Maybe you’re going into your first ever shoot, or maybe planning for your fifth! Either way, you’ll want to know how to really elevate your results and create images with your photographer that you’ll be proud of, to show off to friends and family… or maybe just as a gift to that special someone.
Over hundreds of photoshoots and almost a decade of modelling, I’ve refined my shoot preparations and posing to now get the best possible results each time. There’s no one-size fits all guide, as the key thing which will make a photoshoot successful is whether you are comfortable. So take whichever tips suit you most.
I’m thrilled to share these tips and tricks for a successful photoshoot with you!
Preparing for the shoot:
Moisturise your skin, but not too much that it leaves marks on furniture. Dry skin can look dull in photos, where cared-for skin will look supple and healthy, and more evenly catch the light
Having professional hair and makeup will create a beautiful finish to your skin, but not compulsory. It depends on the look you’re trying to achieve and where the shoot is taking place. For example if you’re wanting to create a boho look, you’ll want to keep it minimal and possibly outdoors in natural light. If you’re going for a fitness, glamour or studio look, lights and flash will blast through most day makeup.
Hair with texture, curled or natural, looks best. Avoid straightened hair- unless its part of the look you’re after, such as sleek or fashion styles.
Avoid taking all black outfits or large amounts of black clothing, as it can swallow light and make it hard to define your shape in photos.
Check out the photographer's social media profiles and their portfolio to get an idea of what to expect. Communicate with them what you have in mind before the photoshoot. Something to consider here is the photographers editing style too. Make it clear what you do and don’t want in the pictures now, to save time later.
If its an outdoor shoot, a longer indoor one, or you have long travel time, take water and a hat. I’ve gotten sunburnt and dehydrated on too many shoots and not only is that bad for the obvious reasons, but it will show in the photos and you won’t have a great time.
For winter photoshoots or windy locations, prepare for cold conditions, take a jacket.
On the shoot:
Most poses benefit from breathing high into your chest instead of your abdomen to accentuate your hourglass shape.
Pimples and temporary imperfections can be removed in post-production, so don't worry about them. In fact, just forget all about them! The less on your mind, the better your expression will sit. Often the most beautiful photos are caught between poses or in a moment when you’re just relaxing. On that note:
Think of things that make you happy. I know this sounds unrelated, but people have micro-expressions. Tiny tensions around the eyes and mouth or just the slightest increment of the head angle can change how an expression is perceived altogether. Thinking of your pet or your partner or something nice that has happened to you will come out in the photo. And hey, even if it doesn’t, now you’ve spent time thinking about something that makes you happy, so its a win anyway!
If you have a lot of hair, keep it on one side to avoid losing your neck or jaw in photos
Point your toes to elongate your legs.
Lips slightly parted helps to create a soft and relaxed expression. Softly exhaling through your lips helps too.
Communicate. If something is suggested that you aren’t sure about or isn’t really ‘you’, simply say it.
Aim for a handful of excellent shots instead of cramming in too many outfits or poses. Quality over quantity is key.
Remember to relax and have fun during your photoshoot!
Colly x