Modeling 101 - Lesson 1: How to Prepare for Your First Modeling Shoot

This is a how-to guide intended to help anyone attempting to break into the modeling industry. There is a lot of pressure to be your very best especially when you're standing there alone and the lens is on you. These modeling tips have been broken down into lessons created by my own personal experiences. This particular lesson will suggest the best way to prepare mentally and physically the night before you go on a modeling photo shoot.

1. First and foremost relaxation is the key. The camera will easily pick up if you're nervous, tense or uneasy in any way. Be aware of the muscles in your body. Unintentionally tensing up the shoulders, arms or neck can ruin a potentially exemplary cover shot.

How? Try some deep breathing exercises and get used to doing them. Breathe in for 5 seconds and then exhale for 5 seconds and repeat. Do this when you start to feel a bit stressed out or nervous. This not only helps your body to relax but it helps your mind focus on something else.

2. Research. Get to know what's popular and what's not in the modeling industry right now.

How? Check out some modeling websites or magazines. Incorporate these elements with your personal style. Some good websites to check out are www.onemodelplace.com and www.modelmayhem.com but these sites require that you create a free profile before browsing. Magazines such as "Bazaar" or "Cosmopolitan" would be good studying materials to keep handy, and on occasion you can find stacks of them available at local yard sales.

3. Experiment with different poses and angles. Get to know the positives and negatives of the poses and facial expressions that interest you the most.

How? Practice facial expressions and looks in the mirror so you know which is your best side and your best pose. You don't want to have to find this out after the shoot when you see your pictures. It is also a good idea to snap a few pictures with your digital camera of any poses or facial expressions so you can see for yourself how it looks. This will help you mold the perfect look that you want.

4. Choose the right outfit. Know what you're working with.

How? On occasion your outfit will be chosen for you ahead of time, but most of the time it will be up to you to choose your own outfit. Be sure it makes the correct statement. Once you do the pictures, you can't change them. When choosing the right outfit for a shoot the most important thing to remember is comfort. If you aren't comfortable, you won't look comfortable - unless you're a really good actress. Dress up in the outfit you have chosen for the shoot and practice posing in it. Every article of clothing moves differently and holds the light in a different way. Find the most flattering dress that compliments the concept and lighting of the shoot. And lastly, make sure that you enjoy wearing what you have chosen, this will show through in your pictures as well. If you're doing your own makeup then test it out the night before so you can make any last minute changes without having to rush. If you have a makeup artist be sure that you have discussed, in complete detail, the look you are going for.

5. Next it's time to get into character.

How? Clear your mind of everything and actually imagine you are the sexy seductress, the innocent victim, or whatever role you have agreed to portray. Getting into the frame of mind helps to figure out how to move and pose when doing the shoot. Take time the night before and reflect on your upcoming shoot. What images or feelings are you going to be attempting to portray? Do remember that the female body is meant to be posed so that every feature is accented individually. Each feminine pose must not be overly exaggerated but emphasized. Each hand, arm, leg foot or etc. cannot be on the same plane of existence; for example the hands, when folded on the stomach, must be placed with one slightly higher or lower, not side by side.

6. Prepare your body

How? Shower and groom yourself as you normally would the night before but don't do anything that could cause your skin to have a bad reaction or break out in any way. Avoid any lotions or scubs that you don't normally use. If you must dye your hair, it is best to do it 2 days before than to do it the night before. Washing it the day before is important to make sure all the extra dye is washed away so your hair won't look weighed down or oily.

Hopefully this guide has helped answer some of your questions. Just remember to be yourself, relax and begin creating! Good luck.