The question of “what to bring to a photo shoot?” is a very common question among newer models on modeling forums/networking sites.

If you are hired for a commercial shoot, usually the client will tell you exactly what you need to bring or they will have the wardrobe, make-up and hair all figured out.

However, if you are being hired by a photographer to work on his portfolio, or if you are shooting for your own portfolio, here are a few things that I found to be useful at shoots:

Wardrobe Items
1. Skin toned underwear(especially thong or g-string). The reason being is that skin toned underwear usually does not show through clothes and thongs/g-strings do not create those uneven lines on your tight skirt/pants that you would get if you wore full back underwear with seams.

2. Swimsuit(s). Go for a suit that flatters your body very well. If you can afford it, wear designer suits. If not, then don’t be afraid to shop around for a suit that is reasonably priced and fits your body type.

3. Dresses/Pants/Outfits. Depending on what the shoot calls for, you may want to bring some dresses and other outfits. Try to bring solid colour outfits instead of crazy patterns, because they are easier for the photographer to shoot. Also, make sure that your clothes are not all wrinkled up.

4. Lingerie. Make sure it fits you well, is clean and preferably not used for anything other than shoots.

5. Accessories. If you have necklaces or bracelets, or earrings that go well with the wardrobe items that you picked, then you should bring them. Accessories make the photos more interesting.

6. Shoes. High heel shoes look great in photos because they make your legs appear longer and thus leaner.

Make-Up (if you don’t have a make-up artist lined up, and even if you do, be on the safe side and bring your own make-up in case the artist doesn’t show up)
1. Moisturizer
2. Mirror
3. Tweezers
4. Foundation
5. Eye shadows
6. Lip stick
7. Mascara
8. Fake eyelashes
9. Eye make-up remover
10.Face powder
11.Brushes/cotton balls/q-tips
12.Eye cream
13.Blush

Hair
1. Brush/comb
2. Hairspray
3. Curling irons, straighteners, etc
4. Hair pins
5. Any hair accessories that you think you will need
6. Hair elastics (esp. the clear ones)

Always check with the people that you are working with when it comes to bringing things to shoots. Some shoots need special props, colours, etc, so it is best to discuss those things beforehand (including who buys the props, who brings what, etc)

Please feel free to make a comment to add things that you feel should be on this list but I forgot to include.

Aviva