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Photo Shoot: What to Bring

By: Gian Erguiza - March, 2008

You’re finally going to get your first taste of a photo shoot, in a real studio, with real photographers, MUA’s and the whole nine. You begin to pack your model bag/suitcase and head on down to the studio. Once at the studio, you realized that you forgot something important at home. Uh-Oh. Too late to go back home and now you have to improvise. Had you only been prepared, these type of things wouldn’t happen.

The first thing you need to know is what kind of shoot is it going to be? Is it going to be high fashion, promotional, commercial/billboard, what is it? To know what kind of photo shoot you’re going to be in is important in deciding what to bring to the shoot. Different shoots require different approaches and items. The client should very well inform you on what to bring and what he’s looking for so you should take notes or mental notes.

Okay, now that you’ve got the first part out of the way, time to handle your model bag. I suggest preparing your model bag a day before the shoot just in case you need something else on the day of the shoot, there’ll be no rush in getting it together. Remember, a stressful day on the day of the shoot will show up in your photos. Keep it stress free by being prepared a day before.

Let’s move on to your clothing and wardrobe. This is probably the most stressful part of completing your model bag since you probably have all the clothes in the world right? Right. Anyhow, your clients will most likely supply the clothing for the day and all other essentials so I wouldn’t be too worried. But just like a good model would, pack these in your model bag for safe measure.

Tank Tops, Button Ups, Blue Jeans, Short Shorts, Sport Tops and Bottoms, Jacket, Exercise, and a Business Suit. All these items should cover Casual, Sport or Business type phot shoots.
Swim Wear - Bring about 2-3. the only rule here is that you have to look absolutely stunning in them, hands down. If you’re not flattered, they won’t be either.
Lingerie – Underwear (No Granny Panties!) and Bra’s, Preferably flesh colored to eliminate all lines under the clothing. Bring an assortment of G’s and for the bra’s, bring 3 different styles including one push-up bra in the mix.
Props – Hats, Neck Tie’s and Men’s shirts.
Different colored Hosiery, Nylons and Socks.
Robe and Scarf – The robe is to keep prying eyes off you in between clothing changes and makeup. The scarf is to prevent any makeup from flowing onto the item, off your skin.
Bring a portable iron or steamer to get rid of the creases and unwanted wrinkles that accrued from your trip.

Aside from the clothing and wardrobe essentials, you also need to bring some accessories to help define or improve the look of the shoot. Photos with accessories really make the photo come alive and be vibrant. Keep it simple, the simplest accessories that compliment the clothes are usually the best to go with. Do not go over board with accessories, they can really ruin a good photo. These accessories should also come in a nice assortment.

Earrings
Necklaces
Bracelets
Whatever else is fashionably sound or “in” at the time.

Well I know you women have a lot of these: Shoes. The number one rule of shoes is that it has to match the clothing and accessories for it to work. There are a number of combinations that you can do with shoes so make sure to bring an assortment of shoes as well.

High Heels
Sneakers – Preferably running shoes
Sandals
Dress Shoes
Boots – All types

Now let’s get to your hair. Most shoots will have a hairstylist at hand to fit the needs of the client or to fit the need of the shot. Some clients though prefer to take the alley way with hair since photoshop can fix that but just in case, you should prepare your hair not unless the client specifically proclaims for you to come with your hair undone, other than that, fix it up but leave it fairly natural just in case you or the MUA want to fix it up in another way once you get to the studio or location.

Curling Iron
Straightener
Brushes and Combs – Bring an assortment
Shaving Cream and a razor with backup razors
Hair Clips or Hair Ties.
Hairspray or Hair Gel
Whatever else you think is essential for the care of your hair.

Onto the makeup we go! Just like the hair, most clients and shoots will have a MUA (Makeup Artist) at hand so they can fit the needs. Even though they’ll have a MUA at hand , you should still bring your own cause you just never know.

Makeup Kit – The whole complete kit
Mirror
Hair nipper
Lip Balm
Swabs and cotton balls
Vaseline
Skin Cleanser
Moisturizer
Lip color or lip stick or any other that you use on your lips, preferably solid colors.

Last but not least, let’s take a look at your fingernails. There is nothing more unattractive than dirty fingernails that show up in photo. Keep it neutral. Reason being is that the camera will focus on vivid colors and if your fingernails have a stronger color than your eyes, it will focus more on your fingernails than your eyes making the people view the photo in the same way. You don’t want to take away from your face not unless you’re a hand model, which won’t even have your face in the shot so no worries there. You have to make sure that you have a nice manicure, especially if the shot will consist of your hand being close to your face.

Complete Manicure Set
Acetone or nail polish remover
Nail Polish in neautral colors

You can always modify what you need for the shoot since it always depends on the type of shoot, location and style. This list should help you out so you’re not left in the dark about what to bring to a photo shoot. You don’t bring knives to gunfights so don’t bring nothing to a shoot cause you never know what can happen at a shoot. Being prepared will ensure you and will give you confidence to shoot!

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