Your first photoshoot can be intimidating – it’s hard to know what to expect! Here are some of our fave tips for having a great shoot.

PLAN YOUR TRICKS IN ADVANCE

Come prepared with a prioritized list of poses and tricks, with on-apparatus tricks broken up with off-apparatus poses so you can recover. Tricks should be ones you can reliably get into and hold comfortably, and remember: a “simpler” move done well will look better than a “harder” move you’re struggling to hold.

PLAN YOUR OUTFITS

Your outfit(s) don’t need to be polewear – swimsuits and lingerie work great – and you won’t need more than 2 or 3. Just be sure to test out how well they hold up in your favourite poses!

PREP A SHOOT KIT

Make sure you have a kit full of things you might need if something goes sideways: bobby pins, makeup, water, snacks, grip, and wipes for your feet can all come in handy in a pinch, as can having a killer Spotify playlist.

ADD THE FINAL POLISH THE NIGHT BEFORE

In the days before the shoot, avoid moisturizer to increase grip. Make sure any nail polish is in good condition; a mani-pedi can be nice (but remember that long false nails can make certain moves much harder!).

GIVE YOURSELF A HEAD START

The day of, make sure to eat a good breakfast so you’ll be fueled for the shoot. Do your makeup and hair at home and be sure to arrive early. You’ll need time to do a very comprehensive warmup – this might be the most important tip here!

CHECK IN WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

Your photographer is on your team! Don’t be afraid to talk to them briefly about what you’re looking for to help you capture motion and highlight anything you’re proud of. Reference photos can help you get the shots you’ve envisioned from the angles you want.

DON’T FORGET YOUR HANDS AND FEET AND KNEES (AND FACE!)

A forgotten clawed foot or bent knee can make the difference between a good photo and a great one, so remember to check in with all your limbs once you’re in position. Your head and neck matter too – practice your posing faces, lengthen your neck, and when in doubt, smile!

DON’T OVERTHINK IT

You’re going to have a great time and come out with some stellar pictures – don’t forget to have fun!

Written by Nia H.