Before the shoot
Good preparation reduces stress and makes the session more productive. For a general checklist, see how to get ready for a photo shoot.
- Understand the brief. Ask the photographer or client about the concept, location, styling, schedule and who else will be there. If there is a mood board or reference images, study them.
- Look after your skin and nails. Avoid tight or restrictive clothing for some hours before the shoot, since it can leave marks on the skin. Tidy nails and keep skin clean, as details can show in close images.
- Rest and hydrate. Sleep well, drink water and eat something light beforehand, so you feel energized rather than heavy.
- Practice in a mirror. Try a few poses and expressions and notice which angles feel natural.
- Confirm logistics. Check the time, address, travel plan and contact details. Arrive a little early.
What to bring
A packing list varies with the shoot. Typical items:
- Any clothing and shoes the brief requests, clean and pressed.
- Neutral or flexible basics, such as plain underlayers, if wardrobe changes are likely.
- Basic grooming and touch-up items.
- Water and a light snack.
- Your phone, charger and contact details.
- Any paperwork you have been asked to sign or bring.
On set: communication and etiquette
- Be on time and polite to everyone.
- Listen carefully to direction and ask if you do not understand.
- Tell the photographer calmly if you are uncomfortable with a pose, outfit or situation. You can set boundaries, and a professional should respect them.
- Ask about breaks and refreshments.
- Avoid posting behind-the-scenes content or sample images unless you are allowed to.
If you are working with someone for the first time, consider bringing a friend or telling someone where you will be.
Posing fundamentals
Common beginner advice from photographers:
- Keep your spine long. Standing or sitting tall helps with posture and appearance.
- Shift your weight. Placing more weight on one leg creates a natural curve and a more relaxed look.
- Create angles. Separating arms slightly from the body and bending limbs avoids a flat, stiff look.
- Soften your hands. Keep fingers loose rather than clenched or splayed.
- Breathe. Holding your breath makes the body look rigid.
- Mind your jaw and chin. Small shifts in head angle change how the face appears. Try a few and check images when allowed.
Expression and movement
Posing is not holding one position. Photographers often prefer a series of small movements:
- Shift your weight, adjust your hair or move a hand between frames.
- Change your gaze, such as looking at the camera, off to the side and back.
- Vary expressions, from serene to a soft smile to a laugh.
- Use movement, such as walking toward the camera or turning your head.
For help with expression, see our guide on how to smile for professional headshots, which includes relaxation techniques that apply to model shoots as well.
Working with direction and giving feedback
- Treat direction as a conversation. If the photographer says “chin down,” try small adjustments.
- Ask to see a few images if the photographer allows it, so you can calibrate.
- Offer ideas politely, but follow the creative direction.
- Stay positive, even when a setup takes time.
After the shoot
- Thank the team and confirm the next steps, such as when and how you will receive images.
- Clarify usage rights and any agreement before sharing or posting images.
- Review images and note which poses and expressions worked, so you can build on them.
If you are using shoot images for agency submissions, see how to submit modeling photos.
Questions models ask
How do models prepare for a shoot? Most prepare by understanding the brief, caring for skin and nails, resting, hydrating, practicing poses and packing carefully.
How much do models get paid per photo shoot? Pay varies enormously with experience, market, type of work and usage rights, and some work is unpaid or paid in images. We do not quote figures because they would be misleading. Ask for terms in writing before the shoot.
What is the “20-60-20 rule”? You may see this phrase in photography searches, but definitions of it vary, so we do not rely on it here.
What are some basic tips for good photographs? For models, the basics are good light, a clean background, relaxed posture, natural expression and clear communication.
Related reading
For outfit principles that carry over to many shoots, see what to wear for a professional photo.