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Many seem to be under the impression that modern glamour shots have to be done in a pricey studio with high-end equipment and using a thousand-dollar camera. Of course, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Like any other form of photography, modern glamour photography is an art form, which means that all you have to do is be creative and resourceful to pull off the perfect shots.

For those who are not familiar with modern glamour photography, it’s basically a type of photography that highlights beauty and charm</a>. Unlike fashion photography where the focus is on the clothes, shoes, and accessories, glamour photography highlights the beauty of the person in the photograph. It’s ideal for people who are into makeup and hairstyling, as it’s a good way to showcase your skills.

If you’re just starting out, you might not have the resources yet to rent a studio nor procure expensive equipment, so here are some tips that can help you prepare for a successful glamour shoot at home.

The hairdo

Transformation is at the heart of contemporary glamour photography. Your model should change outfits and looks, including their hairstyle, depending on the theme of your shoot. If you’re going for an extravagant concept, then it might be worth hiring a hairstylist to work on a fancy hairstyle for the model. On the flip side, if you’re leaning towards a more muted shoot, then having the subject’s locks either up or down should work.

The makeup

The whole point of modern glamour photography is putting an emphasis on the subject’s beauty – so makeup is key. Ideally, you would want the look to highlight their redeeming features and conceal their flaws. If you’re not too adept at applying makeup, you can always hire an expert makeup artist to do the work on your behalf. Just remember that as long as the look matches the overall vibe you’re going for then it should be good to go.

The clothes

Glamour photography is not fashion photography, so clothes are not as important in perfecting your desired shot. In fact, it would be better if you just ask the model to wear a solid-colored outfit. Big prints, loud patterns, and other similar designs are a big no-no as they can ruin the overall effect of the photos. Another tip would be to make sure that the outfit fits the model to a tee. You wouldn’t want the clothes to appear too loose or too tight. If you can’t adjust baggy outfits, you can always use safety pins or clothespins.

The posing
Since the beauty of the subject is the emphasis of modern glamour photography, posing is crucial. Employing proper posing will help draw the eye</a> to the beauty and away from the flaws. You should pay attention to the placement of their hands, shoulders, and the chin as they work together to create a pose that highlights the subject’s beauty. If you want to highlight their curves, arching their back is recommended. The model will also need to match the pose with a genuine expression to suit the overall feel of the shot.

The equipment

There’s no one forcing you to shell out thousands of dollars on expensive equipment. You can make do with your trusty smartphone and makeshift materials you have lying around at home, as long as you follow best practices in photography. However, if you want to take things up a notch and take high-quality modern glamour photos, you will eventually need to invest in the proper equipment. From the proper backdrops to the appropriate lighting equipment and reflectors, the correct equipment can help take your photos to the next level by adding drama or setting the mood for your shots.

Having these key elements on your glamour shoot can help it be a success. As long as you have the proper equipment, appropriate poses for your model, and apt hair and makeup, then you can meet the goal of your shoot. For more DIY tips and tricks check out our DIY section.