Before
your shoot

Mostly pictures. Scroll it once so the directions look familiar when you hear them.

What to wear

Three looks

One that's unmistakably you, one a step up, one with texture or colour. On hangers, steamed the night before.

Everyday look — Look one Everyday you

Elevated look — Look two A step up

Texture or colour look — Look three Texture or colour

Colours that photograph well

Cream

Camel

Rust

Olive

Denim

Wine

Charcoal

Muted and solid beats bright and busy — neons bounce colour straight onto your face.

Works well

Texture: denim, knit, leather, linen
Fitted, but not tight
Layers — a jacket on and off is two looks

Causes problems

Fine checks and thin stripes — they shimmer on camera
Large logos, and brand-new shoes
A hair tie on your wrist — it lands in every frame

Posing

Twelve that always work

Nothing to memorise. Just so they're not new when I say them.

Weight on the back foot — Back footWeight back, front knee soft.

Hands in pockets — PocketsHalfway in, thumbs out.

Leaning on a wall — Wall leanShoulder to it, hips out.

Arms folded loosely, body angled — Crossed armsLoose and high, body angled.

Walking toward the camera — Walk to meNormal pace, eyes up.

Hands on hips with elbows wide — Hands on hipsElbows wide, lean in a little.

Hand pushed into the hair — Hand to hairPush it back, elbow open.

Seated with a hand resting against the jaw — Hand to the jawFingertips light, wrist soft.

Seated leaning forward — Seated leanElbows on knees, lean in.

Seated on a ledge — On the stepsOne leg long, one bent.

Both arms raised, hands in the hair — Arms upBoth hands in, elbows wide.

Looking away from the camera — Look awayEyes off-camera, hold it.