Tips for models before a photo shoot. Photo session in the studio

If you have planned a shoot and want the photos to be top notch, not only the photographer will have to work, but you too. It’s sad, but very few people understand that almost the entire result depends on the right location, idea and, most importantly, clothing. And that not only the photographer, but also the clients need to prepare for photography. That is why we have prepared useful recommendations for you from a practicing photographer.

Maternity photo session

This trend is now one of the most fashionable. And, apparently, plans to continue to gain popularity. Every girl who is preparing to become a mother is beautiful at this time. She is blossoming and getting prettier. And, you see, it’s not every day that you can organize a photo shoot of yourself while pregnant. Some will be lucky enough to be “in a position” once in their life, and for others several times, but still each filming will be a very special story.

If you are expecting your first child, the ideal time for photography is 32-34 weeks of pregnancy. If this is a repeat pregnancy, then the best time is 29-32 weeks. In the case of twins, it is better to take pictures at an earlier stage - from about the 25th week of pregnancy. Of course, these are only general recommendations. The size of bellies is very individual, and therefore the best time is probably the time when the expectant mother feels well and the belly is already clearly visible.

In autumn-winter-spring time it is better to choose a studio for shooting. There you can change clothes comfortably and not worry about your health. In the summer, it’s good to shoot outdoors, in the setting sun, outdoors, near the water...

The optimal shooting time is 1-2 hours. It all depends on the number of images, experience, locations and well-being. Also keep in mind that during the first 10-15 minutes the photographer establishes psychological contact with you.

Makeup is required! During pregnancy, girls' facial features change, sometimes swelling and bruising appear. And only a makeup artist can cope with these troubles, emphasizing your advantages. It is also advisable to entrust the hairstyle to a specialist so that the image is complete and you do not worry about it.

It is better to choose clothes in pastel colors. Something cozy and soft - for winter, flying and airy - for summer. However, it is always better to have several options to choose from.

The easiest way to create a gentle look is with beautiful underwear and negligee.

A soft look includes a knitted sweater, knee socks, and loungewear.

The evening look also looks interesting. For example, a long floor-length dress that emphasizes a rounded tummy. In general, a dress is always a win-win option, but you need to think carefully about the color so that there is no flashy color spot.

Additional accessories you can take:

  • soft toys (for example, teddy bears) and things of the future baby;
  • tiny clothes for the baby (socks, booties, boots);
  • balloons of one or two colors (white, pink or blue, gold, silver). It is best if they are tied with white ropes, not gold ones;
  • beautiful inscriptions made of wood or plastic;
  • wreaths of fresh flowers or just bouquets of flowers (you can even have rose petals);
  • fabric, it should be light and about 3–4 m long (for example, pastel-colored silk chiffon).

Family photo session or love story

If you have children under the age of 5, be prepared for them to be constantly distracted and mischievous. And this is absolutely normal! The photographer will take more shots to catch the fidget. A nice bonus for you: the shots will be so interesting and natural that you will not remain indifferent. Never scold your child for his hyperactivity and unwillingness to look at the camera. Otherwise, he will be offended or begin to be capricious.

The appearance of the child, again, should be harmoniously combined with the appearance of the rest of the family members. It is preferable to use no more than three colors in clothing and accessories. And if there are three of you, then at least two of you should have one primary color. Depending on the season, you can choose different color accents.

An accent is some detail (scarf, hat, bag, shoes, trousers or skirt). Autumn/winter - burgundy, noble green/emerald, beige, ocher. Summer/spring - pastel shades. In the warm season, it is advisable not to overload yourself with dense textures; we advise girls to choose flowy dresses or skirts.

Love Story

The very expression “love story” implies that there must be some kind of story. This is not necessarily a dating story, as many people think. It could be a picnic or a bike ride with flowers or rollerblading - whatever characterizes you. Maybe you have “YOUR” place where it is possible to conduct a photo shoot.

For two people, deciding on a wardrobe is the easiest way. The rules are the same as before: compatibility and general colors. However, two people are even allowed to simply choose any compatible colors (for example, a guy – a pale blue shirt and beige trousers, a girl – a pale pink dress).

