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!
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