Photo Shoot Tips
D. E. Mac McGuffee
www.LightworksStudio.com
A professional photographer
wants your images to be the best they can be. After all, her/his
reputation and livelihood is tied to the shoot. Since this is a team
effort there are a few things that you, as a model, can do to help make
the shoot a success.
1. Be on time.
Always. This speaks volumes about your dependability. If an emergency
arises be sure to call ahead before the scheduled shooting
time.
2. Striking different
poses with the same facial expression and body position does little to enhance your
portfolio. Spend some time in front of a mirror learning and developing a
variety of facial expressions and poses. You may want to consider studying the expressions
and body language of the top models in your field for examples and
ideas. If you are just starting out your photographer will be able to
share ideas with you.
3. Make sure you get
a good nights sleep prior to the shoot. Try to schedule shoots as late
in the day as possible to avoid going to photography session with puffy eyes.
Bags under the eyes may be reduced with certain types of firming make up.
Consult a make up artist for recommendations.
4. Your normal diet
should include the daily recommended consumption of water. This alone will
add greatly to the look and healthiness of your skin.
5. We all can appreciate
those models who prefer to wear as little make up as possible. However, a
number of photographers prefer to have a make up artist and hair stylist on the set, although this is not always possible due to the pricing package
the model has chosen. If you are scheduled for your first photo shoot you
may want to consider the following especially If a make up
artist is not going to be present:
a.
If you leave all your other make up at home never go to a photo shoot
without a facial or translucent powder. The freshly scrubbed face will undoubtedly
present undesirable highlights on the nose and forehead. If you are intent
on the natural look you can find a translucent powder that will tone down
the highlights (consult your makeup artist for recommendations).
There is only so much your photographer can do with high key lighting and
you certainly do not want your images to project a shinny or oily looking
skin.
b. A matte look can make a big difference in the quality of your
headshots. Use a solid foundation evenly blended well into the neck area to
help avoid changes in skin colors.
c. You may also want to consider an lighter shade eye shadow to avoid the raccoon
look. A lighter shade gives a flattering appearance of bringing the eyes
forward rather than the unflattering deep set appearance from a darker
shade.
d. Be sure to carry your hair brush, hair spray, and/or gel to the
shoot. Keep hair and jewelry accessories small. Hair styles can make
a dramatic difference in a model's look. A large number of upscale hair stylists
now have the computer software where they are able to use your picture and show you on screen
the styles that best compliment your features. Most makeup counters at
larger department stores schedule free makeup lessons. The majority of
makeup artists and hair stylist are available for studio sessions with
advance notice at their going rate.
e. If possible try to limit the wearing of sunglasses at least a
week prior to photo shoot in order to reduce the "squint". If
you wear contacts be sure to carry your case and solution in the event
that you need to take them out.