For all types of photo sessions

  • Review the poses in advance and practice them in front of the mirror. This will not only make the photographer’s job easier, but you yourself will become more confident in front of the camera.
  • Decor is always a good decision. If your budget allows, or if you want the perfect shoot, hire a decorator. He will help you make a fairy tale.
  • If you constantly wear glasses, but can more or less see without them, then it is better to abandon them during a photo shoot. Glare often appears in the lenses of glasses, which can ruin the frame.
  • Always communicate with the photographer! A good photographer will always help with the idea and choice of clothes, advise makeup artists, decorators and, at a minimum, support and inspire confidence. This is especially important for those who are having their first photo shoot. Feel free to send him photos of your clothes and ask him for advice. Photographers are creative people. It is likely that they will see your image - and an idea will arise in their head on how to beautifully beat it.
  • It’s better to arrive early for the shoot so you have time to prepare and change clothes. Even if you think that you don’t need to prepare, you should be there in at least 15 minutes.
  • Trust the photographer and just enjoy the process - and then the children, looking at you, will see in the photo shoot an opportunity to have fun with mom and dad.

Photography is not the story of one day, it is the story of your feelings, emotions and your love. Now you know how to colorize your memorable moments into so much more than just good pictures!

The article was written based on my five years of experience participating in boudoir photo shoots. During this time, I worked on many projects without being a professional model. I made some mistakes, made conclusions, and came up with my ideal formula and checklist.

One example of a photograph with my participation. Photographer - Olga Smirnova. Hair styling and makeup - Liliya Salakhova. Retouching - Svetlana Ivleva. Especially for Garterblog.ru

1. Come up with an idea

Decide what you want. Start with a general idea, then think about the details: clothes, decor, makeup, hairstyle (if necessary). The easiest way to create a board with inspirational ideas and examples is on Pinterest.

The more detailed you describe your idea, the better.

As for the makeup artist and stylist: if you show photos with makeup and hair styling that you like, you will make their work as easy as possible, and ensure the desired result for yourself.

2. Choose a format: photo day or individual shooting

Decide what is best for you: a photo day or an individual photo session. Each option has its pros and cons.

During the photo day, shooting time is limited (usually half an hour per person), you will not be able to choose the location, make-up and styling. Therefore, it is worth looking for a photo day that best suits your needs.

On the other hand, this format is much cheaper than individual photo sessions. Plus, you don’t have to agree on a place (studio), makeup artist and hair stylist - they’ll do it all for you. Weigh the pros and cons and make a decision.

If you have rarely taken photographs before, I would not recommend starting with photo days. There is a risk that in half an hour you will not open up, will not relax and will look tense. Although a lot depends on the chosen photographer.

In the case of an individual photo shoot, there are more costs on all counts. But here you are the creator of your own happiness and a generator of ideas. And if the photo shoot lasts an hour and a half, then you have more chances to relax and go beyond standard poses.

3. Agree on important things on shore

So, you have decided on the idea and details, and chosen a photographer. What should you agree on before the photo shoot?

  • Specify the deadline for delivery and the number of finished photographs.
  • If you want to look through the sources and choose what you like, agree in advance.
  • Discuss whether you need face and body retouching.
  • In addition to face and body retouching, there is also color correction and other details of retouching the photograph itself. You can ask the photographer to show one processed photo. Using his example, discuss what you want in terms of retouching so that the photographer can then focus on the given parameters.
  • If you plan to shoot outdoors, the weather may interfere. Think about a backup option and discuss it with the photographer. There is always a risk that force majeure may occur. So it’s better to have in your notebook spare contacts of people who will come to your aid (makeup artist, photographer, studio manager, and so on).

It is customary for us to conclude contracts only for wedding photo sessions. But this procedure will help save your nerves if something goes wrong. So don't hesitate to ask about the contract or ask for a receipt.

4. Remember self-care

If your face is peeling, it is better to moisturize it with cream in advance, otherwise it will be difficult for the makeup artist to work, and the result will not be at all what you want.

