How To Prepare For A Photo Shoot | A Complete Guide
If you’re planning a photo shoot with a photographer, there are a lot of things you can do to make sure you get the most out of your shoot. Capitalize on the hours (and minutes!) you’re paying for by following these simple tips.
Whether you’re doing a family session with me, hired as a professional model for a product or simply taking some new photos for Instagram, it’s important to know how to prepare for any photo shoot in advance.
Here are some of the best ways to prepare for a photo shoot from a photographer.
How to Prepare
Although shoot day can be frantic, there are helpful things you can do before a photo shoot to best prepare.
Do Your Research
Having a photo shoot game plan is essential! It’s important to do your research on locations, weather, photo rules and restrictions, potential traffic, accessibility, and the overall nature of a photo shoot. I always recommend checking out a location in person and in advance whenever possible to avoid any surprises.
2. Plan Your Time Wisely
Create a shot list (what photos do you want to capture?), mood board (what do you want the vibe to be?), location list (where are the exact spots you want to take photos?), anything that might be helpful to make the photo shoot smooth and easy.
Always plan for extra time to walk or drive between locations and as a buffer for any unknown factors (refer back to #1, too!).
3. Pick Your Clothes Out Early
I highly recommend creating a mood board and working with your photographer to get suggestions on what to wear for your photo shoot. If you know there is going to be a specific theme or purpose, clothing can make all the difference.
Make sure you wash, iron and/or steam your outfits a few days prior to your photo shoot. Preparation is key.
4. Do a Hair and Makeup Test Run
Test out the hairstyles and makeup you are planning for your shoot. Then, hold up all your clothes to make sure that everything is cohesive. You don’t want to be rushing to change your hair while out and about or on set. If you need to hire a professional, I would highly recommend Set and Fury
5. Practice Posing
As silly as it may sound, practicing the best poses for portraits in the mirror is one of the best things you can do for yourself before a photo shoot. It’s helpful to see yourself in the clothing you plan to wear so you understand how to adjust your body when actually taking the photos. Plus, the more you practice, the better you can find the attitudes and characters you want to embody on your shoot.
If you are using props for your photos, make sure to assemble and test them out (also in the mirror) a few days before the shoot. Practicing poses with props will help you understand the best way to incorporate them into your photos. Then, pack them early so you aren’t searching for them the morning of your shoot.
What to Pack
Figuring out how to pack all your clothes, accessories and props for a photo shoot can be stressful, but the more you prepare, the easier the actual shoot will be.
Multiple Feel-Good Outfits
Bring a variety of outfits that you feel confident in! Your poses will look more natural if you feel good in the clothes that you’re wearing, and the overall energy of the shots will be better.
I always say more is more when deciding what to wear for a photo shoot. You never know what backdrop you may pass that could be the perfect complement to an outfit you already have.
2. Bring the Basics
No matter what you’re taking photos for, it’s always helpful to have the basics on hand. Wear neutral-colored undergarments and bring backup options that also won’t be visible in any of your outfits. Throw in a black and white top that can easily be swapped for another shirt in case any unexpected makeup mishaps or spills happen. Grab an extra pair of no-show socks in case you get hot or sweaty and need to do a quick swap.
3. Never Forget the Essentials
It’s important to make sure you have essentials on hand during a photo shoot, especially if you don’t have a professional hair or makeup artist with you. Here are my top recommended essentials to bring to any photo shoot:
Mirror (small for makeup, but if you can fit a full length in your car, that’s a huge win!)
Makeup for touch ups
Hairspray
Comb/Brush
Hair clips & hair ties
Lint roller
Safety pins
Tide to Go/Stain Remover Pen
4. Accessories
You can get double or triple the amount of photo options if you have accessories to change up your look. Here are the easiest accessories to add to an outfit to change up a look during a photo shoot:
Sunglasses
Hats
Scrunchies
Gloves
5. Comfortable Throw-on Shoes
Most photo shoots involve either a lot of standing around or walking between locations. Bring an extra pair of shoes that are comfortable, easy to throw on and could also work as a backup for your shoot if needed.
6. Pop-up Changing Room
This is a game changer. If you’re planning multiple outfit changes or won’t be near a restroom or car to change, a portable pop-up changing tent is a great, super inexpensive investment. Here is a short video of the one I have being used in action:
Model IG: @thechristycarlsonromano
If you would like to purchase your own, here are a few options you can order on Amazon:
Can’t bring a pop-up changing room? Bring a couple of sheets or towels that people can hold up to create a small area around you to change within.
7. Bring Water and Snacks
Photoshoots can often take longer than expected or planned. Make sure you bring water and easy-to-eat snacks to stay energized.
Last-Minute Tips
There are a few things to do the night before a photo shoot to make sure you’re looking and feeling your best. It’s also important to know how to prepare the morning of a photo shoot to get the best shots possible. These small tips can help avoid feeling stressed leading up to the shoot.
Get Enough Sleep
The night before a shoot, allow yourself at least eight hours of sleep to look your best. Sleep will help get rid of facial swelling, redness, and bags under your eyes. Avoid alcohol as well as extremely salty or fatty foods.
2. Pre-Hydrate
Drink plenty of water (but not too much!) the night before your shoot to hydrate your skin and feel your best the morning of the shoot.
3. The Little Details
Do a last-minute check for any broken nails or missed spots shaving. It may seem obvious, but you don’t want to look back and see your favorite photo ruined because of a small minor detail. We can always touch up photos with editing but do what you can to feel your best!
4. Don’t Do Too Much
Treat photoshoots like a mini workout. The morning of a shoot, do a light stretch to center yourself and gain better balance. Avoid eating anything that may cause heartburn or leave you feeling too full. Drink enough water, but not too much that you feel bloated or constantly have to go to the restroom. Eat what makes you feel best. Do whatever makes your body feel energized and ready for a great photo shoot. When you feel good, you look good too.
5. Be On Time
The more you prepare for a shoot, the more likely you’ll be on time, and the less stress there will be. When models and clients show up ready to go, a photographer has enough time to set up and can dive right in to capture as much as possible during any shoot. Plus, a happy photographer means a happy model which leads to great photos!
Do you have more tips and tricks about what to do before a photo shoot? Let me know in the comments!
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