Photo Shoot Preparation - Getting Ready For A Photography Model Shoot

I am going to share a few tips to help you be buff and prepared for a photo shoot. There are several things to think about regardless if you are shooting for yourself, your spouse or for a magazine. Not only do you need to focus on how you look from makeup to body fitness but also what to bring and to be clear on what your responsibilities are. All shoots vary from whether they supply outfit and makeup artists to whether you get any verbal posing coaching or not.

8 Week Countdown
If you are lucky enough to know about the shoot 2 months ahead of time you can prepare your body to suit the shoot purposes. In this case I am gearing the article toward a fitness type shoot where you are looking to show nice lines, sleek tone and shape. You will want to work on curving the shoulders, firming the legs, tummy and thighs and working on your V shape upper body, male and females alike.

Start to decrease the calories slightly by eliminating fats and sugars. Good fats such as almonds and olives are okay. Decrease carbs down to fibrous green vegetables, oats, yams and brown rice. This will make a huge difference in fast results. I would also eliminate dairy and fruit for now. Take in at least 2 liters of water and increase our cardiovascular exercise.

4 Week Countdown
By this time you will want to have trimmed and tightened the body with the above suggestions and start to look at buying any items you may need. Many times you will bring outfits, and can be expected to do your own hair and makeup. Ladies will want to pickup nails, eyelashes. Pick out some items and buy what you need to accompany them or just buy some new outfits altogether. Keep up with clean eating and cardio, lots of water and consistency. Practice some poses, stands, smiles and ideas in the mirror. Video yourself so you can see what looks good, this will save you time at the shoot. Many photographers will let you just pose, but some do help and queue.

Some shoots will supply outfits and or have a preset theme or job it is suited to, in which case you come in looking as best you can toward the photos goal and follow directions. Make sure to double check that you are not expected to bring any clothing, footwear, props, make up or hair tools. Make clear that you understand the look they want.

Last Week Before Shoot
Make sure you are fully shaven and well groomed. Get those nails done, eyebrows, hair trim, teeth whitened and you are set. Keep all the pertinent info such as names, phone numbers and addresses ready on hand. Prepare early and be early. A good first impression could mean work in modeling. Use a self tanner or get some tan sessions in during the last month, then bring some sheen to the shoot for the body such as mild body oil and slightly smooth very little over the body especially the muscle curves. Ask first of course if they want or mind the sheen.

The last thing is to work on being relaxed in front of the camera so that the week before you may want to do a few test shoots with a friend to see how it feels. Now unless your friend has tons of expensive equipment or a degree in photography, or is just plainly a natural, don't be too upset if the photos are not as glam as you want, the lighting will make a difference and you will feel disappointed in your modeling or how you look if you do not quickly realize that the one thing which makes you look like a star is the lighting, quality of equipment and photographer. It is all an illusion so use these test shoots toward feeling out the shoot and getting comfortable while in front of the camera.

Try not to eat too much on the day of the shoot or the night before, stick with grilled fish or chicken and some spinach to keep it simple and keep your body toned looking. Enjoy the shoot and know that 1 good shot is always the aim.

By Linda Cusmano