Also, before the photo shoot, remember about the pedicure. You can do them yourself or contact specialists.

If you have time, visit the location before the shoot takes place. Perhaps in real life you won’t like something and you’ll want to change it. There was such a case in my practice.

Look at the shooting location and think again whether additional decor or the help of a florist is needed here.

6. Think about where you can save money.

Since a photo shoot with a whole team is quite an expensive undertaking, you may be thinking about saving money. You can save money by doing your own hair and makeup and choosing to shoot not in a studio, but in the city or outdoors.

The only specialist you definitely shouldn’t skimp on is a photographer.

7. Accept that you will get tired.

Be prepared for the fact that during photo sessions lasting an hour or more you will be tired, and very tired.

Long photo sessions are good because you can take your time, relax and open up better. But with this comes fatigue. At the end of the shoot, you will feel like you've come out of a grueling workout. Therefore, after the photo shoot, it is best to plan a vacation.

8. Be careful with food

You shouldn't go to a photo shoot with a full stomach. If you have eaten heavily, you will not be very comfortable moving and working. But you don’t need to go hungry either: a photo shoot, as I wrote above, is a physically demanding activity. If you are hungry, you will not be able to concentrate on the task at hand due to stress, and imaginary cakes or steaks will fly before your eyes.

Have a small snack before and take something light with you if the photo shoot is going to be long.

9. Relax

Relaxation is the key. Both moral and physical. And if the first depends on you and the photographer, then a good massage the day before the shoot, as well as a sauna or bathhouse, will help you physically relax.

10. Be yourself

It often happens that you only relax towards the end of filming. It is at such moments that very beautiful shots can be obtained. Be yourself, inspire and be inspired.

Tell us about your experience participating in photo shoots in the comments. What would you like to add to the tips in the article?

Let's learn how to pose correctly for a photo shoot!

The genre of modern fashion photography has long become a full-fledged art form. And like modern art, often the task of the photographer and model is to convey not only the image, but also the mood with the help of photography. A good photograph should have not only the present, but also the past and the future, it should be like a frame from a film where a whole story is visible. In the frame, the model must play a given role, leaving behind a piece of the moment from her life in the image. But for this, you need to learn pose correctly at a photo shoot and often you have to master this skill yourself. Of course, the photographer will always correct where it is critical, but you shouldn’t count on detailed instructions. In addition, the photographer will never be able to extract the necessary emotion or look from you. Not everyone wants to be a clown in front of you and constantly try to make you laugh or sad, because besides this, the photographer has other tasks. Let's talk about the most common rules when posing and the mistakes they make.

The first day of shooting for a model can sometimes be very difficult, especially if you don't know where to start. Therefore, it is very important to answer two questions for yourself: what to shoot, And How would this happen.

How to look beautiful in a photo

1. Subject of shooting

The concept of a photo shoot is developed in advance and can be of several types:

  • magazine photo shoot: when it is necessary to create a single image from a series of photographs, the so-called editorial - magazine story;
  • commercial photo shoot: the task of creating a selling image;
  • social photo shoot: show a social problem and attract public attention to it.

It doesn’t matter what kind of photo shoot the model will be photographed in, the main thing is to convey the mood, idea and the message that the photographer and the entire team put into it. Of course, nowadays, every photo set is a commercial project, because we live in a world where everything is sold and everything is bought. Therefore, the task of the model, in one form or another, is to create a sellable image. In this task, the entire film crew must come to the aid of the model, whose professionals first think through makeup, hairstyle, clothes, style and mood, which in general has such a concept as mood board . Literally, the mood board translates as mood board, and is an integral attribute of any. On such a board are hung images (clippings from fashion magazines, city landscapes, photographs of paintings by famous artists, snapshots from shows, etc.) whose task is to create a certain atmosphere on the site.

