Preparing for your photoshoot! Female Youth Model Edition
So you’ve booked your first shoot, or maybe you’ve done this before. Either way, this prep guide is to help you, the parent or guardian, and your child to prepare for your upcoming photoshoot. Please know that I am here to guide you through this process and while you have this to refer to please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me if you have questions. I pride myself in creating an experience for both you and your child that is safe, fun, and a place for you both to learn more about the industry; there are no dumb questions here!
The Basics
Drink water: Hydration is key before your shoot. Not only is water is crucial for your health but it keeps your skin looking fresh and vibrant.
Skincare: For skin care, it's best to stick with your usual routine. You dpn’t need ot do anything special beforehand but If you're considering trying a new facial or mask, do it at least a two weeks before the shoot. This allows your skin to reap the benefits and recover if there are any reactions to new products. And don't worry about any blemishes or acne – we all have it, your final images will be professionally retouched.
Hair & Makeup: As for hair and makeup, it's all about keeping it simple and age-appropriate. A small amount of concealer, blush, mascara, and a comb through of the brows is plenty. It’s also a good idea to keep the hair natural or as you would normally wear it.
Nails: For nails, natural or a bit of neutral polish is best. Make sure they are trimmed and ready to go.
What To Wear
This is probably the most daunting task when preparing for your shoot but don’t fret, it’s a lot simpler than you think! It’s all about keeping it simple and focusing on layers. If you are revamping or starting your book, I suggest having a couple simple outfits as well as a couple more eclectic looks that represent your personality. This will help develop your book to cover a wide range of looks. What helps when organizing outfits is to remember to layer. For instance, a pair of jeans with a white sweater, a colorful jacket and white sneakers is a great option. You can also pair an overside sweater with a brightly colored skirt, DocMartins with a funky sock, and even a colorful bucket hat to get a fun look.
Here are some versatile and camera-friendly suggestions:
Versatile bottoms like chinos, leggings, or a denim/corduroy skirt
Dresses in fun colors or patterns
Casual white sneakers
Dress shoes or ballet flats for a more polished look
Fun accessories like hats, scarves, or a statement piece of jewelry
A crisp white or soft pastel long-sleeve shirt
A few pairs of jeans (black, blue, or white)
A denim jacket, textured, or a fun, patterned jacket
A simple, solid-colored sweater or a playful graphic sweater
Graphic tees and a plain white tee
Start packing at least three days before the shoot. This gives you plenty of time to coordinate each outfit with accessories. Lay out all your options and try them on to see how they look and feel. This way, you can make any necessary changes ahead of time and avoid last-minute stress.
If you find that an outfit isn't coming together as you hoped, don't worry! Feel free to reach out for advice, or go back to the basics with the items listed above. Remember, comfort and confidence are key – we'll make sure you look and feel great in your photos! Click here for more outfit ideas.
Hair & Makeup
When it comes to makeup for younger models, a natural and minimalistic approach works best. If you're new to makeup or prefer a subtle look, focus on a few simple products. A bit of concealer for any blemishes, a light touch of foundation, and a dash of blush can create a fresh and youthful appearance. A small amount of mascara and a gentle filling of the brows can enhance your features without looking overdone. For a little extra flair during the shoot, consider a fun lip gloss.
As for hair, embracing your natural style is usually the best choice. Whether your hair is straight, curly, or wavy, let its natural beauty shine. If you want to change things up, simple styles like soft curls, light braids, or a neat ponytail can add a touch of elegance without being too complex. Remember, the goal is to have as much time for shooting as possible, so opt for hairstyles that are quick and easy to manage.
A fun way to spruce up your look is by adding a scarf, hat, jewelry, stickers, flowers, or even glitter. It’s playful and allows us to get some amazing shots of your personality without having to change your makeup or hair.
That’s a Wrap!
If I can give one last piece of advice, it’s to focus on having fun and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
Modeling for the first time can be intimidating, but that's why I’m here - to help walk you through the poses and help you shine.
Even if you’re not shooting with me, here are some things to focus on:
Remember to Listen: When you're a model, your goal is to help create images that showcase a product, piece of clothing, or even an experience. Depending on the project, either the photographer or art director will be explaining what they want you to do in the shot. It’s important that you listen carefully to what they are asking of you, whether that be to jump with joy and smile or have a more serious facial expression.
Don’t Be Shy: It’s okay to be nervous; we all get the jitters. Simply focus on being yourself and remember, if you got booked, they already like you! There’s no need to stress.
Be Kind: Kindness and respect are so important in our industry! Just like in real life, no one likes a snob who thinks they’re better than anyone else. So be kind to everyone, and trust me, you’ll be remembered as the super nice model who was wonderful to work with.
Come prepared: Just like school you have to be prepared. This means making sure you have everything you need for the job and don’t forget to ask your parents for help. It helps to pack a few days before just in case you need to run to the store.