Here are a few tips to help you avoid some common pitfalls. If you've been shooting regularly you already know most of these.

Three days before the shoot:

• Do your nails. I suggest trim nails with a neutral color (e.g. French manicure).
• Take care of your skin. Avoid sun exposure, tanning salons. Avoid getting paint, ink or bruises on your skin. Stay moisturized.

48 hours before the shoot:

• Get some moderate exercise.
• Get rid of any unwanted hair in your normal fashion.
• Do this more than two days before the shoot if it normally takes you longer to recover.
• Don’t experiment with a new method; you won’t know the recovery time.
• Exfoliate dry skin, don’t forget your feet. Exfoliate lips if needed.
• If this is your first nude shoot get a restful sleep tonight. You may be a too excited the night before the shoot to get enough rest.

24 hours before the shoot:

• Avoid anything that will stain your teeth: tea, coffee, cigarettes; they all show up on the image.
• Pack your stuff. Bring moisturizer, a snack, makeup, robe/cover-up. For a list of items many models bring, see my blog post Model’s Survival Kit
• Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol. Eat sensibly.
• Stretch. Stay limber.
• Stay active enough to burn off any excess energy before bedtime, but don’t do any marathon workouts today. Stay hydrated. Get a full night's rest if you can.

Day of the shoot

• Don't wear anything tight or with elastic in it on your way over. We want to avoid elastic lines on your skin. If we use any lingerie as a prop or warm-up you'll put it on a few minutes before shooting.
• Bring a government-issued photo ID that shows your date of birth (Driver's license, passport, military ID, etc.) Bring a second form of ID (Other photo ID, birth certificate, student ID, etc.)
• Moisturize feet, elbows, hands, anywhere that could get dry -- you'd be surprised the difference small details make.
• Directions: Don't forget to bring them with you. Call if you're lost, don't be embarrassed, just call and ask.
• Please let me know ASAP if you're going to be late or can't make it, please don't be a no-show without calling
• Cell phone: Keep to a minimum as we work. If you need to make a call, ask to take a break.

Wardrobe for the Shoot

I have several outfits in sizes 0-2 for models to wear (This only applies to shoots done in my Charleston SC studio.) I do acquire new outfits periodically to keep things fresh and models can sometimes keep items that I've used. However I'd like for you to bring some outfits of your own for variety and to be certain we have some clothing that makes you look your best

Some types of clothing take require a longer setup time for lighting and background. Some outfits distract from the model while others draw attention to her.

When you pick out your outfits, here are some suggestions.

• Bring a robe, sweater, or other warm coverup
• Bring a couple of outfits to warm up in, things that make you feel attractive
• Bring some items that can be worn as a focal point of an otherwise nude photo: a scarf, hat, gloves, shoes, even an open shirt worn on it's own.

Makeup & Grooming:

General: The camera sees every detail. Makeup should be applied sparingly and blended well to look natural. Unless we're shooting a makeup ad, the look should be about you not the makeup.

Skin: Remember you're a model because you have great model skin. Don't cover it up with foundation. If you need concealer to look your best, be sparing with the makeup, using only as much as is absolutely necessary.

Lips: Stay away from bright unnatural colors until you get a chance to discuss it with me first. And please don't change your makeup mid-shoot without talking to me about. Lip liner should blend naturally.

Eyes: You can be a little more dramatic with eyeliner, shadow, and mascara. Be careful not to get bits of eye makeup on the skin near your eyes.

Nails: Trim nails with neutral colors (like French manicure) usually work best

Waxing/shaving: Wherever you normally wax or shave, do it two days before the shoot. If you don't normally wax, now is not the time to experiment -- it could end up red.

Hair: Please don't try anything drastic with your hair. You need to show up looking the way you looked in the portfolio images you used to book this shoot.

Recommended/Not Recommended Makeup:

*See makeup & grooming hints above

Props:

Props are great. Bring anything you want. Please keep the following in mind:

1. Versatile props go a long way; bring stuff that you can imagine at least three poses with.
2. Dark, white, or shiny objects can be time consuming to light; matte finish and middle tones are better.
3. Large props tend to get used once, then be in the way; smaller is often better.

Fashion rules are made to be broken, so don't stress out about matching everything you see above.