Image, emotions, posing– all this must be performed by the model in a sequential chain, which is divided into preparation and the process itself. If a model tries to portray any pose without preparation, it will not work out organically. Therefore, you should initially stand in front of the mirror, feel the atmosphere, get used to the image of the upcoming photo shoot and tune in to a certain wave, which in turn will carry you in a given direction. This is especially important to consider when shooting where movement is required. You need to try to feel as much as possible that there is someone else inside you. It is in such cases that the element of acting plays a big role, thanks to which it is possible to portray completely different/unique images.

How to stand when taking portraits.

2. How the photo shoot will proceed

It is very important to discuss the upcoming work with the photographer before starting work. The most important thing to know is where the light is coming from and how the frame is cropped.

Lighting is perhaps one of the most important details in photography, because any incorrect shadows can significantly ruin the photo. If there is a main lighting fixture in the studio, you need to face it so that the light on your face is as soft as possible. If the light in the studio is symmetrical, then you should pose in the center. Accordingly, if the shooting takes place outdoors in sunlight, then you should position yourself so that the sun illuminates you evenly, unless the photographer commands otherwise.

Crop or cropping the frame, is an equally important moment of shooting, which the model must know about. The final perception of the photograph depends on whether the model is completely included in the frame. If the frame is cropped to the waist, you should ensure that your arms are raised at waist or chest level, again unless the photographer requests otherwise.

Cara Delevingne

Common mistakes when posing:

Elbows. Photography is, first of all, a two-dimensional space, so all poses with bent elbows or knees pointing into the frame are incorrect. You should not put your hands behind your head, as this will cut off your hands and give the impression that the model is an amputee. Try to work in the same plane as your body; don't push your elbows or knees forward or back unnecessarily. The correct pose would be one in which the hands are above the head and the fingers are visible, and the body is slightly turned into a semi-profile. The elbows should be spread to the side.

Neck and shoulders. If you are posing in profile, you should consider the correct curve of the shoulder and neck. The latter is a very important element when it is necessary to emphasize the femininity of a photograph. Therefore, do not close your chin or raise your shoulder under any circumstances. Therefore, when posing, the model's neck should always be open and slightly extended forward to avoid the formation of folds under the chin. In some photo shoots, when it is necessary to emphasize the mystery of the image, you should slightly raise the shoulder; in turn, an extremely lowered shoulder gives the image a sense of pride and confidence.

Face. There are three main positions when posing for portraits - full face, three-quarters and profile. Very often, beginning models make a common mistake by adopting a pose between three-quarters and a full profile, which has a name such as an interrupted profile, when a slightly protruding back of the face completes the line of the nose, lengthening it and making the silhouette unnatural.

Hands. Hands are very important in photography. You should never hide your fingers, as this will make you feel like they are simply not there. Therefore, if you need to take a pose in which you rest your hands on your sides, do it so that your hands and fingers are visible in the frame, to do this, do not put your hands behind your back or rest on your lower back. If your arms are lowered, also do not hide them behind your back, but try to position them as parallel to your legs as possible, but at the same time, not pressing them too tightly to your waist, leaving a little free space between your arms and torso. You should also not press your elbows to your body when you pose in half-profile with something in your hands. This also applies to the full profile position, as anything closer to the camera always looks bigger, so having your arms close to your sides will make you appear thicker.

Legs. Typically, when posing, the legs are either crossed or in a half-step position. This should be done in such a way that the front leg does not cover the back leg, merging with it into one. Therefore, make sure that your back leg is always visible. If you're standing straight with your feet together, shift your center of gravity to one leg and lower one hip and shoulder slightly. This will give your figure graceful lines so you don't look like a shapeless square.

Sudden movements. Don't move quickly when you're in the frame. When the lighting is set, the team is ready for the photo shoot and the photographer gives the command “ Started!”, do not make fast and sudden movements. Begin to move smoothly and slowly from one position to another, so that each pose is a logical continuation of the previous one, without changing the angle from the direction of the light.

Photography is much more sensitive than our eyes. It may seem that in order to change something in it, it is necessary to perform a series of complex movements or changes. But in fact, to achieve changes in a photograph, all it takes is the slightest movement of the arms, hips, legs, or a change of mood.

