Note: Your experience with different photographers will vary and you will want to discuss this beforehand.
Note: We discuss what to wear to a photo shoot in a separate post.
Generally speaking, this is what a model should bring to a photo shoot:
Items to Change Your Look & Appearance
Changing the way you look during a shoot will help keep the photos from looking like they were all taken on the same day.
Items I’d suggest bringing include (some of these are obvious — some may not be):
- make-up
- hair ties & rubber bands (so you can wear your hair in different ways)
- hats
- jewelry
- glasses/sunglasses (but do not wear sunglasses before your shoot or you may end up squinting or with watery eyes during your shoot)
- anything you think might make a neat prop or look interesting in a photo.
Additional Items to Consider Bringing to Your Photo Shoot
Don’t forget to bring a small portable mirror of some kind so you can check your make-up, hair, look, etc. during the shoot.
Depending on the style of the shoot, you may want to consider bringing a flesh colored thong & bra. This will allow you to wear such items under your garments without drawing attention to them in the photos.
It’s also a good idea to bring something to drink, such as bottled water or gatorade. Especially if you are shooting outside. You may want to consider bringing a cooler with ice to pack drinks and anything else you wish to keep cool while shooting.
Depending on the length of your shoot, you may want to pack a light meal and/or a few snacks of some kind. Fruits are preferable to “candy” items and will help provide energy to keep shooting. Avoid eating/bringing anything that may stain your teeth. This includes chocolaty items. As with wardrobe, please bring more than you think you will need.
Contents of a Typical Model’s Bag
Here are some items typically found in the bags of models who work regularly and/or professionally. Not all items are necessary if you’re just starting out, but it’s still a good idea to check this list and consider whether these items may be useful at your shoot. Many items depend on the type of shoot you’re doing and the location:
| makeup kit |  |
nylons (nude & black) | |
panty liners |
| washcloth | |
toilet tissue | |
mascara (brown and/or black) |
| false eyelashes (2 different lengths) | |
concealer | |
foundation |
| lipstick (various shades) | |
blush | |
eyeshadow (various colors) |
| translucent powder | |
makeup sponges | |
makeup brushes |
| cotton swabs | |
cotton balls | |
makeup remover |
| tweezers | |
eye drops | |
mirror |
| masking tape | |
binder clips | |
hairpins |
| toothbrush | |
toothpaste | |
baby wipes |
| hairbrush | |
hair ties/bands | |
sunscreen |
| sunglasses | |
bottled water | |
towel |
| tampons | |
dress shields | |
lint brush |
| dress hood or pillow case | |
spray bottle | |
facial tissue |
| aspirin (or equivalent) | |
penlight/flashlight | |
scissors |
| small first-aid kit | |
razors | |
shaving cream |
| model portfolio | |
model cards | |
body lotion |
| facial cleansers | |
hairstyling products | |
insect repellent |
|
|