Five Things Every Model Should Do Before a Shoot

Five Things Every Model Should Do Before a Shoot

When working with models, photographers often expect someone with perfect skin and a great physique. In reality, this is not always the case. Some models have no idea how to get ready for a shoot, and that can be really annoying -- especially in post production, as it might add a lot of retouching time! 

I am quite sure every portrait, fashion or beauty photographer has already come across a model with eyebrows not waxed, dry skin, body hair or tan lines. While these "problems" can be fixed in post, they are somewhat bothersome to correct and could be solved beforehand by the model. But sometimes they don’t even know that these things can be a problem for us when retouching. Especially new faces. I have had models asking me to remove hair in Photoshop because they didn’t have the time prior to the shoot… They thought it would take me a couple of minutes.

Because I got tired of retouching these kinds of things, I created a checklist to send to my models before a shoot. That way they know what to do or not do. While it won’t solve every problem – some people just don’t care – it will help save time in post. So whether you shoot beauty, fashion or portraits, here are five things to inform your models/clients on to diminish your post-production time and for cleaner pictures.

#1 Healthy and Even Skin

Skin can take a while to clean in post production. Clean, even and healthy skin can really make a difference on the time spent in Photoshop. There are a lot of things models can do to have a better skin.

It starts with sleeping at least eight hours a night. Not sleeping enough can lead to unealthy and bad looking skin (fine lines, wrinkles, lackluster skin, etc.). And I'm not even talking if a model goes out  and drinks alcohol the night prior to a shoot. If that's the case, you can be sure she will have some kind of red spots on her face when she comes to your studio.

Talking of red spots, acne can also be a problem. Ask your model if they have acne problems. Many young models use creams that will dry out the skin which in turn will cause exfoliation if the makeup artist uses (hard) brushes… While it will probably be complicated to ask the model to stop using these products, you could tell them to use a good moisturizer twice a day the week leading to the shoot. Also ask the model to use a peeling cream/shower gel to exfoliate and clean the skin one to two days before the shoot.

If you live in a sunny location or if it’s summer time, don’t forget to ask your model to be careful when tanning. Those awful tanning lines can be cumbersome to correct in post, especially when shooting lingerie or swimwear.

One last thing that can take time in post-production is uneven skin with wrinkles. To minimize these issues, ask your makeup artist to use a skin smoother such as MAC Prep + Prime Skin Base. It won’t make the model’s skin completely smooth, but it will diminish the unevenness.

#2 Smooth Lips

Dry lips are probably the most annoying problem to fix in post! Sometimes you simply cannot do anything to make it look better. If you live in a cold location, I am sure you have had a model with chapped lips.

To avoid dry and chapped lips ask your model to put balm on it on a regular basis – and smoke as little as possible.

#3 Never-Ending Body Hair War

I know, people are saying having body hair is now trendy… However, I have yet to see a beauty or fashion editorial with a young gorgeous female model with facial hair!

Remind your model that removing hair would be great because it will save you a lot of time in post production. Also specify it should not be done the day or the night prior to the shoot as the skin might still be red. It has to be done at least 2 days beforehand.

Eyebrows should also be waxed (or "reshaped") one to two days before the shoot. It is not as troublesome as body hair to remove in post. However, the time you spend doing that in Photoshop could be better spent working on another project.

#4 Rested Eyes

Especially in beauty, healthy looking eyes are crucial. If a model’s eyes look bad, your shoot is pretty much screwed. I have had models coming in tipsy, and in that case you cannot do anything but cancel the shoot. With alcohol, the eyes become shiny and the blood vessels more prominent. Pretty much the same thing happens when a model is lacking sleep.

I already mentioned it when talking about skin, but sleep is really important. A model has to be healthy to be in great condition. It will also help diminishing the under-eye bags.

If you are going to shoot closeups for makeup, don't forget to ask models to remove their contact lenses before the makeup artist starts his work. They are quite easy to remove in post-production, but again, it would be time lost doing something that could have been fixed easily during the shoot.

#5 No Need for Fancy Clothing

Now, you might be wondering what clothing has to do with a model getting ready for a photo shoot. Have you ever had to shoot lingerie or boudoir with a model who came in with tight socks and very skinny pants? If you have, you know what I am talking about… Otherwise, let’s just say tight clothes tend to leave wonderful marks on the model’s skin. So don't forget to ask you model to the shoot with loose clothes in order to avoid those marks. Wearing large clothes will also make it easier for the model to change after having the makeup done.

