A Guide to Photoshoot Preparation

Here is a little guide that I've come up with on how to prepare for a photoshoot.  These are just things that I've learned over the last year from working with various photographers and being involved with House of Style Productions: www.houseofstylekc.com.  

They have helped me make every photoshoot I do, a successful one.

2-3 weeks before:

• Stay in contact with the photographer before the shoot-
• Whether they have asked you to shoot with them or you have asked them, someone has to have ideas on what you will be shooting.  You will need to find out if you have to provide your own wardrobe, hairstyling, and make-up.  Speaking with the photographer several times before hand about what look you want in your photos or what look they want, will tremendously help the day of the actual shoot.  Each of you will know what is expected to happen at the shoot. You will each come in with ideas and be ready to go.  
• Safety- 
• Discuss with the photographer, at this time, if you would like to bring someone with you to a photoshoot, as a chaperone.  If I have not worked with a photographer before and the photoshoot was not set up through my agency, I always ask that I am allowed to bring a friend along with me.  You can never be too careful, if you don’t know the photographer.  
• DO NOT TAKE A HUSBAND OR BOYFRIEND, unless the photographer invites them to come!  Many times this can be very distracting and you will not get your best work from the photoshoot.  
• If you are not taking anyone with you, make sure to let someone know where you will be.
• Find Inspiration- 
• Look through magazines or online to find inspiration photos.  If I see an ad in a magazine and would like to do a shoot similar to it, I tear it out and put it in a folder of ideas.  Many times photographers will ask you what you would like to do at the shoot...this will help in that instance.  Send the photographer a copy of a couple photos you have found, and they can try to figure out how to make it happen.
• TF- 
• Stands for "time for..." this describes a common arrangement between photographers and models. TFP stands for "time for prints" and TFCD stands for "time for CD of images." TF* projects allow models and photographers to work together and exchange services without having to pay money. It is a popular way to get new images without having to pay a lot of money. 
• Hairstylists and make-up artists may offer to work TF as well, if the look you are going for is something that they don't have in their portfolio already.  
• While I have had several TF shoots throughout the last year, don't automatically assume that the photoshoot will be TF. Make sure that everyone involved is on the same page before you show up for the actual shoot.
• Money- 
• Discuss all payment before the shoot, so you are prepared the day of.  
• If the shoot is TF for all parties involved, plan on tipping your hairstylist and make-up artist.  They have to buy a lot of products for photoshoots. Even tipping them $5 for each look you have them do, will help them replenish their product inventory.
• Release forms- 
• There should always be a signed release at every photo shoot.  This should specify where and how your images might be used.  
• You will also need a release form from the photographer, if you plan on getting any of their photos printed at a place like FedEx/Kinkos.
• Beauty Tips- 
• Any facial waxing needed should be done at least 2 weeks before.  If a few stubborn eyebrow hairs start to come back before the shoot, they can always be plucked with tweezers.
• Talk to the hairstylist and find out how they would like for you to have your hair when you show up for the shoot.  Some like it if your hair is one day dirty.  Some prefer it is clean and slightly damp.  It just depends on the hairstylist and their particular preference. 

1 week before:

• Start to prepare your modeling bag- 
• I typically start thinking about what my wardrobe for the shoot will be a week in advance, just in case I need to run to the store and pick something up for a particular outfit.
• If wardrobe is NOT offered at a shoot, bring enough outfits for at least 5 outfit changes.  If a shoot calls for 4 changes, then bring 6-8 just in case.  This goes for shoes as well.  5-6 pairs is a good number.

• Beauty tips-  
• Exfoliate your skin at least one week before the shoot.
• If needed, this is the time to color/cut your hair.  You don't want to wait until the last minute, and then decide you wish your hair looked different.

