How to Prepare for Your Session

One of the most common questions I get asked is "How do I prepare for the shoot?" Many people know that the weeks leading up to an event are the most important. Below are just a few preparation ideas to think of for your up coming shoot. Pay close attention to the section on Packing Your Bag for the Shoot.

One Week Before

  • Hydrate all week. Carry water with you everywhere, freshly squeezed juices, herbal non-caffeinated non-sweetened teas, and smoothies.

  • Nutrition is key. Think of substituting your snacks with fresh fruits. Eating more greens and avoiding to much dairy. These things can help with clear, bright skin, which is crucial to your shoot.

  • If you dye your hair, make sure that you have had your roots recently treated. Lighting can exaggerate off-color roots.

  • Getting a new cut? The hairstyle you come to shoot with should be the hairstyle you will normally go to auditions with.

  • Grooming should include deep moisturizer after shower while your skin is wet/still hydrated.

  • Avoid sunbathing so you don’t burn; self-tanning isn’t a great idea in case of streaking.

  • Use a full-length mirror to practice a variety of poses. Find what you like in magazines, in other headshots, etc.

3 Days Before

  • I will send you a 2nd Confirmation email

  • Go over the route to the location as well as the amount of time it will take. Then add 30 minutes more time to your planned commute in case of traffic or transit problems.

  • Make sure and have my number 225-505-3113. You never know what might arise.

  • If you would like prepare your own playlist. Many of my clients just add it to there phones to play through out the shoot.

  • Wax and shave now if you can, so that any red bumps can go away in time for the shoot.

2 Days Before

  • Tweeze, hydrate body inside and out. Guys check your eyebrows and Nose

1 Day Before

  • Get your “go bag” ready with all the things to take. Make sure all clothing is spot/stain free, and sans wrinkles. Plan the best way to pack it and travel with it so it arrives sans wrinkles as well.

  • Hydrate your body inside and out–lots of liquids and use hydrating creams, lotions, oils.

The Day of the Shoot

  • Relax!

  • Hydrate body inside and out.

  • Eat a light, nutritious meal before the shoot. Take water, fruits, and nuts with you to the shoot for incase you get hungry.

  • If you hire a makeup artist, come moisturized and makeup-ready, but no makeup on—not even concealer. Stick with mattes, not shimmers. Bring your own mascara(s) to avoid a shared mascara the makeup artist might be forced to use if you don’t have your own.

  • If you are doing your own hair and makeup, come ready to go. You will have time to do touchups in the studio.

  • As your clothing base, try to wear strapless bra and try to make it a nude color. Even white or black can show through the clothing in certain lights.

  • Wear antiperspirant or nothing at all under your arms, so as to avoid visible stains/marks.

  • Bring Refresh Tears with you to the shoot in case you have bloodshot eyes for any reason.

Packing for Your Photo Shoot

Take these things with you to your photo shoot in your "go bag."

  • Hair: Brush, bobby pins, bands, light pomade, holding spray, hair pick.

  • Face: Mascara, concealer, mirror, moisturizer, any other makeup products your will need for touchups if you are doing your own makeup. Always bring Chapstick/lip gloss to help through out the shoot.

  • Clothing: Bring more than you need. The more options the better. Close-fitting clothing that clearly shows your body type but is not tight. Choose clothing in solid colors rather than patterns. Shy away from pale colors like white or light yellow. Think different necklines as opposed to just different colors. Bring colors that compliment your skin tone and eyes. Make sure the tops that you bring are what you want to represent in your type. Most of all make sure you feel good in what you are wearing.

  • Jewelry: None, unless it is specific to a look you want to achieve.

  • Shoes: Bring shoes your are comfortable walking and moving in but also make you feel good.

  • Food: Bottled water, snacks that won’t mess up your clothing, makeup or teeth, like apples, bananas, grapes.

kyle lemaire