Great photos are a team effort, and your preparation plays a massive role in the final result. Feeling prepared not only makes the shoot go smoother but also helps you feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera.
To help you look your absolute best, please review this essential pre-shoot checklist.
1. 3-5 Days Before the Shoot (Self-Care & Grooming)
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Hydrate: Drink plenty of water. Well-hydrated skin looks fresh, glowing, and catches the light beautifully.
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Avoid drastic changes: Now is not the time to try a radically new haircut, hair color, or aggressive facial treatments (like chemical peels) that could cause unexpected redness or peeling.
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Tanning: Avoid fresh spray tans or excessive sunbeds right before the shoot. They often look orange on camera and are very difficult to color-correct.
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Nails: Make sure your nails are clean and manicured. Opt for neutral colors, French tips, or clear polish unless a bold color is part of the specific concept. Chipped nail polish is highly visible and will not be fixed in standard retouching.
2. The Night Before (Rest & Packing)
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Sleep & Diet: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep. Avoid alcohol and highly salty foods the night before to prevent under-eye bags and facial puffiness.
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Iron and hang your clothes: Prepare all your outfits, iron or steam them, and bring them on hangers. Please note: removing heavy wrinkles from clothing is not included in standard photo retouching.
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Underwear: Pack seamless, nude-colored underwear. Black or bright underwear can show through certain fabrics and ruin a great shot.
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Pack a "survival kit": Bring lip balm, translucent powder (to stop shine), a hairbrush, and any specific props or accessories we discussed.
3. Wardrobe & Styling: Golden Rules
If you are styling yourself (without a professional stylist), keep these rules in mind:
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Avoid large logos and text: They distract from your face and make the photos look like a billboard.
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Say no to tiny patterns: Very small stripes, checks, or dots can create a weird visual distortion on camera (called the moiré effect). Stick to solid colors or larger, bold patterns.
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Bring options: It is always better to bring an extra outfit and not use it than to realize an outfit isn’t working on set and have no backup. Bring 1-2 extra options just in case.
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Clean your shoes: If your shoes will be in the frame, make sure the soles and tops are wiped clean.
4. The Day of the Shoot
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Arrive on time: Your booking time starts at the agreed hour, not when you are fully dressed and ready. Arriving late cuts directly into your shooting time.
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Face and Hair: If we are working with a makeup artist, arrive with a clean, moisturized face and clean, dry hair. If you are doing your own styling, please arrive 100% camera-ready.
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Trust the process: It is completely normal to feel a bit awkward during the first 15 minutes! Don't overthink your poses—I will guide you, tell you what to do with your hands, and find your best angles. Just breathe and enjoy the experience.