Professional Photo Shoots: Getting Ready

When preparing for your first professional photo shoot, there are a million and one things that will be running through your head. Every model has their own rituals, but here are a few quick tips that will serve you well when getting prepped for your next shoot.

1. Keep to a strict (but smart) health and fitness regime. You want your body to not only be in shape, but also to look healthy for your shoot. I don't what you see on TV, thinner doesn't always mean sexier. There is nothing sexy about a sickly, frail looking model with sunken eyes. So instead of starving yourself before a shoot, start a healthy eating program in the two or three weeks before. Eat a balanced combination of sugars and carbs and try to do at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. Also, try to regulate your alcohol and caffeine as they can affect your skin and energy levels. Keeping a good routine will energize you and make you feel great and look hot!
2. Try to keep your schedule as free as possible in the 2-3 days leading up to the shoot. Give yourself time to relax and work through any issues you may have (Yeah, I know- models don't have issues right?). It is very important to go into a professional photo shoot with a clear mind, because if you are stressed or upset over external issues, it will show and your photos will not end up as good as you wanted them to.
3. Try to get everything ready with as much time to spare as possible. That way, if there is anything that you have overlooked or forgotten you will have time to get it together. For instance, you might need to take a few outfits to get cleaned. If you take them the day before, and there is a delay for any reason, then you won't be able to use that outfit. Take it in the week before and you will be able to leave it there until they can do it. The last thing you want is to go in to a shoot unorganized.
4. On the night before the shoot, get as much sleep as possible. It can be hard to wind down on the night before a shoot, as you will be excited and probably nervous about what the day will hold. It may not seem glamorous to go to bed at 9.30pm, but it is necessary if you want to look your best. And please, don't go to a pro photo shoot hung-over; the party can wait until the shoot is over.
5. To release any stresses you should use the afternoon before a shoot to pamper yourself. Get a massage or a facial and maybe treat yourself to a new outfit. By doing this you will not only feel good, you will also look good.

If you follow these tips and don't push yourself too hard, you should wake up on the morning of the shoot feeling full of energy, alive and oh so gorgeous!