Photo Shoot Tips

How do you set up a photo shoot with a photographer?

 * If a photographer doesn't approach you, approach them. There are so many girls at competitions they may have just overlooked you. If you introduce yourself they may be delighted to shoot with you. However, ALWAYS check credentials first! There are many great photographers, but there are always many creeps out there preying on beautiful girls. If you are planning on being in town or at a competition where the photographer will be, contact them ahead of time and set up a scheduled shoot. Be sure to do this in advance because they are often booked months ahead. Although I was approached with my first magazine shoot I now inform the editors when I'll be in town and if they want to use me in an article we will arrange it then. This works out great since the paid photo shoot for the magazine helps offset the cost of travel.

 * Only shoot what you are comfortable with. It took some time for me to do my first swimwear shoot because I am not comfortable putting "too many" parts of my body on display. Keep in mind that you don't usually get paid to do a photo shoot, unless it is for an advertisement, so you are giving away your image. Many of the swimwear photographers like girls in thongs for 2 reasons: sex sells & it creates a longer line to your leg.  If you feel comfortable enough with the photographer to trust him, you may wear one to show the contour of your leg without showing your ***.  I have heard horror stories of photographers taking pictures when you aren't looking, so wear skimpy outfits with caution.  Remember, these photos may be published and your friends and family may see them.  I play much better with the camera if I am comfortable with what I'm wearing. If you are not comfortable it will show in your attitude and your photos. Always take the suits or clothes you want to wear with you.  The photographers rarely have suits that provide more than thong coverage and the tops have no padding. Small suits take up less room so they have lots of room for those big cameras :)

 * Most photographers will not charge to shoot your picture. If they do, it is a personal choice if you want to pay for the photos. If you are building a portfolio and need the pictures you may pay for the first shoot, but never feel like it is your only option and it shouldn't cost 100's of dollars. The reason most photographers don't charge is because they make money off your photos by selling them to magazines and websites or they are trying to build their own portfolio.  Make sure the photographer provides you with your own set of photos. They may take 100's and give you only a few, but if you ask down the road, they may give you all of them with they are done trying to sell them. Many photographers now shoot with digital cameras and can easily provide you with a disk.

Before the Shoot:

Get Rest! (You need lots of energy and no bloodshot eyes, especially for a 5am wakeup call)
Get those Cardio Workouts in.  (For most shoots you don't need to be as lean as you would on stage.)
Tan (you don't need to be competition dark, but a nice base tan or a few coats of tanner will look nice)
Watch the diet (you may want to cut back on carbs, sodium and carbonated beverages a few days before to help alleviate the bloating)
Practice poses you may want to use (Some photographers will not direct you)
Practice faces (Smiles, pouts, grins, laughs, sultry....)

What to Bring:

Swimsuits you wish to use
Makeup (in case a makeup artist is not provided...don't forget false eyelashes)
Fun Props (Sunglasses, flowers, surfboard, towel etc.. )
Snack (You may be on site for awhile without a break so take food and water in case it's not provided)
Lots of energy!!! (Although they are fun, photo shoots can really tire you out)



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