72 hours before the photoshoot:

• Avoid-  Try to avoid the following items.  They are known to cause oily skin and sometimes swelling.
• Red meat
• Alcohol
• Heavy amounts of caffeine
• Alpha Hydroxy Creams(cause peeling and will really show with make-up)
• Retin A
• Spicy Foods
• Oily Foods

48 hours before the photoshoot:

• Healthy Eating-
• You should always be eating healthy and drinking plenty of water anyway, but make sure to do this at least 48 hours before your shoot.  
• Carry water with you everywhere you go for about 2 days before the shoot.  This will help your complexion and skin tone look it's best for the shoot
• Sleep-
• Make sure to get a full 7-8 hours of sleep the two nights before a photoshoot.  You don't want dark circles or puffiness around your eyes in your photos.
• Beauty Tips-
• Make sure your nails are well groomed.  Finger nails and toe nails should all be one length.  Polish should be colorless or a French manicure, unless you are looking for a specific color scheme for your shoot.

Night before the photoshoot:

• Pack-
• Make sure you pack your modeling bag the night before.  I always do this to make sure that I'm not missing anything if I happen to be running late the next morning.
•  Girls- make sure your bag contains smooth strapless bras in black and nude, nude and black hosiery, a variety of shoes, black and nude smooth line thong underwear, all of your makeup and hair accessories, plus your clothing if you are providing your own wardrobe.  Make sure you are prepared for anything.  Pack a razor and shaving cream, just in case you missed a spot.  I typically pack the bottle of nail polish that I'm wearing, for last minute touch-ups. 
• Guys- make sure your bag contains a shave kit, white and black underwear/boxers, black and brown, belt-shoes-dress socks, athletic shoes, a manicure kit, skin and hair products, and a toothbrush.

o       Make-up-

§   Always pack your own make-up and bring it with you to a shoot.  There have been a couple times where there has been an emergency and the make-up artist couldn’t get there.  Be prepared to do your own make-up if you absolutely have to.

§        Bring false eyelashes and any extras you might want applied.  Make-up artists typically do not provide these for you.

§        Bring your own foundation, eyeliner, and mascara. Although make-up artists bring eyeliner and mascara, sometimes they use the same wand on multiple models.  You want to bring your own foundation, just in case they do not have an exact match for your skin tone.

o       Hair accessories-

• Bring with you any hair accessories that you would like to use.  Extensions, hair clips, head bands, barrettes, etc.  The hairstylist will most likely only have the essential bobby pins and hair ties with them.
• Beauty Tip-
• Lip care
• You can exfoliate your lips by softly brusing them with a soft head toothbrush before bed every night.  After exfoliating, apply a small amount of Vaseline on your lips before going to bed and then again in the morning.  This will help lipstick go on smoothly at your photoshoot.

Photoshoot Day!-

• Make-up-
• All traces of make-up should be gone from your face when you check in at the shoot, unless you are providing your own makeup. 
• Some models wash with toner 30 minutes before the shoot, but do not add any make-up at all, unless you plan to do your own make-up.  
• All eyeliner and mascara should also be gone from your face.
• Snacks- 
• If you're attending an all-day shoot, you are going to want snacks to have with you.  Try to pick something healthy, but not messy.  I always like to take a box of wheat thins with me to snack on.  
• Take a bottle of water with you.  A bottle of water, NOT SODA!  
• If you decide to eat at a shoot, DO NOT eat in the wardrobe if it's borrowed from the client, a designer, or a boutique. You wouldn't want to spill anything on the garment and then have to buy it, would you?
•  Be On-time-
• Punctuality is always important at every photoshoot.  15 minutes early is on-time.
• Be Professional- 
• Always present yourself in a very professional manner, whether it’s your first or 200^th photoshoot.  Everyone in this industry knows everyone.  Your reputation, as a professional, is important when other photographers and clients are looking for models.

Please feel free to comment or email me with any specific questions!

Kansas City Fashion Week

Yes, another busy weekend ahead for me.  It's Kansas City Fashion Week!!!  


A Kick-off party, Magazine launch party, fashion shows, Model workshops, Photographer workshops, and Photoshoots, Oh my!


