How to prepare for your swim shoot

We all know that preparing for a photoshoot can be a little intimidating but this guide should help make the process a little easier.

Packing & Planning Your Outfits:

If I have one bit of advice it would be this: pack at least three days ahead of time! This step is so valuable when you’re trying to put together your outfits. It gives you time to change out the look or do a last minute run to the mall. With shoots, especially swim when we can feel vulnerable or self conscience, it is so important for you to like what you’re wearing but most importantly feel comfortable. You don’t have to wear a bikini if you don’t want to!

When it comes to a swim shoot there are so many ways you can elevate your look. Think of the ocean or the pool as more of a backdrop for your shoot. You can wear a bright pink pant suit with a black bikini top or a one-piece bathing suit paired with a chunky sweater or palazzo pants; there are no rules when it comes to fashion except that it makes you feel confident. Layers and accessories can also help refine a look. Chucky jewelry, belts, hats, and scarves are perfect for adding interest to your outfit without being too overwhelming. However, the less-is-more approach can be beautifully subtle, such as white button down paired with a bikini bottom or shorts.

Below are a few staples you can count on:

Jewelry
Head scarves
Large hats
Oversized sweaters
White button down shirt
Black or white one-piece bathing suit
Long flowy skirt, dress, or sheer fabric

Things to bring:

Sunscreen! Sure you may not be the type to burn but we want to protect your skin from the sun. Shoots usually are about an hour-and-a-half to three hours so it’s a lot of sun exposure for one day.
Towels
Bring one to dry off with and the another to place your clothing on. You’ll really appreciate the dry towel to wrap up in after your shoot. Trust me!
Sweats
You might be cold, no doubt about it. So make sure you wear a sweatshirt and sweatpants you don’t mind getting sand on. The looser the better!
One extra outfit
It’s always a good idea to bring one more look just in case we need to switch things up.
Sandals
It’s the beach so you’ll want a pair of sandals to get from one place to the other.
Touch up Kit
Pack a small pouch filled with the essentials to touch up your hair and makeup. Dry shampoo, a hair brush, foundation, and lips gloss are a few great essentials.

Things to avoid:

Denim Jeans/Tight Heavy Clothing

Sadly denim jeans or tight clothing get super heavy and uncomfortable when wet and when posing near the ocean it’s bound to happen. Clothing that still comfortable and won’t construct your movement if it gets wet will be best.

Your favorite jewelry
If you do wear jewelry, make sure you wear pieces that you won’t mind loosing just in case it accidentally falls off. You won’t be able to tell in the photograph if you’re wearing real diamonds or gold.

Hair & Makeup

The rule less is more truly applies when it comes to choosing your hair and makeup look for a shoot by the water. You want to make sure you have as little makeup as possible so when you sweat or get water on your face the makeup doesn’t break down. Even if you have blemishes stick to a soft foundation application. Concealer, brows, highlighter, blush, a SMALL amount of face powder, and waterproof mascara will usually do the trick. If possible, try using cream products. They are much more forgiving than powders since they “melt” into the skin and are easily applied.

When it comes to hair there is so much freedom with what you can do. Beachy waves, “wet” slicked back hair, top knots, braids, and head scarves all work. Do what works best for your hair type and don’t worry if it gets a little messy. It’s bound to happen when water and wind are factors!

Also, if you need help don’t forget that a hair and makeup artist is a great way to achieve the look you want that will last the entire shoot.

Need some guidance? Watch this tutorial by Jessica Clements or this tutorial by IAMSHELLY on how to get that perfect beachy look. This video by Nicole Elise will show you how to use cream products.