FIRST PHOTO SHOOT

What fun! This time last year I decided to take the plunge and spend some of my money on my first official photo shoot. Because my budget was small I chose to work with non-professional models. I also liked the idea of showcasing the beauty of the everyday woman. After an afternoon of scanning friendster.com I found a couple local girls that I thought would work well for the look I was going for. I chose two girls that had different looks and who had a bit of a vintage feel. Luckily both girls were game and I got busy setting up a photo shoot.

After a bit of searching I found a local photographer named Ivan Milovidov whose online portfolio was truly impressive. (http://www.ivmphoto.com/) His daily rates were reasonable so we booked our date! He highly recommended a make-up artist and hair stylist he had worked with before named Crystal Maria (http://www.crystalmaria.com/). She agree to do both the hair and makeup. We were all set and I was beyond excited!

The photoshoot went really smoothly and the day passed suprisingly quick. The models were so patient and helpful. I was thrilled with their cooperation and amazed at how beautifully they photographed. Because we were shooting digitally I could see the thumbnail photos on the camera as they were happening. It was like Christmas when I finally got to see the digital proofs! I honestly was in tears. After weeks of preparations it had all come together and my jewelry was finally being showcased how I had envisioned!

For those of you planning on your first shoot I have a list of helpful tips and supplies you will want to have on hand on photo day:

Masking Tape: Used to mark your model's spot on the floor.
Clothes Pins: These were invaluable! With these you can finely adjust the fit of the clothing on your models without damaging the clothing. Also, they were used to prop fabrics for backdrops.
Safety Pins: Used to pin fabrics to hang or swag.
Fan: Those lights get HOT! Be kind to your models and photographer and have some fans on hand.
Washcloths and Towels: You may have to start all over with the model's makeup for a specific look, so provide a clean washcloth and towel.
Hairpins: Lots and lots of extra hairpins. You can't ever have enough. Different colors are helpful.
Snacks & Drinks: It can be a long day, so be sure to have some things for everyone to nibble on to get them through and lots of water and drinks.
Rolling Clothes Rack: I highly recommend this. It helps keep things in order and neat & clean. I bought a cheapy one at Target for $19.99. Worth every penny!
Robes & Slippers: Ask your models to bring a robe to wear while getting their makeup done and between shots so that they don't wrinkle the clothing. Slippers or clipflops so that they don't step on any rogue pins.
Extra length of fabric: Having these on hand for background colors are very helpful!
Lotion: Great for hiding any dry skin patches.
Clear Deoderant: Just in case!
Music: I found it very helpful to have a variety of music on hand to keep the energy up and to set a mood.
A Friend: Because these girls were not professional models and they did not know me, I wanted them to feel safe, so I told them they could bring one friend with them as long as they were quiet and non-disruptive. One model did bring her boyfriend and he helped occupy her when we were working with the other model.
Reading Material: I also recommended that they bring some reading material to occupy them during their down time.
Bras: I had the models bring a variety of bras with them AND told them not to wear a bra or anything that will indent their skin in the morning. It can take hours for a strap line to disappear on some people.
Makeup: The makeup artist brought everything we needed, but I had the girls bring the foundation they normally used just in case.

Two of my favorite photos from the shoot are on this blog. There are many more, but these are definitely two of my fav's! Aren't they puuuurty?!!

Please come visit me at www.PassionFlowerDesigns.com.