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5 Tips to be camera ready for first Photo Shoot

Updated: Dec 23, 2022

5 Tips to look beautiful and confidant on your first photoshoot


  • Having those butterflies in your stomach for an upcoming shoot?

  • Stressed about how you would look in the camera?

  • What preparations should I do for the shoot?

  • I wish someone can help me!

Relax! here are some tips that will help you to be camera ready, be it your first shoot or a professional model. These tips will help you!


When it comes to doing a personal photoshoot, preparation is key! Here are five ways you can prepare to ensure you storm through your first time in front of the camera!


With our 6 years of experience working with Models, Families, and couples, we have compiled these 5 tips



Tip #1 - Know the Purpose and create a Moodboard


Do you know what you want from the shoot besides some nice pictures to post on social media?

Let me take an example, say you have booked a couple-shoot.

At RHIPO Photography we request clients to answer (themselves) 5 questions below:


  1. What do you enjoy most doing together? Common Interests.

  2. Are you both expressive? is one of you or both camera shy or shy expressing in front of others?

  3. What do you like to wear?

  4. What kind of setup you are comfortable with? e.g. Outdoors, Home, Studio, public place

  5. What act or words brings a smile, or make them shy, blushing?

Once you answer the above questions you will pretty much know what you want to bring out in those pictures. do share them with the photographer.


The next step will be creating a mood board, Pinterest boards like "Couple Shoots" will help you to share ideas with the Photographer.


Tip #2 - Choose the right Photographer


Wondering how to find a good photographer? Or how to find a wedding photographer. I hope these tips help you find a perfect match.

  1. Google: Research, ask your friends and family for recommendations, scout websites, and find reviews.

  2. Verify: Read reviews and talk to former clients. You may ask about contacting previous clients to ask about their experience.

  3. Shortlist: Find someone who suits your style, and have a look at the photographer’s website and social media pages. Does their photography style match your taste?

  4. Communicate: Talk to the photographer and check your comfort level. If you can communicate freely and easily with your photographer in person, or over the phone, it will give you a feel for how you gell together.

  5. Money Matters: Check the fees. It might be tempting to choose the photographer who charges the least. Photographers charge what they’re worth and what is required to run a business. Also, be sure to ask about any hidden fees: does the upfront cost include editing, prints, and other services, or are each of those extra?

Good work ain't cheap, cheap work ain't good– Norman (Sailor Jerry) Collins

Tip #3 - Practice your poses

The shoot day is easy as a cakewalk if you have practiced the poses. This helps to find your best angles and what pose makes you look more flattering.


The best way to practice is in front of a mirror or taking photographs on your phone in timer mode. Posing might seem awkward at first, but with the right photographer, it can quickly become a fun and playful experience.


Our team is experts at getting the most out of you. We will help you at every step of the way, guiding you on exactly how to stand and pose. We aim to make you at ease during your first photo shoot, this helps in getting the best expressions resulting in awesome memories!



Tip #4 - Pamper and Select before the shoot


It’s important to pay attention to detail when preparing for the shoot. Cameras can pick up the slightest defects in a lot more detail than the naked eye can see. So make sure your legs have been shaved/waxed before the shoot. Make sure you have the right undergarments for the shoot, if you’re wearing anything showing your shoulders then you’ll need a strapless bra, likewise if you’re wanting to shoot a boudoir look then don’t forget to bring in some gorgeous matching undergarments.


It’s one of life’s well-known secrets that you must have at least 8 hours of sleep per night; but before your photo shoot, it’s something you can’t skip! Pop some lavender essential oil on your pillow if you struggle to sleep. Your eyes will be bright and beautiful in the morning and you’ll sparkle through your poses.


Check out the BLOG on Beauty Tips for Photoshoot

For now, below is a quick checklist for the day of the shoot:

  • Bare face (wash and apply your usual moisturizer)

  • Clean, dry hair (very short hair should leave it wet)

  • Comfy outfit (to sit in while you’re being styled)

  • 5-6 fitted outfits to wear in photos

  • Pretty nails (Neutral fingers, fun toes)

  • Clean wedding ring (if any)

  • Touched up brows



Tip #5 - Be Confident Be Yourself

Once you’re all prepared, it’s time to work on your attitude. You need to remember that you are fabulous and be confident in your shoot. Everyone gets a bit nervous before a photo shoot, so channel those nerves into excitement so that the confidence flows out of you as soon as the camera starts flashing!




The tips above are known to all of us, but using them as a checklist helps to get the best out of the shoot. do let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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