Answering a Reader Question #1,025

Anonymous Wrote:

Hi, do you have any advice on first time model. What should I wear for my first shoot?

Hi, Anonymous!

Since I don't know your age, gender or other details, I'll have to answer pretty broadly so hopefully some of the info below applies to your situation.

As far as what to wear, that all depends on what the purpose of the shoot is:

  • Is the shoot for putting together your portfolio for an agency you just signed to?
  • Is the shoot for yourself for fun or because you're attempting to become a freelance model?
  • Is the shoot an actual modeling gig you booked and you're preparing for that?

Based on which of the scenarios the shoot is for, below is basic information you can use for reference/to keep in mind:

Portfolio Shoot for Your Agent

The agency you sign with typically provides some kind of guidelines as to what wardrobe you should bring for your first portfolio shoot, as well as reference images. If you haven't received this type of info, email your agent to inquire. The more direction they give you, the greater your chances are of producing portfolio images they can use to begin marketing you right away.

Photoshoot for Yourself

When you're a freelance model, you act as your own agent. The upside to this is you're free to pursue more than one type of modeling (fashion, commercial/print, fitness, etc.).

Once you know what categories of modeling you want to pursue, that will determine the wardrobe you should bring. Fashion is pretty straightforward, while commercial/print is all about casual, every day outfits, and fitness is, of course, related to any type of fitness wear that is age appropriate.

Actual Modeling Gig

The client/photographer will work with you to decide what wardrobe should be brought to the shoot. 

Important Things to Remember

  • When in doubt, ask! It never hurts to get direct answers to questions so you're not left in the dark. The last thing you want to do is guess and show up without the right wardrobe.
  • You can't go wrong with casual wardrobe and a dressy casual outfit if you're not sure.
  • Stay away from busy patterns (dots, tight stripes, plaid), brand names, graphics, logos and other distracting designs.
  • Solid colors are always best. Having a combo of pastel colored tops, as well as several brighter colors that complement your skin tone are best.
  • Stay away from white. Black usually isn't recommended for paler complexions or darker skin. However, olive and medium skin tones can usually pull off black. When in doubt, heather gray is always a winner for all skin tones.
  • Wear your least favorite outfit first. In the beginning of every shoot you need a chance to warm up and get comfortable in front of the camera. The more you shoot, the more you'll get into it and that energy will be reflected in the images. So if you're given a choice of which outfit to wear in which order, go from least favorite to your most favorite last. This will improve the odds of getting usable pictures in outfits you know you look and feel great in.

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