5 Ways to Get Ready for Your Next Swimwear Shoot
If you're interested in being a swimwear model then you might be wondering how you can make the most of your photo shoots in this genre, so here are some quick tips that will help you look your best as you prepare for your next beach shoot! Check out these five ways to up your swimwear modeling game.
1. Skin Care
While getting as tan as possible might seem tempting, this is not necessary, nor is it the healthiest option for obtaining the healthy glow that you and your photographer are looking to achieve in your photos. If you have enough time before your shoot, you can achieve a natural tan gradually by laying out in 30 minute intervals if you don't already have a base tan. I do not recommend getting a sunburn before your shoot! Even my multiracial skin gets burnt if I'm out in the sun too long. You'll want to start by taking care of your skin from the inside out with a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, and exfoliating (especially the spots that tend to get get rough, dry, and create an uneven skin tone like your feet, elbows, and knees.) The rest can be done by using a quality self tanner like the one below or using a tanning booth. For a subtle reflective sheen, which works great as a natural highlighter on the body, I always like to bring along this spray (also shown in photo below). It's used for hair, but works great on skin, spreads evenly, and smells great too! Use these two things on the day of your shoot and you and your photographer will be sure to notice the difference!
Check out this video by swimwear model Eryn Krouse to see how she takes care of her body and skin to stay looking her best on camera!
2. Hair
NO matter your hair type, if you live in Florida, then you already know that humidity and wind is going to affect your style, so it's best to stick with the most natural hairstyles possible. If your hair is naturally curly or fine textured, then this is the case even more so. Pay attention to hairstyles worn by swimsuit models in magazines like Sports Illustrated or in Victoria's Secret catalogs. In most cases it is worn down, so that is how you should arrive to your shoot. If your photographer wants you to pull your hair back, he/she will bring that up during the shoot, but I don't recommend showing up to a swimwear shoot with your hair pulled back tightly. You want your hair to be able to move freely and have some volume. You can expect it to fall flat at some point during your shoot, but that is ok! There are always tricks to liven your hair back up while shooting. Oh, and if you do show up with your hair in a loose top bun, don't forget to take that hair tie off of your wrist before the shoot starts! You'll save your photographer a lot of editing time and get your photos quicker ;)
3. Nails
This is something that so many aspiring models tend to neglect before their shoot. If you can't squeeze in a mani-pedi at the salon, then make sure those tootsies and fingers are filed down and painted. You'll want to stay away from any bright colors, super dark colors, or extra long nails. The last thing you want is to distract from your beautiful swimsuit or that body you've been working so hard on...not to mention, agencies don't want to see this. My advice is to keep your nails neat with natural looking polish. Neutral colors and muted colors are always best! Again, pay attention to what the top swimwear models are doing and you'll be better off for it.
4. Makeup
Ready for your closeup? One of the best ways to make sure you're ready to be photographed up close is to prep your skin for the best makeup adhesion. If your skin is dry, then be sure to use an exfoliator after your skincare regimen, and hydrate from the inside out. That means drinking plenty of water and hydrating your skin topically with a moisturizer that is made for your skin type. After doing this on shoot-day, a good foundation primer is key, just as much as choosing the right foundation color. Primer will give your foundation a more flawless finish as it prevents the foundation from soaking into pores and fine lines in your skin. Check out this natural model makeup routine to practice at home. You may not use the exact same brands as the models in the video, but the overall concept in how you apply it is key.
5. Diet/Fitness
What we put in our bodies is an important part of how we look and feel. There are actually certain foods you should avoid, especially before a photo shoot. Eat plenty of veggies and fruits and very little carbs and meat, if any at all. If you are already a healthy eater, then I do not suggest trying out a new diet or anything. The rest comes with regular exercise and hydration. You don't have to be a marathon runner in order to look great in your swimwear, but focusing on your core and maintaining a healthy muscle tone are key. Part of being a successful model is looking your absolute best and taking care of yourself! I hope that these tips help you along your journey in becoming a professional swimwear model!