FRIDAY:
The weekend starts off with a Kick-off party and House of Style Magazine launch party at Martini Corner's Club Monaco on Friday, April 1st at 9pm.  Not only will this be a huge party, but a mini-fashion show as well.  Anyone and everyone should come out to support 2011 Kansas City Fashion Week.


SATURDAY:
Saturday is full of fun...beginning at 8am with a very informative Model Expo and a Photography Workshop by Marc Grant.  The Model Expo will have panels on topics such as:

• Being Informed- Learn about all the different kinds of modeling opportunities out there.
• Being Creative- Workshops by Make-up artists and hairstylist
• Being Ready- Talent Agencies tell secrets on how to get jobs
• Being Careful- Panel Discussion titled, "When Photographers Attack."  Talking about being careful with who shoot with and what types of modeling you do.

Saturday night...The huge, highly anticipated, "Leather and Lace Flair Fashion Show."  Doors open at 7pm, show starts 8pm.  Tickets are $20 at the door.  You won't want to miss this!  Over 80 models showcasing amazing fashion.

SUNDAY:


House of Style Productions presents the latest and greatest Portfolio building photoshoot: Hint, Hint...I'm House of Style's newest Posing Coach, and I will be at this shoot to help any models who are unsure in how to get started with posing!

Kansas City Fashion Week may not have been HUGE in the past, but with the team working on the new KCFW, I have no doubt it will be phenomenal for years to come! Come check it out for yourself!!

What are Comp Cards?

You may or may not know, but I design them!  


What are they?
Composite cards...z cards....sed cards...they're all the same.  These are a great marketing strategy for models and actors.  They are used to show the latest and best of a model's portfolio and basically used as a large business card.  Comp cards should be taken with you to hand out at casting calls and auditions.  Models who are with an agency or doing freelance modeling can benefit greatly from Comp Cards.


A comp card typically has a cover with a full size portrait and a back with a selection of shots from your portfolio, your stats (height, weight or size, bust measurement, waist measurement, hip measurement, shoe size, hair color and eye color), and your contact information.  The industry standard size for a comp card is 8.5" x 5.5" and is traditionally printed on a heavy card stock

Typical Cost:

With modeling, everything can get so expensive to get your portfolio started.  Setting up portfolio building photoshoots, the clothes to wear in your photos, ways to market yourself...When I started with the agency and seriously needed to get a comp card made, I looked at several options.  Some designs were pretty plain and the website wanted to charge me upwards of $150 for 100 cards.  I knew that I could design something myself that looked better and was significantly cheaper.

Need Comp Cards?

Please let me know if you are interested in having a custom comp card designed for you.  Pricing depends on assignment and how intricate/time consuming the design is.  Pricing starts at just $25 per front/back design.

**Note:  I do not do printing.  There are many places to get your comp cards printed.  If you choose to have me do a design for you, I will give you the high resolution jpeg files and the photoshop files if you need them.    




There are many ways you can design your comp card, but here are a few examples of a couple that I've done:


I designed these two options for my friend, Grace:

Photo: Dan-Irabor Photography

Photo: (Clockwise from top left) Dan-Irabor Photography, Anntastic2 Photography, JRP Photography, Mike Oliva, Ryan Heffron Photography

Napa/San Francisco Trip 2011

I love to travel!  It lets you see how other people live in other areas, try new and unique foods that you normally wouldn't get to try, and see amazing sights that you wouldn't see by just sitting at home.  Traveling is a big part of my life.  Jeremy and I take a week long vacation and then a couple small trips every year.  This year we're going to Napa and San Francisco in late May!   


How I start planning:
Planning the trip to Napa/San Francisco has been significantly easier than most of the trips I plan, because I have already been once before, back in college.  Jeremy has never been, so we decided that this was one more city that he needed to add to his list of visited ones and I loved it so much that I don't care about going back again.


