Preparing For Your Shoot

Do your homework!

Whether you are shooting sensual/boudoir, model portfolio, headshots or for private use, planning for your shoot will give you the best chance of having photos that you will fall in love with.

Depending on your interest, we suggest signing up to receive free catalogs from companies such as Victoria’s Secret or Fredericks of Hollywood. You can also purchase magazines like Playboy, Maxim, King and FHM (however… there are sooooooo many websites that offer the style of images you may want to recreate so, why not save a few bucks =)  Study these and pay particular attention to how the models pose in different style clothing.   Look closely at how they hold their hands, arch the backs, as well as the postioning of their legs and feet.

Props

Props can enhance the look and feel of your shoot while giving it your own unique touch. What are props? Props are any items that can accessorize your shoot and give it impact. Props can be anything from sunglasses, a laptop, and umbrella, a top hat to animal print rug, fabrics or fur coat. If you are the creative type, this can be a fun way to express yourself!

Unless otherwise arranged, clients are responsible for supplying their own props for a shoot.

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).

Additional Items to Consider

It very common to get to a shoot and realize you forgot something you should have brought. A little planning can go a long way in maximizing the time you are paying for to shoot. Here a few other items to consider bringing along:

-Garters

-Accessories i.e. jewelry, cigars, hand cuffs, whips…

-Pair of nude fishnet or other specialty nylons (especially the kind with the line up the back =)
-A VARIETY of heels
-Lotion for body (ashy skin does not photograph well!)
-Safety pins

-Bobby pins

-Hairspray
-Makeup

Other considerations before we shoot…

Ask any last minute questions.

If you have an iPod, create a play list to get you in the mood for creating great photos. You may like love songs but, choose songs that will energize you.

Get your nails and toes done.

Drink plenty of water; avoid salty foods and alcohol prior to a shoot so that you are not puffy on the day of the shoot.

Start packing. In the process you may find that you are missing things you want to bring. Separate your accessories and make sure you have the right shoes.

If you need any hair removed do it now! You want to make sure you skin has recovered from any irritation resulting from hair removal.

Trim split ends and dye your roots. Studio lights exaggerate both of these! It is not the time to try a new hair color or cut. If you end up hating your hair, it will show up in your photos.

24 hours before the shoot…

Go over what you have packed. Are you forgetting anything?

Bring tears (photos you would like to emulate in some way) or email them to me so I can print them out.

Print or write out your driving directions. I won’t always be able to help you find your way. If you have doubts, address them now.

It’s shoot day!

Please eat a light meal before you leave. Photo shoots can be fun but exhausting. You don’t want to burn out and look tired in your photos.

Please bring bottled water, snacks, and anything else necessary to keep you going.

Wear loose fitting underwear and clothes to avoid leaving marks on your skin.

If there is going to be a makeup artist on set, then arrive with a clean and well-moisturized face. Also come with clean DRY hair. Never arrive to a shoot with wet hair.