How to pose during a photo shoot: sitting, standing and posing for a portrait

Full length posing. There is no need to strain your body muscles and hold your hands clenched into a fist or place them one on top of the other. You should also not slouch, as this leads to deformation of posture and an unnatural result. You should bend one of your legs slightly, straighten your shoulders, take a natural pose, turn one shoulder towards the photographer and elegantly place one hand on your belt.

Denise Richards

Seated posing. In this case, you should not put your feet under you, do not turn your body forward to the camera, and do not clench your hands into fists. Turn your body three-quarters in relation to the camera, straighten your palms and slightly extend your legs to emphasize their aesthetics and beauty.

Caroline Carson Lowe

Portrait photo poses. Try not to strain your facial muscles and shoulder girdle as much as possible. You should not tighten the muscles of the neck and chin, as this leads to a violation of the proportions of the lower part of the face, which leads to an ugly and unnatural smile. In order to create more aesthetic proportions in the frame, a model with a wide face should turn and tilt her head slightly.

5 basic rules for posing correctly in front of the camera:

  1. Correct view:

A gaze directed upward for no reason looks very unnatural, and if you don’t have the task of portraying prayer or make yourself little girl, then it’s better not to look up, that is, above the camera. You can also look at the camera in different ways. For example, you can look at the lens as if you are looking through it, far ahead. It is worth noting that in the frame this look looks very interesting; it seems that you are looking not at the viewer who is watching your photo, but through him. This technique is practiced by many models in order to learn how to strike poses correctly when photographing.

  1. Correct head turn:

You should not look with your forehead, do it with your chin, that is, keep your face open in the direction indicated by the photographer and do not lower your head unless required by the specifics of the shooting. If you are posing in a semi-profile position, then you should turn your front temple towards the photographer, that is, slightly tilt your head forward, but under no circumstances tilt it back. You should also not lift your head too much, showing off your nostrils and a double chin, which in reality may not exist.

  1. Use your palms correctly

Very often hands look good in a photo, but if they are not used correctly to touch your face, they can greatly ruin the photo. Frequent mistakes are when the action is performed in the literal sense, that is, if the task is set to take your head with both palms, you should not do this in the literal sense. Just lightly touch your head with your hands, imitating a touch. This also applies to actions with the neck, shoulders, chest girth and so on. By imitating the action, you add lightness to your movements, which looks much more gentle, beautiful and, most importantly, correct in the photograph.

You should not show off your palms with the front or back; they will look extremely large, ugly and not very feminine. You should turn your palms so that your hand looks more aesthetically pleasing, gentle and feminine.

  1. Learn a special look

There are many examples when, in fact, there is nothing in the frame except a glance. There is no special pose, no outstanding beauty, but there is a look that holds the viewer and rivets his attention for a long time. How to achieve such a mesmerizing look? There are several rules. First, the model must have artistic skills, and if you want to learn something, you should practice a lot, including the look. You can start with the mirror, trying different emotions in front of it - anger, joy, sadness. Second, ask your loved ones to play some kind of game with you, where they will need to guess what you are depicting. You can start with something simple, the same sadness, sadness or joy. Then try to portray something more complex, for example, a loving look, disappointment or bewilderment. A professional model must be able to give the photographer the look he needs at any moment, in any mood. It can be joy, when in fact it is very sad, or a seal that you must create in yourself and show it in your gaze.

  1. Don't be a copy of other models

Only someone who tries to be herself, and not a copy of her idols, can learn to pose correctly. Try to create your own and unique image. You should not emulate the looks of popular models and strive to become like their photographed copies; ultimately, no photographer, unless this is part of the photographic task, will want to repeat someone else’s photograph. Each photographer has his own vision of the composition and, in addition, each person is an individual person. You can try to make the model Marilyn Monroe with the help of clothes, makeup and hair styling, but you won’t be in such a photo. You should show your essence, your style, emotions and face in photographs.

