When you work really hard perfecting and achieving moves and combinations in classes, its motivating to capture your hard work at
Working hard to capture a move at its best.
a photoshoot. My collection of pictures from shoots over the years tell a story of my progression through the level of moves. Preparing for a photoshoot is similar to training for a performance, without the nerves of 100’s of people watching us. We want our moves to look their best, we want to look 100%. The more focused on the outcome and the final look of our shoot, the better these shots will look. So here are my 10 must have things to think about before a shoot, whether its my 1st or my 31st shoot, I always run a mental check of all these. I hope they help you prepare for your photoshoot and if you have any more you would like to add please feel free to comment.
1 – Poses – This is a great place to start. Which poses/tricks would you like to capture. You will be asked
Practice holding your poses for a long time to be able to get the angle which compliments the move and lines.
to hold your poses for a while to ensure they are captured at their best. So pick moves you are confident holding, or practice holding those you want to capture. Be realistic, don’t pick a hard move you can’t yet do if you shoot is next week. Research other photoshoots, some easy moves look amazing on film, some very tough ones don’t. We are posting another article soon on which tricks work best on camera so watch out for this one.
2 – Costume – This must be confidence oozing and complimentary to your shape and personality. Choose a costume you feel
Use of a cape and mask in a pole shoot to enhance the move
comfortable in and ask yourself, can you achieve all the moves you are planning to do in this costume?
3 – Material: A simple costume with an interesting accessory in the right place can create a stunning picture. For example a piece of material attached to your pole dance shorts as you spin around the pole or hang upside down. A scarf or a boa in your hand or attached to your wrists.
4 – Colours! Don’t fade away into the background. What is the back drop at the shoot and what is the
Black background and white hoop. The same set up as at our shoot in March
colour of the hoop? Make sure you choose costume and make up colours which will stand out not fade away. At our photoshoots on 1st March 2015 the back drop will be a black drape with white sparkle light stars on it. The hoop will be white and silks will be red and white. The poles will be 45mm and chrome on the same background. So don’t wear black!
5 – Leotards and leggings. If you are doing an aerial silks or aerial hoop shoot then tight clothing will emphasise the lines of the pose. Leotards and unitards and funky leggings are great costumes for aerial hoop and you can co-ordinate a simple vest top and leggings with a contrasting pair of socks. Also try a simple leotard or bodysuit
Airbrushed legs give your body an extra definition and shine
with stockings for a different look.
6 – Airbrushed legs. For the airbrushed leg look invest in shiny look tights if your shoot is on the aerial hoop or silks and if you can afford to invest I highly recommend a pair of Danskins or Capezio professional dance tights. They last forever and support your legs beautifully. If the investment is not there M and S do a great range of gusset free shiny tights. The gusset free is important. There is nothing nice about seeing the short section of the top of your tights peaking below your costume leotard!!! Pole dancers, unfortunately for us tights are a not an option, as we know. Instead my tip is to shave, exfoliate and moisturize a couple of days before. Do not moisturize on the day.
7 – Make up and Hair! – Co-ordinate your costume with false eyelashes, stick on diamantes, and glitter spray for an extravagant shoot. Or how about sexy smoky eyes, relaxed hair and a simple costume. Choose the theme which compliments and appeals to you and your personality the most. Remember extravagance is stunning, however sometimes less is more. The shoot is to show your leg lines, poses and artistry so sparkle and glitter will work gorgeosly but do not let it detract from the amazing moves and poses you have planned in your shoot.
8 – Point Your Toes!! You knew this was coming! A pointed toe, a straight arm or leg gives a move a completely different look. It
Pointy toes and straight extended arm and leg lines make this move look stunning
will look finished, be aware of the aesthetics of the moves you have chosen to perform. Full extension of a leg, arms toes and head and eye position will take a move from awkward to awesome. Apply time when you are practicing to take attention to detail and you will be so happy you did it when you see the finished result. If thats not enough reason to make this an essential, then consider that by extending and reaching, lengthening and pointing will give your body extra definition and tone.
9 – Themes – I have done some fantastic shoots which started with a theme rather than to capture my latest moves. The theme dictated my costume and most of the moves as I worked to recreate an image, personality or era on the equipment. Popular themes give a great overall look and are always great fun. Popular themes for aerial and pole are, Moulin Rouge, Pin Up, Showgirl, Fetish, Alternative, Rock, Heels, Cabaret and Burlesque.
10 – Practice your tricks: You will be asked to perform your chosen poses a number of times to get the
Think of arm, head and leg placement in all moves to capture the look that suits your overall shot.
shot at it’s best angle. For aerial hoop and pole dance shoots I recommend practicing your chosen moves so you can dictate which way you will be facing (particularly important for inverted pole moves). Also practice holding your chosen moves for longer periods to increase your strength, you will be asked to hold your positions for up to 5 seconds to get the best possible shot and your pose at it’s best so increase in strength for your chosen moves is recommended.
Blush is teaming up with Paul Crook Photography 1st March to bring some exciting photoshoots to Stockport Studio. in Pole Dance, Aerial Silks and Aerial Hoop. More Info And To Book your place click here
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