6 Must-Haves for Your Female Photography Model Shoot

Preparation for your model photo shoot

Prepare for Your Female Modeling Photo Shoot

by Bob Pardue

Very Good!!!

Congratulations!! If you've gotten to this point in the book, you're getting ready for a female photography model photo shoot. What you bring to your model photo session will depend upon whether this is your first shoot for a portfolio or a paying job. Either way, this section will help you to be prepared for whatever reason you're doing the model session.

What does the client want?

If you are doing a female photography shoot for an agent or client, he will tell you what to bring but you still need to carry basics in case of changes in hair, makeup, etc. All the tips listed here are meant to be a guide and a checklist of sorts so you can always add to the list when you feel it's necessary.

Let's get started to create your model "kit"

Below I'm going to list suggestions for your photo shoot mainly so you don't forget anything the day of the shoot. In fact, I'd like to see your model case prepared before the day of the session so there's no rush. You may want to copy and print the section below so that you'll have a guide handy each time you go for a photo shoot.

Number One - Wardrobe for Your female photography model Photo Shoot

Here are the essentials for your wardrobe. As stated above, some of the clothing listed here will be provided if this is a model shoot for a client.

• Casual - blue jeans, sports & knit tops, button up tops, shorts, cutoff blue jeans, etc.
• Business Suit - for a different look
• Sports (exercise, uniforms, shorts, etc.) - If you plan to do some sports modeling
• Swim wear - needs to be a bikini that really flatters you
• Any props like hats, neckties, men's shirts, jackets, etc.
• Hose/nylons in an assortment of colors
• Socks in different colors including black and white
• Bring several different bras including at least one push-up and one in flesh tone color
• A robe to wear between changes during the photo session
• Bring a scarf to wear when changing to help keep makeup off client's and your clothing

You may also want to pack an iron or steamer for those wrinkles that are bound to show up from the trip.

Number Two - Accessories for Your Modle Photo Shoot

Along with each outfit, try to bring accessories which will accent or match the outfit. Keep accessories simple.

• Assortment of necklaces
• Earrings
• Bracelets
• Choker (these are popular at the time of this writing)
• Watch - You normally wouldn't wear a watch unless you are doing a photo where you will be looking at the time.
• Rings - I know you love your rings but they can be distracting so do not wear them unless they add to the picture.

Number Three - Shoes

As with accessories, shoes should match or accent the outfit. But, you can also think outside the box on the subject of footwear. For example; High heels have a totally different look with jeans or swim wear than with an evening dress.

• Dress shoes - Bring several different pairs
• High heels - Also an assortment
• Jogging shoes - white
• Boots or high heel boots
• Sandals

Number Four - Don't forget about the hair

Below are some items you'll need for your hair (or hair removal)

• An assortment of combs and hairbrushes
• A curling iron
• Hair rollers
• Straightener
• A couple of headbands
• Shaving cream and a couple of sharp razors
• Anything else you use for hair care

When coming to the model shoot, I would suggest leaving the hair fairly natural with very little (if any) hairspray so that you, or the MUA, can work with it after you arrive.

Number Five - Makeup and facial

Even if your shoot involves a MUA, you still may want to pack the following ...

• Your complete makeup kit along with a mirror
• A moisturizer
• Cottonballs and swabs
• Lip balm
• Vaseline
• A good skin cleanser
• Several different shades of lip color (be sure to bring some solid colors)

Number Six - Nails

A quick tip about nails. Remember that in photos, your eye will move to vivid colors first, especially red. So, take this into account as to whether you want people viewing your hands or your face.

Here is a checklist for nail products to take to your photo shoot.

• Your complete manicure kit
• Nail polish with neutral color
• Remover kit for nail polish

A nice manicure will really enhance your model photos, especially images where your hand is near your face in close-ups so pay particular attention to your nails.

This should pretty much cover you for most photo shoots but as stated above, listen to the photographer or client and be sure to bring wardrobe he or she wants.

Bob Pardue Photography