| Preparing for a shoot |
| There are many things to remember in the hours, days and weeks before a shoot. Often the smallest thing gets forgotten, or isn’t even thought about until it’s too late.
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| Before you start modelling |
Consider using a modelling name. If you are at all concerned about someone finding your images under your real name then please use a modelling name. Google (and the other search engines) are powerful beasts, and they will find your name if you use it on the web.
Think carefully about the style of modelling you intend to do. On numerous occasions now I’ve been contacted by a model to and asked to remove or change an image I have of them on my website to one not as revealing, that “doesn’t show a butt shot in a thong bikini” etc… Its normally because her employers, students (!), colleagues, fiancé / husband has found the images via a Google (see above!) search and they are giving the model hassle about it.
I am not the kind of photographer who will keep shooting during a “wardrobe malfunction” and I would certainly never use any images taken by mistake (sometimes it is hard to see things instantly), but there are other photographers out there who work in a less professional manner, so be aware of this and on your guard. However if it is an intentional part of the shoot, then chances are that I will shoot it!
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| Before the shoot |
Discuss ideas with me – share yours, ask for mine – so we’re both on the same page when it comes to the day of the shoot. Tell me the kind of photos that you need from the shoot
While I am no expert with dieting and preparing your body for a shoot, I have worked with lots of models who are – most are quite friendly and would be willing to share their advice. So if you need help and advice, let me know and I’ll try get you in contact with someone.
Tanning – it’s really important to come with a good tan. For me having a good tan makes the all the difference in the end result. Whether you decide on a real or fake tan is your choice, but from my experience it’s vital for a good shoot that you have one! Again I can’t tell you what processes or products work best, so ask around. What I can say is please don’t try a new product the night before a shoot – I’ve had models email me the day before a shoot to say they’ve turned a weird colour and will have to postpone a shoot!
Don't forget to get your nails done!
If we're doing a bikini shoot - don't forget to wax!
Talk to me – if you have any concerns or questions please communicate with me before we shoot. Please don’t leave things until the last day – I’m on email all the time (I have a Blackberry so I can pick up your messages almost instantly) and I’m on instant messenger almost every day – so I’m easy to contact.
Confirm the finishing time of the shoot with me. Often I like to shoot until close to sunset time, so especially if you’re using public transport to return home, please check with me the likely finishing time of the shoot and don’t forget to add in travelling time to get back to the train / bus station etc!
If you are new to modelling (or even if you aren’t!) practice those poses and facial expressions in a mirror as much as you can. If you can move from pose to pose, changing facial expressions on the way with minimal prompting from me, we will have a much better shoot. Trust me!
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| Travelling to shoot |
While not an essential, if you can make contact (a 10 second phone call or text message is fine) in the hours before we meet to shoot it is always appreciated.
If you are going to be late, please call (please do not use text messaging in this instance) to keep me updated.
Please wear loose fitting clothing before the shoot - if you wear tight jeans, bra etc, it can take quite some time for the marks to disappear from the body.
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| Things to bring |
A large towel or better still a full-length robe to change under.
Something warm and loose fitting. Even on a warm day, there is a chance you’ll get wet, be laying in wet sand with spray from the ocean. Often things get a tad chilly, so if you have something warm you can throw on you will appreciate it. Don’t bring your favourite coat as you’ll likely be covered in oil, sand or water (or if you are really unlucky all three!).
Baby oil or similar.
An easy to carry case. A wheeled suitcase is perfect if we have access to a nice house, or are shooting next to the car. However if we have to trek down to the beach, you’ll soon wish you hadn’t bought the wheeled suitcase along – so please bring something easy to carry.
Sensible shoots – some of the beaches are a little tricky to get down to so you’ll be glad you bought along something you can actually walk in!
Accessories – some of my best shoots have been with models who get creative on me – this can be with outfits or even jewellery – so please bring along anything you think might be useful.
Shoes – don’t forget those stripper heels! If you don’t have stripper heels, then bring along a high-heeled shoe of some kind. Even if we don’t shoot full-length shots – they have the benefit of making your body look better – your posture changes for the better when in heels.
Food and drink – it’s not always possible or practical to stop for refreshments (although most of the time we will stop for at a café for a cuppa before starting to shoot), but try and bring anything you might need with you just
incase.
You are always welcome to bring a companion to the shoot, however unless you are providing your own transport, please let me know this beforehand as sometimes vehicle space is limited.
The small things; a mirror, scissors, nail glue…
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| Have I forgotten anything?
Please email me if you can think of something so I can add it to this page.
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