12 Simple Steps to Photo Shoot Prep

Are you considering a photo shoot for your next big goal? Not sure how to prep? Let me help!

Here are my 12 simple steps to get ready for the big day.

When booking a photographer for a shoot, you first have to consider your goals for the photos. If they are for magazine submissions, work with a photographer who has been published, has a relationship with the magazine or shoots in a style similar to photos they publish.

Once you get the images, you can research the editor’s contact info and submit them.

Consider your audience. If you are trying to take classy photos for your personal training business, you wouldn’t want to take sexy photos in a bra/underwear (that only attracts men). If you want to draw women to your business or site, take inviting and approachable (smiley) photos.

1. Hydration
Drink about a gallon of water a day leading up to the shoot. This helps avoid water retention. The night before around 9:00 pm, only sip when thirsty until after the shoot is over. Then rehydrate.

2. Limit Sodium 
72 hours out from the shoot, limit sodium so you will avoid water retention. My food tastes pretty bland but thank goodness for salt-free seasonings!

3. Spray Tan
Get a spray tan the day before the shoot & sleep in the tan. The color will make your muscles/definition stand out. If staying in a hotel, you might want to take extra sheets from home in case you stain them. The morning of the shoot, rinse in the shower (don’t scrub). This helps preserve your tan if you are snow-white like me.

4. Hair & Makeup
Hire a hair & makeup artist. Reason being, if you are spending good money for a professional shoot, you don’t want to have funky hair and makeup. I have tried doing my own and I have some bad photos to prove it. You know your level of comfort with this, so make that decision. Another option is paying for hair and makeup lessons beforehand.

5. Eat Well
I typically eat clean year round and have one cheat meal a week. Before a shoot, I usually cut out cheat meals 3-4 weeks before so that I look and feel my best. Photos last forever.

6. More on Food
Eat every 3 hours, at least 5 meals a day. Never cut carbs. If I am trying to tighten up a bit more for a shoot, I might cut my carb out of my very last meal of the day (around 10pm). Other than that, just keep it simple and EAT HEALTHILY. If you want a plan to follow, try my 4 Week Fat Blast program.

7. Rest
Get good sleep the week of your shoot. 7-8 hours is perfect. You want to look rested and refreshed.

8. Don’t be Extreme
I don’t obsess about workouts or doing two-a-days. That could hinder your results. If my shoot is on a Saturday, I typically workout Monday through Thursday and take Friday off. Don’t over do it or you could get sick and look exhausted. Plus, some photo shoots can be a workout (tight abs, lifting dumbbells, etc).

9. Take Snacks
Take snacks to your shoot. At one of my very first fitness shoots, I was so nervous I forgot my food. It was an ALL DAY shoot and I was starving at the end. Bring easy & convenient snacks to munch on: meal replacement bars, a non-bloating meal replacement shake or bake some protein muffins.

10. Outfits
Choose your outfits at least a week ahead of time. You want to choose clothing that is flattering on you and not feel rushed to buy. For fitness shoots, I typically shop on eBay, Forever 21, Academy, Old Navy and TJ MAXX. You can also snap a selfie in the mirror to see how the outfit color photographs. Some colors don’t look the same in a photograph as they do in person. A great pair of plain black workout shoes are great as well.

11. Warm-up Before Shooting
I take a resistance band to my shoots to warm-up my muscles beforehand. Crunches are great, too.

12. Nails
Keep them a natural color so they don’t distract from your results…and no fake nails.

Thank you!