Afterword:

Try to come to the shoot in a good mood, because this is actually the most important factor when observing correct posing at a photo shoot, which can significantly affect the result. Even when going for a paid shoot, it is very important to leave a good impression of yourself. Leave a positive aura around the photo set so that the photographer and the customer enjoy working with you, in which case you will definitely achieve the expected result, which will be the best reward for you!

Master class on posing from professional video models:

You can look on our website.

But you finally decided to entrust your beloved self to the best photographer you could find. You like his work and are happy with the price, so it’s time to get ready for the photo shoot. What should you pay attention to?..

Photography is a creative, interesting, exciting process in which two people participate: the photographer and his model. At this time, no one and nothing exists except them. Only they, in tandem. Of course, the photographer will advise and help, but you must also fulfill your role at the highest level. Just keep in mind that the hint will be standard, but you yourself can find a more interesting option, the photographer will only have to strengthen it, make it more impressive.

The very first time is the scariest. So that your beautiful head does not hurt about how to put on makeup and what to dress up in, use the services of professional stylists and makeup artists. As a rule, the photographer works in conjunction with them, so he can recommend the best one.

Stylists will help you choose clothes or choose an outfit from what is available in your wardrobe. A hair stylist will perfectly style your hair into a beautiful hairstyle. And the makeup artist will apply makeup in a high-quality and professional manner. After all, he has more than once encountered how studio light is reflected on a model’s face, so he knows everything or almost everything about it.
You are required to find your preferred look and show the photo to a pro, and on the day of the shoot, come to the photo shoot with clean hair and face. You shouldn’t waste precious time washing off the makeup that you put on so diligently in the morning in front of the mirror for two hours.

Keep in mind that cameras today are so professional that they will “notice” any flaw on your body and face. It is clear that a photographer can correct a lot using Photoshop.


Photo processing in Photoshop: BEFORE and AFTER

Correction is making a photo more attractive: lightening or darkening some areas, color saturation, focusing, blurring or sharpening, cropping or rotating the photo, as well as masking wrinkles, folds, unevenness and even fullness of the body. But you should know that mass photo correction is an expensive procedure. One photo takes about an hour of time, and the price ranges from 150 rubles per piece.
Therefore, minimize possible “risks”.

  • Apply a moisturizing mask to your face in the evening.
  • Take with you at least a pair of nylon tights: nude and dark. 20 days is enough.
  • Be sure to get the required eight to nine hours of sleep so as not to flash the bruises of your charming eyes in the frame.
  • Do not drink a lot of water at night, do not eat salty foods, and do not drink alcohol under any circumstances.
  • In principle, do not overeat or get drunk at night and in the morning, so as not to bloat your stomach. You shouldn’t starve yourself either, otherwise you simply won’t be able to withstand the filming process. Something light to snack on in the morning is fine. Well, take something with you.
  • Do exercises in the morning to tone your muscles. Your body shouldn't sleep! Push-ups, jumping rope, and contrast showers will awaken your body and spirit.


You may not do any of the above, but if your mood is at zero, it is better to reschedule the photo shoot. It won't work out. This has been verified.
If you want to get a good result, forget about problems. Be positive. Your eyes should emit light. Smile.

Never be late for a photo shoot. Time in the studio is scheduled by the hour, so most likely it will not be possible to extend it. Clearly and quickly fulfill all the photographer’s requirements, don’t be capricious, be yourself, and then the result will definitely exceed all your wildest expectations.

Whichever option you lean towards, know that the only specialist you definitely shouldn’t skimp on is a photographer.

How was your photo shoot? What would you add to our tips? Share with us in the comments.

Your First Look

Undoubtedly, any female person, at least once, dreamed of becoming a fashion model. And she certainly would like her favorite album to contain not only photographs of children, her beloved husband and family holidays, or unexpected shots, by the way, not very pretty, where the photographer took her by surprise. We are talking about professional photographs that you won’t be ashamed to show to friends, a loved one, or install on your laptop as a screensaver. The most suitable option, in this case, would be to go to a photo studio, where a specialist will make you look like a queen in the photo. However, not everything depends on the photographer; you will have to do most of the work yourself. After all, the quality of your photos will mainly depend on your mood and how you look. All in your hands.

