How to get ready for a Photoshoot on the French Riviera

Many of my clients are anxious before a photo shoot. The professional camera seems to be a merciless eye, and it feels as if the eyes of passers-by will only be on you…

Do you wonder what your hairstyle looks good? How do you pose? Where on the Riviera are the best shots?

These are natural anxieties that can easily be resolved with a few simple tips. The tips from this article are suitable for any kind of shoot: weddings, family gatherings, or just moody and atmospheric. I’ll tell you how to get the most out of a photo shoot, whatever the occasion.

Getting ready for a professional shoot: tips and ideas

Gather your references for inspiration

• Lights, angles, poses, locations, scripts – all of these ideas can be gleaned from other photo shoots, movies, and even paintings;
• Pinterest is a great site for compiling mood boards. Search for ideas by keyword (the algorithm will suggest dozens of variations under each image you like) and pin to the Pinterest board. You can upload photos from other Internet sources;
• be sure to share the references with the photographer well in advance!

Choose your wardrobe beforehand.

1. Dress according to the location and the weather, because even the warm Riviera doesn’t always offer heavenly conditions. To avoid getting soaked in the rain in a lightweight dress and breaking a heel on a rocky beach, consider comfortable options.
2. Stick to a minimalist approach to colour. Monochrome, neutral shades and combinations with white, simple patterns and no more than 3 colours in an image are options that will harmonise with any background. Accents are better placed with bright jewellery and accessories.
3. Break the rules! The Cote d’Azur is associated with flowing fabrics and elegant swimwear but who says no ripped jeans or grunge T-shirts?
4. Grab a couple of spare pieces. You don’t need a whole wardrobe – just a blouse or two that won’t wrinkle on the way.
5. Coordinate looks if you’re photographing with a loved one, family or friends. You don’t have to dress alike like a team of superheroes: it’s enough to look harmonious.

Focus on details.

The importance of accessories and details I mentioned above. They are often the catalyst for inspiration.

What could be the “It” detail? A bracelet and a bouquet of flowers, a perfume and a shawl, brightly printed socks and a brooch – anything that creates a special mood for you. It’s bound to come through in the photo.

Practice your poses

Put on your favourite music, stand in front of a full-length mirror and go for it! Try different angles and poses (there are plenty of tutorials on YouTube) and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

Of course, I’ll help you look your best during the photo shoot, but this rehearsal gives you confidence and inspiration.

Write down your best poses or take selfies so you don’t forget them.

Choose locations

The French Riviera boasts a wealth of stunning landscapes, vistas and architecture. To avoid getting lost in the variety, make a list of locations you’d like to take your picture in advance.

I organise photo shoots and photo tours virtually anywhere on the Côte d’Azur, be it Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Menton, Monaco or smaller towns. Every location has the potential for a unique story.

Coordinate your ideas with your photographer

I will always suggest the best option, be it an idea for a shot, a location or an image. I’ll help you put ideas into action and think through logistics, all based on experience.

The week before and the week before your shoot

Start your beauty marathon

• A session with a professional beautician is ideal. Although tried-and-true home rituals like your favourite alginate mask are welcome.
• Facial and body exfoliation/scrubbing removes dead skin cells, cleanses pores and evens skin tone. Don’t forget a moisturising lotion to finish;
• Waxing/depilation is best done in the next 24 hours before the shoot. The earlier the hair is removed, the greater the risk of irritation, red spots or ingrown or ingrown hairs;
• Update your manicure and pedicure 2 to 3 days in advance. During this time, the gel won’t have time to grow back and you’ll have time to correct an unexpected chip;
• A little tip: On the day of the photo shoot, use baby oil on your body. It gives you a beautiful glow without the greasy sheen.

Get your hair and makeup

You don’t have to craft a fancy look! On the contrary, the more familiar and natural it is, the better you’ll feel in front of the camera. Styling doesn’t have to be complicated and your hair colour or cut doesn’t have to be drastically new. A touch-up at the roots and a trim at the ends will suffice. If you want to try an original makeup look, test it out beforehand with a makeup artist.

Adjust your diet plan*.

1. Drink up to 2 litres of water a day: your face and lips will be radiant and supple, your makeup will lay perfectly without clogging wrinkles or highlighting flakiness.
   The exception is the day before the shoot. Don’t drink more than 1 litre of liquid in 24 hours to avoid swelling.
2. Eat foods with a low to medium fibre content (oat flakes, eggs, peeled potatoes, pumpkin, beetroot, carrots, buckwheat, etc.). On the one hand, fibre helps to emphasise muscle definition and on the other hand, it helps to eliminate excess fluids and toxins.

* With the prior approval of a specialist.

Get plenty of sleep.

Getting plenty of rest, including a good night’s sleep, is a barrier against dark circles, red eyes and a bad mood.

Tidy up your clothes

Dry-clean, wash, iron, steam, wrap – the standard, but important, list.

Get ready with a list.

This tip may seem trivial, but it will help you not to forget your chargers, accessories for the shoot, favorite lipstick or sunscreen at home or in your hotel room.

Things to avoid before a shoot

Alcohol and caffeine

Both retain water in the body causing swelling, puffiness, tightness and a dull complexion. Don’t forget that caffeine is not only found in coffee, but also in tea, cocoa and many carbonated drinks.

Tanning

Even sanscreen won’t guarantee an escape from sunburn, peeling or the marks from clothing that will be visible in the frame. The alternative is artificial sunscreens which can give your skin a golden hue. You’re better off applying these in a salon than on your own.

Strange grooming products

Even an innocent-looking cloth mask or face cream, which you haven’t used before, can cause an unpredictable skin reaction. Allergies, redness, comedones, dryness or excessive shine… To avoid getting it all on the eve of the shoot, postpone the experiments with new cosmetics for later.

Photoshoot with kids

Babies make great models. And to make sure they can perform to their full potential without any added stress, they need to be prepped for the photo shoot too:

1. On the day of the shoot, kids need to be well rested and fed. Otherwise, a bad mood is guaranteed – it’s not going to be photogenic.
2. What time of day is your baby most energetic and happy? Plan your shoot for that time of day. Most mornings, but not too early – 9 or 10 o’clock. There’s plenty of sunshine in the Côte d’Azur but the midday heat isn’t yet too much for children to tire themselves out.
3. Don’t forget your favourite toys, snacks and water. Familiar and comfortable things create the right mood.
4. If a child refuses to pose – don’t scold them. Even adult professionals do not always translate the idea of a hundred percent. As for children, the best photos are the ones where they behave naturally.

The main rules to get ready for a photo shoot

Everything mentioned above is important, of course. But the secret to a successful photo shoot is to trust the photographer and avoid fear.

A photo shoot isn’t an exam; it’s a celebration and an adventure. Relax and enjoy the luxury of the Côte d’Azur: nothing embellishes a shot better than a genuine emotion.