I always start looking at hotel and airfare options at least 6 months before the date of the trip.  I think for this trip, I actually booked the Napa B&B and the hotel in SF about 7 months in advance because we had already decided where we wanted to go and I got a good deal at the B&B for a promotion they were doing.  


I always make sure to check out www.tripadvisor.com and read reviews on the hotels we find that we like.  It's such a helpful website, because travelers, like myself, rate their experiences and write reviews in the forums for each city.  


It's very rare that we don't fly Southwest Airlines, if we're traveling to a city that they travel to.  I've found that, on most flights, I can usually get a better deal through Southwest and I love their rewards program.  Everyone always asks me how I can take so many vacations every year.  It's easy, when I use Southwest and can earn enough points to earn free flights.


Napa/San Francisco 2011:
When planning this trip, I had to decide how to split up our time between Napa and San Francisco.  Jeremy has never been to either place, so I want to make sure that he gets to see the best things both areas have to offer.  We tend to go through museums and sight-seeing activities pretty quickly, so we always have a little extra time throughout each day to just hang out, or just in case something unexpected happens where we are running a little late to a different activity.  


I ultimately decided that we would schedule our trip this way:


Saturday- Fly into San Francisco and rent a car. Drive up through Sonoma County and stay there overnight.


Sunday-Wednesday- Drive to Napa, visit wineries, stay at a bed and breakfast, eat some amazing food, and leave Napa Wednesday morning to drive back to the city.


Wednesday- Saturday- Drive back to San Francisco, stay in a hotel in Union Square, do some sightseeing and leave to come home late Saturday morning.


Now, it doesn't always work out this way, but for this trip we were able to leave on a Saturday and come home on a Saturday, so we will have an extra day off of work when we get back to relax before having to start work again on Monday morning.


I'm still working on exact plans for the trip, like making restaurant reservations (where needed) and getting tickets to events and shows that we will be seeing.  Watch for more posts on interesting things I've found to do and an actual trip report when we get back, with photos!  


  

Cakes and Other Bakes

As you'll learn, I'm a huge supporter of anything my friends and family are involved in.  Two of my very best friends have started a bakery in St. Louis.  What's it called...none other than "Cakes and Other Bakes."  They clearly love what they are doing and you will not be disappointed in hiring them for all your baking needs.  I've had Laura and Beth make cakes for me in the past, and you would not believe the compliments that I've gotten on them.  They do a variety of different baked goods, including but not limited to cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.  

Their motto:  

Delight in the decidedly delicious and the distinctly delectable; Cakes and Other Bakes brings your sweetest imaginations to life with artistic confections that will excite your eyes, stimulate your senses, and thrill your taste buds.

Some of my favorites they've done:     

           Replica they made for me of Bella's birthday cake from, "The Twilight Saga: New Moon."

  

                                                        GO MIZZOU!!!

                                                      

Spring Blossom Cupcakes

                                               Cupcake and Cookie Variety

                                                 


                                                   How real do these look!

                                   I couldn't resist...GO MIZZOU, one more time!!!

Make sure to check them out at their website:

http://www.cakesandotherbakes.com/index.html

On Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/CakesandOtherBakes

Or, contact them at the phone numbers or email address listed below for more information.

Laura's Phone: 636-346-0864

Beth's Phone: 573-864-6112

Email: info@cakesandotherbakes.com

Exciting things are happening with Cakes and Other Bakes...you won't want to miss out!!!

What Has Modeling Taught Me...

If you didn’t know me when I was younger, you would not even see the same person today.  Always shy and reserved…scared to death to speak in public…never the popular girl…made fun of.  I was nerdy, taller than all the boys, and there were several times when girls were just down right mean to me.  Girls that I thought were my friends. 

The worst of it was in middle school.  A group of girls that I had been friends with for a couple of years, actually wrote me a letter and said that they didn’t want to be friends with me anymore because I didn’t talk enough.  Ouch!!  I look back on those days, when I had to switch lunch tables.  I could feel the stares and the whispers from those girls everyday…and now I think to myself, “Who did they think they were? They weren’t any better than me!” 

