I’ve finished my first fiction novel recently and last week I had a photo shoot for my website and the book launch. What’s that got to do with fashion? Actually, a lot! I know, because I had my first job as a model scout, in Germany and subsequently, I’ve worked as an editor-in-chief and then I opened my first company, a modeling agency and all of my customers, from coffee houses or laundry services companies to art galleries had to sell their image in the best way possible, with the help of models or actors. In selling a carpet, a book, an article on a blog or simply your own image, the same rules apply and I am going to write them down for you, below:
1.) The most important things in a photo shoot, in terms of your own appearance, except the case in which you are a professional model and more strict rules apply, is to work out at least two weeks before the shoot and take very good care of your skin and hydrate it properly. Please avoid shaving or tanning in the day of the shoot or the day before because your skin is likely to look burned, scared or irritated.
2.) You must also use a skin cream right before the pictures, especially in the more dry parts of the body (knees, elbows, nose, eyebrows etc) but make sure the product is not oily or sparkling, because it will reflect poorly in front of the powerful professional lighting. You can use Avene moisturizing body lotion and face cream, which are PH neutral and can be found here.
3.) If the make-up and hair style is provided by a professional team, they will know the effect of professional lights over shiny/ mate surfaces. If you’re doing the make-up yourself, never ever use sparkling foundation, concealer or eyeshadow because it’s likely to create a bad photographic effect. If you are using a dark colored lipstick, make sure you check your teeth regularly. I did this given my fuchsia and burgundy lipsticks. I had MAC and Make Up For Ever cosmetics which you can find here and here and OPI nail polish which you can find here.
4.) Depending on the theme of the photo shoot, especially when it comes to glamour photography, remember to look sexy or daring but never trashy and make sure your make-up and hair style match the style and the color of the clothes. My blue and yellow dress were tailor-made for my body but you can find similar ones here and here, for $19 to $70. My shirt is from a Zara’s older collection, while my black Christian Dior Crepe pencil skirt can be found here for about $850. You can buy nude Gianvito Rossi stilettos here, for less than $450.
5.) For the best results ever, you should hire a professional stylist. You can find Adriana, my lovely stylist and designer, here. She told me what clothes and colors to wear given my body type and the theme of the shoot. For a maximum effect, she used bold combinations of complementary colors such as yellow and purple. You can use the same color scheme to get the most appealing effect. If you choose the clothes yourself, keep in mind that a photo camera adds at least ten pounds to your weight.
At last but not least, feel comfortable in your own skin and have a positive state of mind before and during the shoot! A huge thanks and the photo credits belong to my photographer, George. You can check out his portfolio right here.
Keep it simple,
Diana