Find the Right Way to Inform your Models

This sounds like a lot to ask from your models, doesn’t it? To be honest, I don’t tell every single thing to every model, unless it is for a commercial/editorial project. I will generally give some tips and directions for the things I encounter the most (unshaped eyebrows, dry lips and skin). Then if models comes in my studio with some other of the aforementioned "problems," I will explain to her what to do to be better prepared for their next photo shoot. Some will not care, while others will be thankeful for the advice. As photographers, having a healthy and well prepared model can change the outcome of our work, especially when there is a lot of skin showing.

When telling models about some of these problems, be gentle, though. I have had models offended when I told them they could have waxed their legs to come in for a lingerie/swimwear session... I have seen photographers including it in their model release, others writing about it on their blog and sending the link to models before a shoot, etc. You could also simply call models one to two weeks before the session and speak with them. The most important thing is probably to explain to the models the reason behind your tips/directions. They might not know that body hair will be so visible in-camera or that dry skin might cause problems with makeup.

Communication on a shoot is key to success. However, communication has to start before the day of shooting. Speaking with models about these five points will show that you are a true professional who knows his craft and wants the best out of them.

Have you ever experienced some of these issues with your models? Do you also give tips to help them prepare for a shoot? Do you ask your models anything else before a session? I would love to hear about your experience and thoughts in the comments below.

If you want to learn more about modeling and photography, we offer a full course on Swimwear photography with Joey Wright. Make sure to save 15% by using code "ARTICLE" at checkout. Save even more with the purchase of other tutorials in our store.

Quentin Decaillet's picture

Quentin Décaillet is a photographer and retoucher based in Switzerland specializing in portrait and wedding photography.

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Great article. Thanks for writing this Quentin!

One thing that I have noticed is that some models, whether through genetics, diet/skincare, etc. have luminous skin. Out of the top 5 most experienced and talented models Ive shot, only 1 has had the kind of skin that makes one do a double-take. On that subject, Ive also found that the more experienced and talented the model, the less of a chance of her/him arriving at a shoot not looking up to par (hair, nails, etc.) not making rookie mistakes like applying tanning lotions, etc. These models are of course, the more expensive models to hire.

I shoot primarily swimsuit/beach photography. I have my own requests of a model before a shoot. One is false eyelashes. I like the look they provide even to an SI type shoot. Another is no colored contacts. I find a lot of newer, younger models are wearing colored contacts and I hate the look. Other than that, the rest is common knowledge with the models I work with. They all know to have their nails done, to have shaved, to have applied normal makeup and have their hair blown out looking nice...akin to prepping for a studio shoot. A tip I can share is to use Shea Butter as a moisterizer (if moisterizing prior to shooting is your thing). Like I said, thankfully the models I use are prepared skin-wise as they know and understand beach / swimsuit photography.

Having spoken with many models, some of even the most experienced/talented models do not blow out their hair, apply beautiful makeup (esp lashes!) for a 'short shoot'. I usually pay for a two hour shoot. One of the models just told me that she typically only does the full preparation if being compensated for a full day rate. Makes sense to me. Luckily I must pay well enough that its never been an issue.

For me, luminous, beautiful skin is a rare but wonderful bonus. Im describing overall skin, not just the face.

Lastly, of utmost importance for me is the 'connect' with the model. Her/his comfort-level is a direct reflection as to whether the model feels comfortable enough to really be themselves, have amazing expressions, eye-to-lens contact with me and to 'bring it' so-to-speak. The more beautiful and confident the model feels, the more the chance of an amazing result (in my opinion).

While I agree with the author's 'tips' for people working with new models, I have found that most professional, experienced models already live a lifestyle and/or are blessed with a "look" that is camera-ready for a shoot date.

Best to the author and all in the pursuit of making beautiful art,

Lisa

*edited for typos!

hey i’m a photographer AND model myself so i think i have every right to comment this.
You as a photographer, you made this a job. you made this a part of your living.
don’t make all these requirements for models so YOU can work for them. like perfect everything? are you kidding? all because you’re “too tired” of editing? honey, you have obviously made this your job so don’t put this pressure on people to have them grow insecurities all because you’re “too tired” to do your job. It clearly says under the article that you make a living for photography and retouching.
I have photographed people with blemishes and i think the outcome was wonderful!
It isn’t a requirement between all models and all photographers.
It’s just your humanity is lowkey disgusting for this

Wow.. amazing tips!!! The skinny jeans issue is interesting and something I guess I never thought about. But you’re totally right! I had a Model come in with full leg hair... spent A LOT of time in post and honestly I couldn’t get her legs perfect because of all the hair (no where to clone from). Excellent post!

Louis Joseph
NYC fashion and beauty photographer

http://www.louisjosephphotography.com/nyc-fashion-photographer-in-nyc-ma...