Secrets of beautiful photographs.

Help yourself.

Do you want to get good photos? To achieve amazing results from a photo shoot, you need to follow some simple rules. This can be done without the help of a professional or computer program.

Emphasis on the hairstyle.

Sometimes, to go to all sorts of holidays and celebrations, we use various hair styling products stuffed with glitter. Undeniable. You look gorgeous under the club spotlights. Shine in the hair gives a special, unique highlight and you will not go unnoticed. But in photographs your “shine” will look banal. Vulgar dandruff. It’s unlikely that you wanted to achieve exactly this result. By the way, you should also not get carried away with the pomp and height of your hairstyle, otherwise in the photo they will seem a little crushed.

Focus on the face.

Before going to a photo studio for a shoot, look at yourself in the mirror, evaluate your appearance in detail and, in general, try to choose the best shooting angle, in your opinion. Since reflections make the image unclear and blurry, pearlescent colors should be excluded from your makeup for the duration of the shoot. A little gloss can be applied only to the lips. This will make them look a little fuller. For example, you like to use a contour pencil. In this case, it is necessary to shade the contour, otherwise your face will take on too sharp features in the pictures. Small eyes are not a problem in this case. You just need to tilt your face down a little and look into the center of the camera. And most importantly, do not expose yourself to direct sunlight. No matter how hard you bear it, the protective reaction of your eyes will work - you will squint. For those who are embarrassed by a double chin, you just need to lower your head slightly and lean forward with your whole body. Avoid “close” shots if you are not shooting with a digital camera. This will enlarge your already small nose.

Focus on the body.

If you want the most effective shots, it requires you to relax, to open up completely. Trust your specialist. Your isolation may interfere with his work. Take a free minute and practice at home the poses and images that you imagine. Maybe you want to become an unapproachable lady, or a fiery Spanish lady, or a romantic mademoiselle? There are a lot of options, it's up to your imagination. If you want your legs to be as long as those of the models, then you need to shoot from below. By the way, you should go to a photo shoot in matte tights, as the shine of the lycra in them can change the shape of your legs. To make your hands look decent, turn them slightly along the body.

Help from a professional.

We are looking for a master of his craft.

Of course, the best solution would be to find a photographer - an artist. As a rule, such creative individuals are good at imagining the mood of a photo. However, not everyone will be able to find such a person, much less pay for his services. Let your friends help you. Ask them to act as photographers. And repay them in kind. Suddenly you will be lucky and you will discover the talent of an artist in one of your friends, who will feel that very moment and capture it. It is also important that you feel pleasant and at ease in the company of the person who is filming. After all, the goal of his work is not only to “click”. Its main task is to reveal the model. Your movements and conversations should make you smile naturally.

We are looking for a place.

The studio, of course, is a good place for a photo shoot; even famous glossy magazines recommend coming here. Focus on convenience in terms of location and, accordingly, whether you can afford this pleasure. When you contact a professional photographer, don’t be lazy and look at his other works. They are called portfolios. Don’t be embarrassed; agree to the services of a master whose work will truly impress you. Pay special attention to a photo shoot in nature. The place should be comfortable for the specialist and his equipment. You also need to choose the right shooting time. The most suitable times are morning and evening hours.

Makeup master.

Bright flashes and light in the studio will instantly show all the imperfections of your skin. This is already known to those who are not going to filming for the first time. Advice for beginners: a cosmetologist - makeup artist will help you avoid such problems during a photo shoot, especially considering the fact that all the products he uses are adapted for shooting in the studio. Correction with computer programs is good, but makeup applied by a specialist looks much better and more natural. By the way, even the male part of the population is required to apply makeup before shooting.

Getting ready for filming.

Prepare your outfit and shoes for the photo shoot a day before such an important event for you. Also, think in advance about the route you will take and what transport you will use. Carefully pack clothes and shoes in special cases and bags. It is unacceptable to be distracted by cleaning clothes while a photo shoot is in progress. There's not a minute to waste. Also clean your shoes beforehand. To appear in front of the camera in all your splendor, you need to have a good rest before shooting and, of course, get your manicure in order. Don't forget about the pedicure. Late arrivals for photography are excluded.

