Model Checklist: What to Bring to a Photo Studio Shoot

Planning your first studio photoshoot as a model? Whether you’ve rented a photo studio for a DIY session or you’re working with a professional photographer, bringing the right specific items can make or break your experience. Long photoshoots can be exhausting with all the posing, but with proper preparation, you’ll look fresh from start to finish.

Here are the essential items models should pack for a next in-studio photoshoot to ensure professional results and a comfortable experience.

While FD Photo Studio is already equipped with most photography essentials including professional lighting, grip equipment, and studio amenities (view our complete equipment list), these personal items will help you look and feel your best throughout the session.

Essential Items for Your Studio Photoshoot

1. Setting Powder and Compact Mirror

Translucent Setting Powder: Photoshoot activities can make you sweat during long sessions due to the posing and moving around. Pack translucent setting powder to prevent that greasy shine that looks unprofessional in photos. Choose loose powder over pressed for better coverage and a more natural finish. Facial Blotting Paper is also a great addition to keep the makeup fresh and avoid shiny forehead on the images.

Compact with Built-in Mirror: Choose a compact that includes a good-sized mirror. Having a mirror readily available saves time between shots and keeps you looking polished without needing to find a restroom.

Each FD Photo Studio has a full-body mirror and most studios include vanity mirrors with makeup stations, having a small personal mirror allows for convenient touch-ups without leaving your shooting area.

Makeup station in Yukon 1 studio in Los Angeles

2. Lipstick and Lip Products

Essential Makeup Products: Pack a basic makeup kit with foundation, concealer, powder, blush, and lipstick or lip color. Choose products you’re familiar with and that work well with your skin type. Having these essentials allows you to do initial application and important touch-ups throughout the session.

Lip Products: Bring your preferred lip products – whether that’s lipstick, lip gloss, lip stain, or tinted balm. Pack whatever makes you feel confident and comfortable. Also include a clear lip balm to prevent chapped lips, as studio air conditioning can be drying during extended sessions.

3. Hair Styling Essentials

Wide-tooth Comb and Small Brush: Bring a wide-tooth comb for detangling without creating static and a small brush for smoothing flyaways. These tools handle different hair needs during the session and help maintain your style throughout shooting.

Hair Styling Products:
For men: Pack pomade or styling paste for keeping hair controlled during movement and posing.
For women: Bring travel-size hairspray or dry shampoo for quick touch-ups between outfit changes.

Hair Ties and Bobby Pins: Pack several clear elastic hair ties and bobby pins that match your hair color. These allow for quick style changes and securing loose pieces that might move during photos.

4. Hydration and Energy

Insulated Water Bottle: Choose a water bottle that keeps water cold during hot studio sessions. Proper hydration prevents headaches, keeps your skin looking fresh, and maintains your energy throughout long shoots.

Electrolyte Drinks: For particularly long sessions, pack sports drinks or coconut water to replace lost electrolytes from the physical demands of posing and moving during shoots. This prevents fatigue and helps you stay alert.

Healthy Snacks: Bring protein-rich snacks like nuts, protein bars, or fresh fruit to maintain steady energy levels during long sessions. Avoid messy foods that could stain clothing or require extensive cleanup between shots.

Coffee for Early Shoot: For early morning shoots or long shooting days, consider bringing coffee or your preferred caffeinated beverage for yourself and the team. Early call times and extended sessions can be demanding, and a caffeine boost helps everyone stay focused and energized.

5. Comfortable Change of Shoes

Cushioned Sneakers or Flats: Bring comfortable walking shoes with good arch support for moving between setups. If your shoot requires heels or dress shoes, pack them separately and only wear them during actual photos.

Flip-Flops for Easy Changes: Pack a pair of flip-flops or slip-on sandals for quick changes between shots. These are perfect for moving around the studio comfortably and switching into your photo shoes only when needed.

Clean Shoes for Cyc Wall Studios: If shooting in a studio with a white cyclorama wall like daylight photo studios LIC 1 in New York or Studio C in Los Angeles, bring clean-soled shoes to avoid floor stains that would need editing in post-production. The white surface shows every mark, so clean shoes help maintain the pristine background for your photos. You can also tape the soles of your shoes if that is easier.

Photographer @olesyaromanophoto and model @olgazhukova.1 at FD Photo Studio Los Angeles

Wardrobe Maintenance Items

Clothing Care Tools

Lint Roller: Pack a lint roller to remove pet hair, dust, and fabric fibers. Studio lighting shows every piece of lint and hair, making clean clothing essential for professional-looking photos.

Fabric Shaver: Bring a small fabric shaver to remove pills and fuzz from sweaters and textured fabrics. This tool makes older clothing look fresh and new under bright studio lights.

Safety Pins and Clips: Bring assorted safety pins and small fabric clips for quick clothing adjustments. These allow you to tailor fit during the shoot for more flattering silhouettes without permanent alterations.

Stain Removal Kit

Stain Removal Pen: Pack an instant stain removal pen for emergency spills during breaks. Food or drink accidents can ruin outfit options if not addressed immediately.

