10 Tips for Attending Your First-Ever Photoshoot

So you've got your first-ever photoshoot coming up huh? If you haven't destroyed your closet yet trying to find the perfect outfit, congrats! You're one of the rare ones who probably doesn't need this list. But if you've spent at least 15 minutes wondering why you decided to do a photoshoot in the first place, then this list is for you! Here's a list of my Top 10 Tips for Attending Your First-Ever Photoshoot:

NOTE. This list is intended for photoshoot newbies and beginners :)

1. If this is your first professional photo shoot, IT’S OKAY TO BE NERVOUS. It's perfectly normal to have those pre-shoot jitters about being in front of a camera. Try your best not to worry though because you’re definitely going to have fun (especially if we're working together!) And assuming that you’re reading this post because I sent it to you (or if you’re just interested in working with me), please know that you're in good hands. My business is your safe space—all you need to do is bring your authentic self and I'll take care of the rest. 💯

2. If you've chosen a super public location and still want privacy, consider doing an early morning shoot. Sunrise is a HIGHLY underrated time of day to do a photoshoot! Not only do you get the same beautiful golden hour lighting that sunsets have but you also get the luxury of having nearly NO ONE around! Of course, this depends on what location you've chosen for your shoot but it nearly always works for avoiding the crowds in hot-spot locations. So if you're feeling a bit anxious about doing your session in public, consider waking up with me at the booty crack of dawn and we'll likely have the entire area to ourselves! 🌅

3. When picking your outfit, look at previous photoshoots or images of yourself. Can you identify outfits that you think looked great or terrible on camera? What about those outfits didn’t you like? What about those outfits did you love? If you’re having trouble picking an outfit, start there to figure out what you feel most confident in and choose something that feels like YOU. 💞

4. Bring a pair of comfortable shoes. I am a massive fan of fancy dress shoes and heels but I am also a massive fan of being comfortable. This means walking around downtown in a pair of shoes you haven't broken in yet or a pair of 4-inch stilettos will definitely get uncomfortable real quick, so please considering bringing a backup pair of comfortable shoes! Slip-ons, sneakers, crocs, whatever works and floats your beautiful boat! 👠

5. Bring your back-up stuff (aka: your hairbrush, mini make-up bag, bobby pins, etc…). I do my best to try and bring things that I think might be useful for those special moments when random stains appear on your clothes...but you know better than me how your wardrobe typically experiences accidents, so try your best to come prepared! Powder is also a life saver for if/when you get sweaty and don’t be afraid to use it on set–I'll also have Kleenex on deck just in case!

6. Be careful with overly-busy prints. This isn't to say you can’t wear bright or fun prints! Butttt I am going to warn you against picking that super blingy, sequined, checkered, striped piece of clothing since it will likely look more appealing in person than on camera. Unless you’ve booked a fashion shoot with me and you’re attempting to make an artistic statement, you might want to consider sticking to something that doesn’t resemble a disco ball or 80’s wallpaper. 👕

7. Don’t wear a bra-top combo that doesn't play nicely with one another. In other words, if your bra straps tend to defy their purpose by sticking out and not cooperating then please, avoid that bra or consider a different top. If it pops out once, it’ll pop out again and we don't want to spend half your shoot fussing with it, trust me.

8. Don’t overdo your makeup. I love it when my clients spend extra time on their hair and makeup because it's those little details that make a world of difference. That said, please consider wearing something that's not too heavy on the eyes! You don’t want to look crazy if I need to use my flash. Also, please make sure to blend your makeup if you're doing it yourself—there's only so much I can do when it comes to trying to match neck-to-face skin tones in editing. 💄

9. Try to gauge if having a friend or family member would be helpful or hurtful. This is something that can get a bit tricky at times. The majority of my clients work with me 1-on-1, but sometimes, I've had clients bring family or friends to their shoot. Usually, this helps my more nervous clients find a bit of peace, since having someone they truly trust at their side can make the photoshoot seem less intimidating. A small handful of times though, I've seen the opposite effect occur whenever clients brought a not-so-enthusiastic individual along. Your shoot is about YOU, and the best way we can take beautiful pictures of you is by making sure that you feel comfortable. I highly encourage you to bring along your favorite hype person that makes you feel amazing and consider leaving everyone else at home! 🙌🏽

10. Bring accessories or props. This is huge to me and so, SO underrated. For people new to the incredible world of photography, accessories and props can give you something to use in your hands so you don’t feel as though your limbs are these awkward, play-doh appendages. Physical objects provide you the ability to either fidget, use or play with something, which allows you to feel much more natural in front of a camera. You don’t need a hat, sunglasses, bracelets, necklaces, flowers, earrings, belts, champagne, purses, all at once—but I would highly recommend bringing along a few trinkets or objects! 👒

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If you're reading this because I sent it to you for our first-ever photoshoot together, I hope this helps!! Reach out anytime with questions, I'm always just one call away :)

-Mel