As a teen model, even if you are a pro at taking photos for posting on Instagram, to nail your first modeling assignment with a photographer, you will have to do more than simply smile for the camera.
If you want to land more jobs and see your face on more magazines, websites, and other digital and print materials, you need to prepare well for your first professional photo shoot.
By being prepared ahead of time, you will impress the photographer and the client not only with your great looks but also with your natural talent and professionalism.
Below are some tips that will help you prepare well for and nail your first photo modeling job:
1. Prep your body
As soon as you hear the news that you got the job, work on maintaining or improving your body and skin.
Start by getting at least eight hours of sleep at night all the days leading up to the photo shoot. By getting enough sleep every day, you will help avoid breakouts. Your skin will glow and look healthier and better as well.
When you have better-looking skin, you will photograph well. Moreover, your face won’t need a lot of Photoshop tweaks and you will gain a reputation for taking great photos naturally.
Additionally, by avoiding a lot of late nights, you will have well-rested eyes for the photo shoot. This will help you look amazing in all your photos, too.
Lastly, to be properly prepared for the photo shoot, make sure you have smooth lips. If you have dry, chapped lips now, apply balm frequently to smoother them. Don’t forget to remove any facial hair and to have your eyebrows reshaped or waxed.
2. Practice your poses
Although the photographer will direct your movements, it will work to your advantage if you already know what your best angles are.
Practice in front of the mirror to figure out your best angles and understand what happens when the light hits your body in different positions. Take a few selfies as well. Take note of attractive angles, faces, and poses. Keep them in mind during the photo shoot.
But even if you know the angles, poses, and faces that make you look great, don’t stick with or insist only on doing them. Always listen to the photographer since he or she already has a concept in mind or theme to work with which was given by the client.
3. Pack your modeling bag
A day or two before the photo shoot, ask your agent what the theme of the shoot is and if you need to bring anything. If there are any special requests, make sure to pack them in your bag.
Don’t forget to bring a basic makeup kit and a change of clothes. Bring a pair of high-heeled shoes that you are comfortable wearing as well. Lastly, don’t forget to pack a book and your iPod.
In addition, pack a bottle of water and some snacks. Most of the time, food is not given during photo shoots. To avoid going hungry during the session, bring some easy-to-eat snacks such as granola or protein bars, bananas, or apples.
4. Calm your nerves
Since this is your first professional modeling photo shoot, it is normal to feel nervous, especially the day before the shoot.
To calm your nerves, do something that you find relaxing. Read a book, listen to your favorite tunes, or work out.
Next, it is important that you arrive at the photo shoot full of confidence. As such, take the time to work on your attitude. Give yourself plenty of pep talk so that you’re ready to show the photographer what you’ve got and shine in all your photos.
5. Know how to work with your photographer
Lastly, to have a successful photo shoot, you need to have an idea of how you can work well with the photographer.
Start by avoiding talking too much with the photographer. It’s alright to ask the photographer questions about the preferred angles and poses, but limit them to those.
In addition, do not ask the photographer if you can look at the photos immediately after the shoot. While some photographers share a few shots with their models, most of them want to review all of their photos and use Photoshop to clean them up first.
To have a great, successful first photo shoot, follow the tips above. And don’t forget to have fun. When you’re enjoying what you are doing, your poses will look more natural and fluid.
AUTHOR BIO
Adam Jacobs is the Managing Director of Bubblegum Casting, the longest running agency specializing in babies, children and teen talent in Australia. Bubblegum Casting works with some of Australia’s biggest brands, media properties and agencies to secure talented children to work in Television, Film and Modelling roles.