Tide-to-Go Pen or Similar: Keep a portable stain remover specifically for oil-based stains. Studio snacks and makeup can create spots that show prominently in photos.

Organization and Prep Items

1. Planning Tools

Reference Photo Collection: Save desired poses and styles to your phone in a dedicated photo album. Having visual references helps communicate your vision and speeds up the shooting process.

Shot List Notebook: Write down specific shots you want in a small notebook. Include outfit pairings, props needed, and pose ideas to keep the session organized and efficient.

2. Storage and Transport

Garment Bags: Pack outfits in breathable garment bags to prevent wrinkles during transport to the studio. Wrinkled clothing requires ironing that eats into your session time.

Clear Storage Bags: Use clear ziplock bags to organize small accessories, makeup, and hair items. This keeps everything visible and prevents lost items during outfit changes.

3. Tech Essentials

Portable Phone Charger: Bring a fully charged portable battery pack. You’ll use your phone frequently for reference images, music, and communication during breaks.

Headphones or Small Speaker: Pack headphones or a small portable speaker for background music during the shoot. Music helps you relax and get into the right mood for natural-looking photos.

4. Studio Amenities at FD Photo Studio

Included Essentials: At FD Photo Studio, we provide essential amenities like makeup stations with vanity mirrors, changing areas, full-body mirrors, clothing racks, and steamers so you don’t have to carry everything yourself. These conveniences help streamline your session and reduce the items you need to pack.

Confirm Before Booking: We suggest confirming availability of specific items before your booking to ensure everything you need is ready for your session. This helps you plan what to bring and what will be provided.

Example of amenities available at Studio C – makeup stations, mirrors, and organized space for your photoshoot needs.

Items to Avoid Bringing

Strong Fragrances: Avoid wearing heavy perfume or cologne. Enclosed studio spaces amplify scents, which can be overwhelming for everyone involved in the session.

New or Untested Products: Don’t try new makeup, skincare, or hair products on shoot day. Stick to tested products to avoid unexpected reactions or results.

Studio-Specific Preparation

1. Cyc Wall Studios

If shooting in a studio with a cyclorama wall like LIC 1, avoid dark-soled shoes that might leave marks on the white surface. The seamless, curved design of cyc walls creates that “infinity” effect, so protecting the pristine surface is crucial for maintaining the professional look. Learn more about cyc wall photography techniques to maximize your session.

2. Daylight vs Blackout Studios

Pack differently depending on your studio type. Daylight photo studios for rent like Studio A in Los Angeles provide natural light through large windows. Blackout studios like LIC 4 in New York with RGB lighting or specialty lighting setups let you experiment with dramatic looks but may need additional makeup touch-up supplies since you’ll rely entirely on artificial lighting. Read our guide on choosing between daylight and blackout studios to understand which works best for your project.

3. Unique Studio Features

Some studios offer unique built-in features like the vintage furniture in LIC 2, the piano in LIC 1 or motorcycle in Metro 1. Plan your wardrobe and accessories to complement these existing elements rather than competing with them.

4. Water Features

If your studio includes water elements like the upgraded Yukon 3 water studio, Metro 4 or Olympic 2 rain rooms, pack waterproof makeup, quick-dry towels, and backup clothing in case of splashes. These unique features create stunning photos but require extra preparation.

How to Prepare before your session

1. 24 Hours Before Your Shoot

Skin Preparation: Use gentle, familiar skincare products. Exfoliate lightly and moisturize well. Avoid harsh treatments or new products that might cause irritation or breakouts.

Nail Care: Clean and shape nails, applying base coat and color if desired. Chipped nail polish shows prominently in hand shots and dates your photos.

Outfit Testing: Try on all planned outfits to ensure proper fit and comfort. Check for any needed repairs like loose buttons or small tears.

2. Day of Shoot Preparation

Morning Routine: Start with a protein-rich breakfast and plenty of water. Avoid high-sodium foods that can cause facial puffiness.

Packing Checklist: Use a written checklist and pack everything the night before. Have someone else review your packed items to catch anything forgotten.

3. Time Management Tips

Arrive Early: Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your session starts. This gives you time to organize your items, use the restroom, and do initial touch-ups without rushing.

Organize During Setup: While the photographer sets up lighting, organize your items by outfit or shooting sequence. This prevents delays when changing looks.

Ready for Professional Results?

Coming prepared with these specific items transforms your photoshoot from amateur to professional quality. When you have the right tools and supplies, you can focus on creating stunning images rather than dealing with preventable problems.

The difference between good photos and great photos often comes down to these small but crucial details that experienced photographers and models know by heart.

Ready to rent a photo studio in New York or Los Angeles?

1. Browse Available Studios: Visit our studio rental page to explore all 62 studios

2. Check Equipment Lists: Review our comprehensive equipment offerings

3. Book Your Session: Use our 24/7 online booking system to secure your preferred date and time

4. Receive Your Check-In Code: Get your self-check-in code to access your studio seamlessly

Call us at +1 (323) 454-2323, or email us at info@fdphotostudio.com. We also have a live support chat on our website where you can get directions, request help, or ask questions.

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