not to. 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 It (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. In the event your need to remove the occasional wrinkle, we have an iron/steamer available.

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, a furry rug, or satin 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).

Your Look

How To Looked Good (Not Just) Naked

I do not expect you to look perfect and you do not have to alter your appearance to look good. The best photographs are conceived when you are yourself, its all about feel good, look good. My aim is to discover your natural beauty and not to produce a heavily altered image in which your best friend would not recognize you.

Do not schedule a shoot when you have just come back from the beach. Your suntan may be too deep (or worse, sunburn), you may have tan lines or bright marks around your eyes from wearing sunglasses.

Wear loose fitting clothes or no underwear for at least two hours before the shoot to prevent marks from elastics showing.

Items To Change Your Look or Appearance

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.

Additional Items 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.
Depending on the style of the shoot, you may want to consider bringing a flesh colored thong & bra. This will allow you to wear such items under your garments without drawing attention to them in the photos.

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.

A Typical Models Bag Contents

Here are some items typically found in the bags of models who work regularly and/or professionally. Not all items are necessary if you're just starting out, but it's still a good idea to check this list and consider whether these items may be useful at your shoot. Many items depend on the type of shoot you're doing and the location:

makeup kit	nylons (nude & black)	panty liners
washcloth	toilet tissue	mascara (brown and/or black)
false eyelashes (2 different lengths)	concealer	foundation
lipstick (various shades)	blush	eyeshadow (various colors)
translucent powder	makeup sponges	makeup brushes
cotton swabs	cotton balls	makeup remover
tweezer	eye drops	mirror
masking tape	blinder clips	hairpins
toothbrush	toothpaste	baby wipes
hairbrush	hair ties/bands	sunscreen
sunglasses	bottled water	towel
tampons	dress shields	lint brush
dress hood or pillow case	spray bottle	facial tissue
aspirin (or equivalent)	penlight/flashlight	scissors
small first-aid kit	razors	shaving cream
model portfolio	model cards	body lotion
facial cleansers	hairstyling products	insect repellent

Ideas for Shoot

My photo shoots are a very collaborative process and clients are encouraged to share any ideas they may have for photographs they'd like to try and take. Although this can be done at any time, it is best done at least a few days prior to your shoot date so that any necessary preparations can be made ahead of time.

Oftentimes, a pre-existing photograph may provide the inspiration for a new one. Clients are encouraged to share with me any photographs they've come across (online, in magazines, etc) that they find interesting, inspiring, or both. You can do so by emailing me photos, directing to web pages with photos, or by bringing in magazines that have photos you find inspiring to your shoot.

Many ideas can be found by simply paying attention to what a model may be wearing, any props that are used in the photo, the location where the photo was shot, and any effects used in the shot (if any).