Thread: Advice for Pin Up/Burlesque photo shoot

Hello everyone!
Just wondering if anyone has any advice to give me on photo shoots?
I'm having my first ever shoot on sunday and I'm getting nervous and my confidence is waning slightly but at the same time im so excited and I can't wait to do it!
These lovely Ladies are the organisers of the shoot.

MySpace.com - The Pinup Workshop Co. - 58 - Female - Melbourne, AU - www.myspace.com/thepinupworkshopco

WARNING

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My advice to you is to enjoy it. It looks like it will be awesome!
(I have no advice to provide for the actual shoot - I am terribly unphotogenic).

Just relax!! If you were working with a first time 'Tog' (Photographer to you and me!) they would be nervous too but the ladies seem to know wthat they are doing. Check over any release for they have and if in doubt, don't sign it, it's you first time, they will understand.

Take a few outfits, make-up (it'll get hot) maybe some props too and go with an idea of what you want to get out of the shoot - Do you need a pic for a business card, a few for a website?

And smile! You won't believe the number of models that have no natural smiles in thier portfolio, the're all pouty and moody giving you no idea what thier personality is like.

Definitely try and enjoy it as much as possible - the more fun you have, the more relaxed you are the better you'll be in the pics

Take instruction from your photographer/s - you might think what they're asking you to do is the weirdest pose/angle ever and couldn't possibly look good, but its amazing how you have to be larger than life to make photos look really good (the bigger the angles the better) and they're the people stood behind a camera - they can see what it looks like better than you can imagine it in your head

If you're doing your own make-up, go over the top...normal make-up won't show up in pics....and also the act of putting on the louder makeup will help your brain feel like this is a performance, this is fun and could well help you be more confident

Don't lose your neck - put those shoulders back, be proud and happy about who you are, feel that string pulling your spine up straighter.

Practice poses in the mirror beforehand, and while you're at it try some postivie mental attitude - look at yourself, smile at yourself, have fun and tell yourself you look gooooood!

Don't be a perfectionist, have fun - if you stress yourself that this is your only chance to get the shots right the stress will show in your face and you'll get frustrated. If you fool your head into thinking that this is just a bit of fun, that it's an experiment, you're just having a go to see what works and you could always try again with another photoshoot....you will be amazed how many of your shots come out just perfect.

Having said that though, do think of it as an experiment BUT do throw yourself into it - go for it! Don't be afraid to do stuff that feels a little silly - if they ask you to roar like a lion, do your best lion roar - go for it (I'm not saying they'll ask you to do this, I'm just saying don't leave the studio wishing you had done something a bit bigger or a bit bolder...have fun).

Oh and did I mention - have fun?!

I had my first shoot (as a Tog ) a few weeks back with a first time model.......we were both soooo nervous, but we had such a laugh and by the 5th photograph we were really relaxed with each other. It was quite amazing to see how she progressed through the shoot, the poses became natural and she looked like she was enjoying it, giving a better image. I couldn't have wished for a better first time.

I always get so terrified before shoots, but as soon as I get to the set I relax.

Just practice poses and expressions. Plan in your head the sort of poses you are going to try, the style you are going for etc so that you are prepared.

Listen to the photographer- they know what they are talking about! (usually)

A really good tip I got from someone the other week when I was in a similar situation is "You're not scared, you're excited". It sounds silly but repeat that to yourself- it does work!

Good luck, I'm sure it will be fine!

And do show us the photos when they are done

Originally Posted by December Charm

A really good tip I got from someone the other week when I was in a similar situation is "You're not scared, you're excited". It sounds silly but repeat that to yourself- it does work!

That was me! I said that. Shocked and stunned that I actually said something sensible

Originally Posted by tempest devyne

That was me! I said that. Shocked and stunned that I actually said something sensible

Haha yeah it did actually help

Another way of beating fearis by humming the Benny Hill theme tune in your head..... turns any situation into a funny one!

Try it! Apparently they use this for people who are scared of flying.

Originally Posted by Kitty Van Ghoul

Another way of beating fearis by humming the Benny Hill theme tune in your head..... turns any situation into a funny one!

Try it! Apparently they use this for people who are scared of flying.

That's fantastic! I almost want a scary situation just so I can try it out!