What to Bring to a Photoshoot

Besides a great smile, what else should you have on hand?

Your photoshoot is coming up soon -- how exciting!

You've planned this for weeks. What you will wear, how you will style your hair, what color nails you will ask the technician to give you -- all the details have been tended to. Now all you have to do is show up.

Right?

In essence, the most important things for you to bring to a photoshoot are yourself and your smile. If all else fails and you brought these two things, we can work with that.

But are there other items you can bring to make the shoot go smoother?

I'm glad you asked.

As with anything in life, you have to be prepared for the unexpected when you attend a photoshoot. Your photographer should have some of these items on hand. However, there might be some that they might not have thought of. Hopefully, this list will help!

1. Hairbrush or comb. Flyaways, cowlicks and ponytail bumps happen. The wind can whip your 'do around like a Tilt-a-Whirl. Keeping a brush or comb with you can help. Additionally, I would recommend bringing extra bobby pins and gel, hairspray or pomade to keep your hair in check on the big day.

   
   

2. Fashion Emergency Kit. You can find these just about anywhere. They are little tins that have things like fashion tape, a small sewing kit, a Tide pen, safety pins, lint rollers and the like. The universe is a trickster and it sometimes likes to pick the day of a photoshoot for the button of your favorite dress to fly off or a rogue branch to rip the sleeve of your button-down. This kit can help.

   
   

3. Props. If you are getting your senior photos done, do you have a cap or gown you can bring? What about your varsity jacket or cheerleader pom-poms? Does your three-year-old have that favorite bear that needs to be included in the photos? Are you honoring a family member that you want to bring a framed photo of to include in group shots? In the hustle and bustle of getting out the door, make sure that you don't forget these things on the kitchen counter.

   
   

4. Snacks and water. No matter the weather, a photoshoot is a workout! Make sure to stay hydrated with a water bottle. I would also recommend a snack or two, especially if you are photographing little ones. Just make sure that it is something that won't leave stains on your clothing or person. Leave the Cheetos home for this one!

   
   

5. Makeup. Touch-ups are sometimes needed or desired. Make sure that you pack up your foundation and eye makeup for any necessary corrections. Especially if you are wearing lipstick -- you will want to bring that little guy with you for the photoshoot.

   
   

6. Compact mirror. Your photographer should be primed in letting folks know if there is lipstick on their teeth or if you have a booger hanging out your nose. However, it can be handy to have your own little compact mirror to make sure that your face looks just as you want it to for photos.

   
   

7. Tissues. See above booger notation.

   
   

8. Extra clothes. I know, I know. You wanted all of you in white tees and blue jeans. But a white tee is a sneaky little jerk sometimes who calls for stains to affix themselves to their soft cotton exteriors. I recommend having a back-up shirt, pants, skirt or dress. One that you wouldn't mind exchanging into the mix of your vision. Just in case.

   
   

9. Toys for the Tots. As thrilling as the photoshoot will be for me, your kids might not share my enthusiasm. The boredom monster could show up and bring your kiddos to tears. So, make sure that they have a book or toy to keep them busy while we are between shots. Or an iPad. I won't judge you.

   
   

10. Tote bag. Or at least some receptacle to keep all of this stuff I'm telling you to bring so that your pockets remain bulge-free for photos.