Whether you’re in front of the camera for the first time or already have experience, good preparation is important. With the right equipment, you can ensure that you feel comfortable and get the best results. To make sure you don’t forget anything, I’ve put together a handy packing list for you here. The list is kept very general and gender-neutral. Not all points will apply to you and they naturally depend on your outfit, the location, etc.
Packing list for your photo shoot:
Drink and Food
- Enough to drink and something to eat or small snacks. This is especially important for shoots in the summer and outdoors.
Cleaning
- Wet wipes for cleaning hands or removing dirt from shoes or feet. Especially important when shooting barefoot (e.g. gymnasts).
Hair
- A hairbrush or a comb.
- Hairspray, especially important for long, thin and straight hair.
- Different hair ties that match the color of your styling.
Makeup and skin care
- Lip gloss: One colorless and one with a light tint.
- Makeup: If you’re doing your own makeup and there’s no makeup artist present at the photo shoot, please bring your basics (powder, mascara, lip gloss, etc.).
- A light, non-greasy moisturizer is useful, especially for dry skin or in cold weather.
Changing Room
- A large blanket to serve as a privacy screen for changing clothes during outdoor shoots, in case the location doesn’t offer a place to change. I usually bring a small changing room with me, but it can still be helpful if you bring a blanket as well.
Clothes and accessories
- Depending on the outfit and season, please bring clothes to wear over your outfit so that you feel comfortable and don’t get cold.
- Possibly accessories such as sunglasses or jewelry.
- Extra Shoes: Some locations are a bit out of the way – sturdy shoes that can get dirty are helpful.
- Socks: If you wear socks, they should match the color of your outfit and shoes, which is especially important if your shoes are not a conceptual part of your styling. Black shoes should be worn with black socks, white shoes with white socks, and colored shoes with matching socks, though intentional contrasts are allowed. Your socks should be free of brand names and logos, and they shouldn’t be colorful or flashy unless they serve as a deliberate element of your outfit. It is always a good idea to bring invisible sneaker socks.
- Styling Clips: Hair-parting clips (duckbill clips) or specialized styling clips are essential for instantly fitting oversized garments. You can use them to gather and secure excess fabric neatly at the back or inside out of view, ensuring clothes fit like a glove on camera.
- Underwear should remain entirely unseen under tight clothing, ballet leotards, gymnastics outfits, or sportswear, ensuring it never shows through, peaks out, or disrupts the lines of the costume.
Transporting your Gear
- For outdoor and on-location shoots, it’s best to pack all your gear in a rolling case or a bag. This makes everything easy to transport and keeps all your equipment neatly together in one place. While a rolling suitcase is the ideal choice for most assignments, a bag or backpack is often more practical for shoots in rough terrain or directly on the beach.
- For regular shoots, it is recommended to keep your essential items permanently packed in a dedicated shoot bag.
Miscellaneous
- A small umbrella in case of changeable weather to protect your hair and outfit.
- Your companion should also be dressed appropriately and bring food and drink.
- Depending on the shoot, you are welcome to bring music or a playlist to lift your spirits and get you in the mood.
Last but not least: Good mood and openness! Can’t be packed, but important – just be yourself!
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