That’s Teisha today.  The strong willed, independent, take no crap attitude Teisha.  Modeling has definitely helped me form these qualities.  I see now that it doesn’t matter what you look like, what size you are, what color your hair is…all that really matters is what’s inside.  I know, I know…sounds corny, but it’s SO true.    

When starting modeling, I was a little skeptical.  Thoughts went through my head like:

1.  “Are other models going to be just like those girls from middle school?” 

2.  “What if I’m not accepted?”

3.  “I’m scared to try something new, and put myself out there like that.”

4.  “I’m not a size 0; can I even be a model?”

5.  “Am I too old?  Isn't 27 a little old to be starting a modeling career.”

If there’s anything that I’ve learned from modeling, it’s that none of that matters. 

• “Are the other models going to be just like those girls from middle school?”

I have run into just a few girls that act like they are still in middle school…talk behind your back, make rude comments, think they are better than everyone else, but for the most part I have been so surprised at how supportive models are of each other.  I try very hard to be supportive of my fellow models.  In Kansas City, everyone in this business knows everyone.  You don’t want to get a reputation for talking behind someone’s back.  It’s bad business.  You’re promoting yourself.  If I were a client, I wouldn’t want to hire a model that can not get along with other people.  There is too much risk.

• “What if I’m not accepted?”

Surprisingly, this doesn’t happen as much as you would think.  This goes hand in hand with question 1.  I have found that other models are helpful and really want to help you succeed.  When starting out, I can’t tell you how many girls that had been modeling for a couple years or longer, gave me great advice.  They were so helpful and caring.  I try very hard to do this now for any potential models that I meet.

• “I’m scared to try something new, and put myself out there like that.”

It’s hard at first.  Especially when the middle school, shy girl inside, is saying…”STOP, what the heck are you doing?  People are going to make fun of you.”  But it does get so much easier. After your first photoshoot, each one gets easier and easier.  I was lucky enough to have my first photoshoot with a good friend of mine, so that made it a little bit easier.  My family, friends, and even people I meet through modeling, are so supportive.  You have to put yourself out there, if you want to succeed.  Make yourself just do it, and in no time, it will be like you’ve been doing it forever.

• “I’m not a size 0, can I even be a model?”

The first thing you have to do is stop thinking like this.  Skinny…what is skinny?  Everyone has a different body type.  No two people are the same.  There are jobs out there for anyone and everyone.  There are so many different types of modeling out there.  You don’t have to be a runway model at New York Fashion Week.  I just tell myself that I want to be healthy.  That’s the most important thing.  Take care of your body.  If you eat right and get exercise, you are doing exactly what your body needs.  Who cares what the stupid scale says?  Right?

• “Am I too old?  Isn’t 27 a little old to be starting a modeling career.”

Like I said before…there are jobs out there for everyone.  I thought I would be competing with 16 year olds on everything.  Yes, on occasion I do have to audition against girls who are 10 years younger than me, but I've found that clients look for people of all ages.  When I was interviewing at different agencies, never once was I told that I’m too old.  I was actually told, “There are a lot of opportunities for people in the 25-40 age range in Kansas City.”  And as you may have guessed, there aren’t as many models in that age range. ;)

So, if there is anything that I want you to take away from today’s post…be yourself, don’t worry about what other people think, and have confidence in everything that you do.  It will go a long way!

Welcome to the Life of Teisha Marie

Photo: Dan-Irabor Photography

That's me.  Yes, you read it right...I'm a model, interior designer, event planner, photographer, traveler, graphic designer and I do all this while still trying to balance a wonderful marriage to my loving husband.  How do I do it?  I tell you, it's not always easy, but we make it work.

I plan on using this blog to give all of you an insight into what these different "jobs" are like and how I balance them all with my home life.  Granted I don't have any children yet, so yes it will get much more difficult when we decide to take that step, but I know that we can handle anything that comes our way.