Model Photoshoot Checklist: Essential Items Every Model Needs

Walking into a model photoshoot unprepared is like showing up to a job interview in pajamas. You might be talented. You might be gorgeous. But if you’re missing the basics, you’re already behind. This isn’t about vanity. It’s about professionalism. Every top model I’ve worked with - from London catwalks to Berlin editorial shoots - swears by one thing: a solid checklist. Not just for clothes. For everything. Because when the lights come up, the clock is ticking, and the photographer is ready, you don’t have time to realize you forgot lip balm.

What to Pack: The Non-Negotiables

Start with your body. That means skin, hair, and nails. A clean face isn’t enough. You need to hydrate. Drink water the day before and keep sipping. Dry skin shows up on camera like a bad filter. Bring a small bottle of hydrating mist - not perfume spray. The kind with hyaluronic acid. Spray it on right before the shoot. It catches the light and makes skin look fresh, not oily.

Nails matter. No chipped polish. No bitten cuticles. Bring a travel-sized nail file, clear topcoat, and a tiny bottle of cuticle oil. If you’re doing a fashion shoot, keep nails natural or match the theme. For beauty shots, a neutral nude or soft pink works every time. Avoid glitter. Always.

Hair is your second face. Bring clips, bobby pins, and a small brush. Even if you’re not styling it yourself, you’ll need to fix flyaways. A mini hairspray in a travel bottle helps. No big cans. They leak. And never rely on the studio to have it. I’ve seen models panic because the stylist ran out. Bring your own.

Clothing: More Than Just the Outfits

You think you just need the clothes they sent you? Wrong. You need backups. Always. A pair of seamless underwear in your skin tone. No lace. No tags. A seamless bra if you’re wearing a fitted top. Bring two pairs. One for each outfit. Even if the agency says they’ll provide it. They won’t.

Shoes? Bring the ones you’ll wear. But also bring a second pair - even if it’s just flip-flops. Your feet will swell. You’ll be standing for hours. And if you’re on concrete, you’ll thank yourself. A small foam pad or gel insole fits in your bag. No one sees it. But you’ll feel it.

Don’t forget garment bags. Not plastic. Not the flimsy ones from the dry cleaner. Use a sturdy, breathable garment bag. Hang your outfits inside. Wrinkles ruin shots. And if you’re doing multiple looks, label each bag with the outfit number or name. The stylist will thank you.

Beauty and Grooming: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference

Here’s what you actually need in your beauty kit:

• Blotting papers - not powder. Powder cakes on camera.
• Clear lip gloss - not lipstick. It reflects light better and looks more natural under studio lights.
• Antiperspirant stick - not spray. You don’t want white marks on your clothes.
• Deodorant wipes - for quick refreshes between outfits.
• Mini toothbrush and toothpaste - because you’ll eat something before the shoot and forget.
• Concealer - one shade lighter than your skin tone. For dark circles. Not for blemishes. That’s the makeup artist’s job.
• Q-tips - for fixing makeup mistakes. Don’t use your fingers.

And here’s what you leave at home: perfume. Heavy scents mess with lighting. And they don’t photograph well. You don’t need to smell like a garden. You need to smell neutral. Clean. Like you just stepped out of a shower.

Comfort and Mental Prep

Photoshoots are long. Eight hours isn’t rare. You’ll be standing, sitting, twisting, holding poses. Bring snacks. Not candy. Not chips. Protein bars. Nuts. Dried fruit. Something that won’t make you crash. And water. Always water.

Bring a hoodie. Not your favorite one. A plain, dark one. It’s your armor. When you’re between outfits, you’ll want to stay warm. Cold muscles show tension. Tension shows in your face. A hoodie keeps you relaxed.

And your phone? Put it on silent. No scrolling. No texting. Use that time to breathe. Close your eyes. Visualize the shoot. Think about the mood. The lighting. The emotion the photographer wants. This isn’t just about looking good. It’s about becoming the character the shoot is asking for.

Documents and Paperwork

You’d be surprised how often this gets missed. Bring your ID. Even if you’ve done this agency before. They need to confirm you’re the person on file. Bring your model release form if you’re doing commercial work. And a copy of your portfolio - even if it’s digital. Have it on your phone, but also print a few pages. Sometimes the art director wants to flip through something physical.

Don’t forget your contact info. Write it on a small card. Name, agency, phone, email. If you’re working with a new team, someone might need to reach you later. Leave it with the assistant. They’ll thank you.

What to Avoid

Here’s what never belongs in your bag:

• Makeup you haven’t tested. New foundation? Don’t risk it. You could break out.
• Extra jewelry. Unless it’s part of the shoot. Too much distracts.
• Wet wipes. They leave residue. Use alcohol-free makeup remover pads instead.
• Large bags. You’ll be carrying it all. Keep it compact. A small tote or backpack is enough.
• Overthinking. You’re not here to be perfect. You’re here to be present.

I once saw a model show up with five pairs of heels, three different lipsticks, and a full makeup kit. She spent an hour getting ready. The shoot lasted 20 minutes. She missed the best shot because she was fussing over her eyeliner. The photographer told her, "You looked like you were trying too hard. Just be you." And that’s the truth.

Final Checklist: Print It. Use It.

Here’s your quick reference. Print this. Stick it in your bag.

• Hydrating mist
• Blotting papers
• Clear lip gloss
• Mini toothbrush and toothpaste
• Seamless underwear (2 pairs)
• Seamless bra (if needed)
• Small hairbrush and bobby pins
• Travel hairspray
• Antiperspirant stick
• Deodorant wipes
• Q-tips
• Protein bar or nuts
• Water bottle
• Hoodie
• ID and model release form
• Printed portfolio pages
• Contact card
• Garment bag for outfits
• Flip-flops or comfy shoes

That’s it. No more. No less. You’re not a moving wardrobe. You’re a professional. And professionals show up ready.