Tips on getting burlesque photo shoot ready!
I felt like I should preface any photoshoot style post that it’s not going to be about getting a flat stomach before a photshoot or trying to starve yourself stupid.
You don’t need to do that.
And you certainly don’t need that negative energy in your life, right?
I am by no means a professional model. And I am definitely not the most photogenic or natural in front of a camera. It’s something that I find challenging all the time.
I have learnt a few things over the years, so consider this a real novice guide to preparing to get some photos taken, and getting that best chance at getting that ‘hero’ shot.
If you would like a part two with tips from me (and other more seasoned professionals!) on posing for the camera let me know in the comments!
Photo by EvokeD Images
Don’t starve yourself
You need to eat properly (like you would for any other day).
And contrary to popular belief, it’s hard work being a model!
Modelling can involve uncomfortable poses. Putting a heap of body weight one leg. Wearing something that feels weird and horrid. Standing around waiting. Being hot. Being cold.
You need good hydration, So make sure the day before that you have extra water. And get up a little earlier the morning of your photoshoot to have some water - and give yourself that extra time to go to the bathroom (as you don’t want to be trying to pee and get in and out of a corset, right? )
Make sure you factor in time to eat and digest a proper breakfast. I recommend something more protein rich and with some good fat to fuel you and keep you feeling satisfied for longer - especially if you don’t know when a break is on the cards.
Looking for some easy hacks and ideas?
Add some full fat greek yoghurt or a high protein yoghurt to your normal cereal or oats. Chuck a dollop of nut or WOW butter on top for some good fats!
Add a poached or boiled egg to your avocado on toast.
Try an omlette with some good sides like mushrooms or ground mince (or plant based protein)
Makeup and Skincare tips
A photoshoot just isn’t the time to try a new product or something brand new. It’s a good idea to stick with a look that you know and with products you are used to using.
There are also some things you can look for when you are prepping your makeup situation
Avoid products with SPF as these can cause flashback and/or that white cast on your face. If you aren’t sure you can do a test at home with the flash setting on your camera phone.
Although this might slightly contradict previous advice, if in doubt always try a slightly darker foundation (maybe a half or a shade deeper than you’d go with). Stick with a brand or a formula you like. But a slightly deeper shade can sometimes work better on camera, especially if you are fair and worried you are going to come off looking a bit ashy.
Make sure you take your foundation all the way down to your chest!
If you are wearing lingerie or less clothing, you can always mix some foundation into a body lotion to give your skin some colour and to keep your arms, chest and face in similar shades.
If you want me to enable you to buy a fancy product (you don’t need to, the trick above does the job) you could pick up something like the Charlotte Tilbury Supermodel Skin or the Patrick Ta Major Glow Body Oil. The Nuxe Body Oil is also always a fave (I find it a bit dark on my super fair skin though!).
Moisturising your body well is really important. It stops your skin looking flat and ‘crepey’ (for want of a better word)
Keep false eyelashes ‘normal’ (with the caveat of course that you might be going for a dramatic makeup look and it’s something you do on the daily). If you are less experienced a demi -wispie lash looks great and won’t be so big that it overwhelms your face or seems at odds with the rest of your makeup.
Doing a red lip? Line your lips first with a nude lip liner to avoid a ‘bleed’ on your lip line.
Powder your t-zone (nose, forehead and chin) even if you have drier skin - these parts always seem to be more shiny
Try lots of lighter layers with your makeup. If you have oiler skin this means that one big layer of makeup won’t be sliding off. And if you have drier and/or mature skin the lighter layers tend to cling less to dry bits or fine lines.
Multiple thin layers also help your makeup last a little longer during a long day.
Invest in a setting spray (The Urban Decay All Nighter is my long term favourite) It will keep your makeup around for longer!
Make sure you have washed all your makeup brushes a few days before the photoshoot to give them time to dry.
Travel Kits
You will need some supplies on the day, and it’s always handy to be prepared and save some stress.
Bring a body lotion or travel container of body oil or lotion with you. This will keep your skin supple on the day. And remember, that lotion just makes your skin look more glowy.
Have a travel sewing kit on hand with needle, thread (nude, black, red and white would get you through a lot of situations), small and large safety pins, double sided tape
Make sure you take a travel medicine kit with things like tampons, aspirin, Band-Aids or blister blocks for any mishaps (I think Band-Aid also make different skin shades now too? )
Take a travel makeup and hair kit with things like: hair slides, hair ties, a teasing comb, hairspray, lipstick, powder. At a bare minimum that would get you through touch ups
I also like to always pack spare hair pieces like sparkly combs or hair flowers just to cover any frizzy bits or mistakes! That could be more my technique than yours though.
Just having some small kits ready to go will make your life so much easier on the day. If you don’t use it I can guarantee someone else will!
Costumes and Props
You might have your costumes or outfits organised, right?
If there is a theme given to you or packing instructions by the photographer just read and re-read them carefully. Make sure you have enough options. It’s always better to have a few spare things you didn’t think you would wear than not have enough or not have the right stuff on hand.
If you are trying to get a few ‘looks’ in or you want to have options to work through with the photographer my top tips are:
Put your costumes or items on a hanging rail or lay them out clearly on a table so you and the photographer can see all the options and find anything easily
Pack any matching or coordinating sets together either on a hanger or in a clear ziplock bag
Bring extra props or accessories! This sometimes gives you something to ‘do’ with your hands or drape in the background. This could be lthings like bringing a pair of gloves; a necklace through to bigger items like fans, boas or fur stoles.
And of course make sure you have
Spare nude tights (no gusset) which can be a lifesaver in many circumstances
A spare pair of nude and black heels (these options will go with everything if you change up your costumes)
Any spares of stockings you might be planning to wear in case you get a rip or a ladder
Nude gstring or similar
What did you think of these tips? Were they helpful?
Have you learnt anything? Or are there any golden rules that you use when you are prepping and packing for photoshoots. Leave any useful tips in the comments so we can share and learn together!