Preparing for Your Shoot: The Finale – The Session is Completed; What Now?

You've completed the shoot and it's time to wrap up, so what do you do now, right?

If there's time ask the photographer to review your images and begin narrowing down your selections for later editing. Be sure to ask everyone for their feedback on your performance, specifically facial expressions, posing and body positioning. This will help you tremendously for subsequent shoots by giving you valuable tips to improve your craft.

If you haven't done so already be sure to sign a model release with granting you the ability to use the images for your own promotional purposes. Additionally, unless you are being paid or other arrangements have been made, the photographer should only be able to do the same – use the images to promote his/her work.

Get everyone's business card/contact information for future collaborations. Whether receiving a disc of images or a link to your images online confirm with the photographer when you will receive them; additionally confirm the date you will receive your edited images.

Note: As a professional courtesy DO NOT post unedited images even with the photographer's permission. I know you will be anxious to post your new images but resist the temptation. You want to post ONLY those images that represent you in a good light. Posting raw images may label you as unprofessional or in the very least inexperienced when it comes to selecting and posting quality images.

Preparing for Your Shoot Pt. 4 – The Model’s Bag

Regardless of the type of model you are its vital to have a well put together model bag for your photo sessions. Aside from keeping all your essential shoot items organized it shows you are a serious and prepared professional.

THE BAG/TOTE

For the bag itself I suggest a large duffel with wheels or other wheeled bag for convenience (your back and neck will thank you for it!). The bag should be no larger than 19"- 22"; basically, a standard airline carry-on. There are two reasons for this:

One, you won't be able to "over Pack" your bag if it's this size. Only what you really need will take priority over what you think you may need.

Two, a lot of studios and (especially during fashion shows) simply do not have a lot of space to play with so your bag needs to be able to fit under a chair or tucked away in a corner out of the way.

MAKEUP BAG

Sometimes there may not be a budget for a makeup artist or they simply are late (worse still, a no show!) and you will be forced to do your own makeup. While I suggest learning the difference between photo session makeup and "everyday" makeup you should still keep a small makeup bag with the following:

Makeup Brush Roll - a small bag containing all your makeup brushes

Compact with loose powder

Foundation in your skin tone (in case the artist doesn't have it)

Under eye concealer

High quality lip stick/gloss

Gel brush

Scarf (so you don't get any makeup on your clothing)

Makeup remover

Q-tips/Cotton Balls

Lotion

MUST HAVE ITEMS

Portfolio (A REAL one! Contact TRU Model Management if you need one; we can make suggestions for you.)

Vouchers (if you are with an agency)

Comp cards

Smartphone/PDA

Small shoe bag (6-8 pair capacity should suffice)

Moisturizer

CLEAR Antiperspirant (so as not to stain clothing)

Spanx or Spanx-like stocking

Small mirror

Straws

Nude colored bra & panty/thong

Pair of black-strappy heels (heel portion must be thin for photographs, no wedges or thick heels)

Pair of black pumps

Safety pins

Bobby Pins

Robe and/or sweats (for lounging in during makeup or between wardrobe changes)

Sandals (Again, lounge wear)

This is by NO means a comprehensive list. For more ideas on what to include in your model's bag take a look at the sites below.

http://tonnmodel.com/blog/2008/03/the_essential_models_bag.html

http://therunwaydivasays.blogspot.com/2008/11/whats-in-your-model-bag.html

In the final installment of Preparing for Your Shoot I will discuss what to do once the shoot has been completed. See you next time!