When you work really hard perfecting and achieving moves and combinations in classes, its motivating to capture your hard work at a photoshoot.
My collection of images from photoshoots over the years tell a story of my progression based on the moves I chose to perform. Preparing for a photoshoot is similar to training for a performance, without the nerves of 100’s of people watching. I always want my moves to look their best, and I strive to look 100%. I have found the more focused on the outcome and the final look of my photoshoot, the better my images have turned out. So here are my 10 essential things I do to fully prepare for a photoshoot, whether it’s my 1st or my 31st. I hope they help you prepare for your photoshoot and if you have any more you would like to add please feel free to comment.
1 – Which Poses work best: This is a great place to start. Which poses/tricks would you like to capture? Bear in mind you will be asked to hold your poses for a fair while to ensure they are captured at their best. Therefore I always pick moves I am confident holding, If I have some I am a little rusty on, I set time to practice holding these before hand in training sessions. It is important to challenge yourself, but also be realistic, I don’t recommend picking a hard move you can’t yet do. Instead, do research on other photoshoots. There are lots of simple moves that look amazing on camera, and it is also worth remembering, some very tough ones don’t. I have another article on which tricks work best on camera.
2 – Confidence in your Costume: This for me has to be confidence oozing and complimentary to my shape and personality. I like to choose a costume I feel comfortable in and I always rehearse in it to make sure I can achieve all the moves I am planning to do in this costume.
3 – Add accessories: A simple costume with an interesting accessory in the right place can create a stunning picture. For example, a piece of material attached to your pole dance shorts as you spin around the pole or hang upside down. A scarf or a boa in your hand or attached to your wrists.
4 – Be bright, Don’t Fade away: Don’t fade away into the background. Find out what is the back drop at the photoshoot and what is the colour of the hoop/silks/sling also consider the floor. I recommend trying to choose costume and make up colours which will stand out not fade away.
5 – Should you wear leotards and leggings?: If you are doing an aerial silks or aerial hoop shoot then I always consider tight clothing as it will emphasise the lines of the pose. Leotards, unitards and funky leggings are great costumes for aerial Hoop/Silks. I love to wear a bold leotard and tights for a different look.
6 – How to get the airbrushed legs: For the airbrushed leg look I recommend invesingt in shiny look tights. This is best if your photoshoot is on the aerial hoop or silks. I highly recommend a pair of Danskins or Capezio professional dance tights. They last forever and support your legs beautifully. For a budget option M and S do a great range of gusset free shiny tights – the gusset free is important! Pole dancers, unfortunately for us tights are a not an option, as we know. Instead my tip is to shave, exfoliate and moisturize a couple of days before. Obviously do not moisturize on the day if you want to be super sticky, BUT a spray tan is your best friend if you are a pasty girl like me.
7 – What to do for make up and Hair: I love to co-ordinate a costume with false eyelashes, stick on diamantes, glitter spray for an extravagant shoot. I have also had a lovely photoshoot with some sexy smoky eyes, relaxed hair and a simple costume. I recommend choosing the theme of make up and hair that compliments and appeals to you and your personality. Remember extravagance is stunning, however sometimes less is more. If the photoshoot is to show your leg lines, poses and artistry, sparkle and glitter will work well but do not let it detract from the amazing moves and poses you have planned in your photoshoot.
8 – Point Your Toes: You knew this was coming! A pointed toe, a straight arm or leg gives a move a completely different look. It will look finished and create such a difference in the final image. I recommend practicing being aware of the aesthetics of the moves you have chosen to perform, videoing or getting pics of yourself in practice is how I do this. Full extension of a leg, arms toes and head and eye position will take a move from awkward to awesome. Apply time when you are practicing to take attention to detail and you will be so happy you did when you see the finished result. If that’s not enough reason to make this an essential, then consider that by extending and reaching, lengthening and pointing will give your body extra definition and tone.
9 – Themes: I have done some fantastic photoshoots which started with a theme rather than to capture my latest moves. The theme dictated my costume and most of the moves as I worked to recreate an image, personality or era on the equipment. Popular themes give a great overall look and are always great fun. Popular themes for aerial and pole are, Moulin Rouge, Pin Up, Showgirl, Fetish, Alternative, Rock, Heels, Cabaret and Burlesque.
10 – Practice your tricks: You will be asked to perform your chosen poses more than once to get the shot at it’s best angle. For aerial hoop and pole dance photoshoots I recommend practicing your chosen moves so you can dictate which way you will be facing (particularly important for inverted pole moves). Also practice holding your chosen moves for longer periods to increase your strength, you will be asked to hold your positions for up to 5 seconds to get the best possible shot and your pose at it’s best. So increase in strength for your chosen moves is recommended.
