Prepping for a Photoshoot

The thought of an upcoming photoshoot is a sure fire way to get the butterflies going in your stomach and sweaty palms appearing as if by magic. As nerve wracking as they are, you can help alleviate a bit of the stress of your shoot by making sure you feel fully prepared. With photoshoots upcoming in November at KPole studios, we thought we'd give you our favourite tips to ensure you feel ready for the big day!

Before your shoot...
If you've booked into a 30 minute photoshoot slot, we will always recommend that you have between 6-8 moves prepared for your shoot. You have paid for 5 images, so having some extra moves prepared gives you a little bit of leeway if either you don't like the image or you're having an off day with one of your moves.

Although it can be tempting to throw in all of the hardest moves that you know, we actually recommend only doing 1 or 2 of your hardest moves for your shoot. Firstly, because doing pole or aerial for 30 minutes non stop is HARD - whatever your level. You are going to be asked to do each of your moves several times in order to get the right angles and placements; if you are pushing the limits of what you can do for each move this is going to get tough very quickly!

Secondly, if the move is hard work for you, this will show in your photos. The best feedback I get from every shoot I do is on the photos of moves I find easier, because they look effortless. Throw in at least a coupe of moves that you can do very easily and I promise the picture will reflect that! I'd also recommend having a few floor shapes to throw in right at the end if you end up having a bit if extra time. The usually end up being some of my favourite shots too!

Make sure you have practiced all of your moves and poses several times ahead of the photoshoot. We have open training sessions at all 3 studios which you can take advantage of and all of your KPole instructors offer 1-1 sessions as well if you need any extra help and ideas. Throughout October we also have specific photoshoot lessons at both our Solihull and Wolverhampton studios that might give you some ideas you hadn't thought about (more info at the end of this article!).

Have a think about where you want to look and what to do with your hands (the most commonly asked question). Keep those wrists nice and relaxed and make sure you are keeping that chin lifted! Simon will give you plenty of instruction on the day so don't worry too much if you are unsure, but its always good to be more prepared than not!

Finally - have an order for your moves. I would always recommend starting with an easy move, one you could do with your eyes closed if you needed to (haha we wont make you I promise!). This way, if you are feeling nervous, it just gives you that second to realise its just like doing pole/aerial any other day and ease yourself into the rest of the moves. Leave some simple poses for the end as well when you are shattered!

Photoshoot Ready Sessions | KPole Wolverhampton | Mondays at 6pm through October
Photoshoot Ready Sessions | KPole Solihull | Wednesdays at 6pm through October

On the day of your shoot....

Make sure you arrive at least 15 minutes before your shoot time. Leave yourself plenty of time for traffic, parking and any other unknown issues that might pop up - the last thing you want is to be rushing in late and have to start with no warm up or time to check your hair and makeup.

You are welcome to come into the studio from 30 minutes before and if you want to bring things to touch up hair and makeup you are very welcome to do so. Please be mindful that other people will be doing their shoot as you come in and as tempting as it is to watch, some people may find this off putting or nerve wracking, so please be considerate to this.

You may bring someone to help cheer you on/film you/for moral support to the shoot, but just let us know beforehand if this is the case, so that we don't get to the point of having so many people in the studio that the photographer and student can't concentrate.

There will always be an instructor on hand at the shoot to help spot you in and out of moves if you need it, they can spin you, move your hair and get some behind the scenes footage of you if you wish - don't be afraid to ask!

Make sure you have eaten before your shoot! We know how tempting it is to not eat so you feel you look better in the shoot, but we have seen too many people struggle with sugar crashes and lack of strength because they haven't eaten anything on the day of the shoot - honestly, you will have a better experience if you force something down in the morning.

You are welcome to bring outfit changes, but these changes will form part of your 30 minute slot, so just bear that in mind if you are bringing 10 different outfits!

Finally.. I feel like I say this too often, but, its meant to be fun! The photoshoots are a celebration of your achievements, not just in pole or hoop, but in your confidence and self belief. Take a second to appreciate how incredible you are for having the confidence to even book a shoot, let alone turn up and do it. We are all behind you and will support you any way you can, you have ABSOLUTELY got this!

Cant wait to see what beautiful and interesting shapes you have come up with for your shoots next month gang!

Lots of love,

Kim xxx

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