Working in fashion for more than three years now, I cannot stress enough about what models need to bring to photoshoots. I often get the question of what to bring and the day of the shoot the most important things are missing.
As a stylist, I outline these must haves for all models.
1. Always have a few pairs of “photoshoot” shoes
Heels are a must have. Buy a pair of nude, white and of course black heels. For black, have a closed toe and open toe for variety. Also another good pair of shoes to have is boots. Yes, plain old military style boots. If you’re going to be doing some casual shots, they add an edge to your look.
2. Keep photoshoot-only undergarments
Nude bra, I repeat nude bra! You would be surprised how many girls don’t have one. It is the safest color to have when wearing pretty much any color, especially if the garments are a bit on the sheer side. Don’t forget a strapless one either and seamless thong to match it. Bra straps and underwear lines are a pain to photoshop and some photographers wouldn’t even bother to spend that much time on it. So make sure you have appropriate undergarments, or you can ruin otherwise stunning shots.
3. Loose/button down clothing & sport sandals
Always come to a photoshoot in clothes that are easy to slip out of. After hair and makeup prep, you do not want to ruin your look that took an hour or so to perfect. A button up or loose clothing that you can take off through your hips helps avoid that issue and makes makeup artist’s and hair stylist’s life that much easier.
4. Beauty mask
When it’s time to a change into your first look, sometimes you cannot avoid having to put the garment through your head. Using a beauty mask, which is pretty much a netting that zips up on your head, is a safest way to put clothes on. It allows the hair and makeup to stay in place, and protects clothing (that can be 1,000’s of dollars) from makeup stains, which in some cases are impossible to remove.
5. Clear non-scented deodorant
Deodorant marks are not fun to remove from pulled garments. And also, marking clothes with Old Spice or Peaches & Cream Secret scents is also not a good idea. The best option is to have a clear non-scented deo, so no one even knows you’re wearing some.
And last but not least,
6. A cool tank or a tee
Sometimes a photoshoot wraps up quicker than expected and there’s some extra time to do another look. Take advantage of it! Pull out your favorite top and ask if you can do some portraits against a wall or a simple background. For a model portfolio, simple is beautiful.
Whether you are working with a stylist or not, these are the essentials to have for any photoshoot. If you actually are working with a stylist, find out their contact info to ask what you need to bring that day. But always have the essentials, because a lot of times a stylist would assume you know the basics and only mention specific items for a look. Do not expect them to outline this in the email. They’re doing a lot of prep before the shoot and writing out the whole list might not be something they have a chance to do. Make a checklist for yourself and use it before a shoot. At the end of the day, you want your photos to look amazing and your preparation plays a huge factor.
Aver World 