How to prepare for a holiday photo shoot: a checklist

A holiday photo shoot is not only about beautiful pictures but also about a great mood. So that nothing spoils the shoot, I have put together a short checklist — from booking to what to put in your bag.

1–2 weeks before the trip

• Book the date. In high season the best golden-hour slots are taken in advance.
• Choose the format and location — have a look at the location map.
• Plan your outfits with our guide “What to wear for a beach photo shoot”.
• Get a manicure in a neutral colour — hands often appear in the frame.

On holiday before the shoot

• Don’t get sunburnt. Red skin and swimsuit lines show in photos. Use SPF.
• Schedule the shoot for day 2–4 of your holiday — there is time to reschedule because of the weather.
• Don’t experiment with your hair or skin the day before.
• Get enough sleep — it shows better than any make-up.

What to bring

• Clothes for 1–2 outfits, ironed or in a garment bag.
• Light sandals for walking.
• Powder, lipstick, a comb, a hair tie.
• Water and a snack, especially with children.
• A towel if you plan shots in the water.
• Accessories: hat, scarf, jewellery.

On the day of the shoot

Be on time: the golden hour is short. If transfer is included in your package, I will pick you up at your hotel. Think of it as a walk, not as “work in front of the camera” — I will suggest poses and be by your side the whole time. Posing tips — in a separate article.

After the shoot

You receive colour-corrected photos in digital form. Save them to the cloud and to your computer — phones are easy to lose on holiday. And if you liked it, leave a review: it helps me and other travellers a lot.

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