The beginning of the day before the photo shoot.

Just a little more and the long-awaited moment for which you spent so much time and effort will come. You are full of energy, you slept well, your things are ready - it couldn’t be better. It will be great if you find yourself in the studio about twenty minutes before the start of shooting. Surely you are worried and nervous? In this case, one mug of tea will not hurt. During the tea party, you will have the opportunity to re-clarify all the moments of photography. You should not do your hair and makeup yourself if you are going to use the services of specialists. Otherwise, follow all of our hair and makeup tips we talked about earlier. Don't get too carried away with hair styling products.

The time has come.

At first it’s hard to learn not to react to so much equipment. Sudden photo flashes will scare you. Be patient a little, and the photography procedure will drag on to such an extent that it will be difficult to stop you. Well, maybe for a couple of moments to change your look, clothes, tidy up your makeup or drink water. Before you know it, the photo shoot will come to an end, leaving you with a sea of ​​emotions and new sensations. If ten out of fifty frames turn out “excellent”, then your photography was a success.

Oleg Tityaev, a famous metropolitan photographer, answered some questions:

Many people are nervous before their first photo shoot. What should an inexperienced model do to open up and appear relaxed and natural in photographs?

You need to realize from the very first shoot that everything is arranged only for your own pleasure. Quite often I have to use music to guide the model in the right direction. Music really helps relieve stress and gives a feeling of lightness. Therefore, the works come out emotional and with mood.

The accepted image, position, movements during a photo shoot - is this decided by the model herself or is she guided by a specialist?

Only a professional artist can fully imagine the result of the work. During the assessment of the “picture”, the master’s gaze covers all the smallest details - the shooting angle, tilt of the head and other effects (compressed lips, tousled hairstyle, etc.) assessment of the model’s position makes it possible to choose the desired shooting angle. With the right angle, you can visually lose weight. Only a photographer knows how to show the right emotions and his work depends on your whims. On the other hand, do not forget that he cannot stand in front of the lens instead of you. The more you try, the more successful pictures you will get.

Where is the best place to have a photo shoot?

At this point everything depends on personal attachments. Some will choose a photo shoot in nature, while others will prefer a studio to a park. From a practicality point of view, the studio is more convenient. It is better equipped. The rest depends on your preferences and, of course, on what kind of shots you want to achieve.

How do you know if this is your master or not? What to focus on? What does the “correct” portfolio look like?

The photographers you were advised to contact or have heard of will be the most suitable. Take a closer look at how the photographer creates and manages the image, admire the results of previous orders. Do you like his working style, the way he presents the model? If you are satisfied with everything, you can safely start working with him. Talk to him, explain what you expect from your joint cooperation. When you find a common language, then a glance will be enough for you to understand what he wants from you and vice versa. And you will work together quickly. It is important to trust each other. The most successful photo shoot requires total dedication.

What is the average price for a photo shoot?

A portfolio will cost you about five hundred to thousand dollars. You pay for a seven-hour shoot in a photo studio. For this money you will change not only your looks and clothes, but also your mood. Anything you want. Do not forget about the makeup artist and hairdresser, the services you are going to use. After all, your favorite hairstyle and makeup will look completely different under studio lighting. Professionals will highlight your beauty without changing your image. Ultimately, you'll get up to a thousand shots. For convenience, they will be recorded on a disk, but with it you will also be given ten printed photographs.

Let's say a girl wanted to take intimate photos. Is there a guarantee that the specialist will not use them at his own discretion or post them on some website?

There is such a thing as professional ethics. Unfortunately, there are professionals who have simply forgotten about this concept. Without a doubt, photographers who strictly abide by the rules of ethics will keep their word to you. However, if something confuses you, do not be lazy, enter into a written agreement. The contract should contain clauses prohibiting the distribution of your photographs through other persons or media.