What to pack for a photoshoot? Some ladies decide to bring everything they own; others are more focused on what they would like. Sadly some turn up finding they’ve forgotten items. The list as to what to bring will vary from person to person and also depend on whether you are arriving in female mode (you may be full-time transgender or fully out as a crossdresser) or drab and needing to dress fully on arrival. Some wish to appear as feminine and passable as possible; others much less so, so some items it won’t apply to everyone.
This list isn’t exhaustive but is intended as a useful checklist when packing. Let me know if you think I’ve left anything out.
1. Outfits
Bringing outfits is fairly obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many clients forget outfits or parts of them. So take time to check that you have all component parts of each outfit.
I generally recommend three main outfits for a two-hour photoshoot. For a three-hour photoshoot, you can consider four or possibly five outfits.
Outfits include dresses, blouses, skirts, trousers, tops, jackets and coats.
Useful hint: Some larger ladies choose loose-fitting clothing, which often leads to a lack of shape in a positive sense. Try to pick clothing that shows off your shape. A good photographer should be able to make you look fabulous regardless of your size.
Useful hint: Go for clothing that fits. Although you may want to fit into something a size or two smaller, this can lead to unsightly bulges.
Useful hint: If you can, try the outfits before packing them; this helps check that they still fit properly (since they were last worn) and are clean, ironed (if necessary) and undamaged. It will also help ensure that you pack all the different components of your chosen outfits.
2. Footwear
Boots and shoes make an outfit; heels give a feminine feel and change how you stand, giving a more female shape and posture. Don’t forget to match your chosen outfits with a matching pair of footwear.
Useful hint: Bring some flat shoes to the shoot, too; you may not wish to pose in them, but they’ll give your feet a much-needed rest in the breaks between photos.
3. Underwear and Shapewear
Some clients like boudoir shots and posing in beautiful lingerie. Whether you wish to pose in underwear or not, you’ll want to feel extra special for your photoshoot, so pack something that makes you feel ultra-special.
Also, pick underwear that helps create a female shape. Corsets are a wonderful example worn underneath clothing and sometimes on top as part of the outfit. Some clients opt for padding.
You may also want to hide any unsightly bulges, so consider using a gaff or knickers that hold you in place and avoid those unwanted bumps.
4. Hosiery
Stockings, hold-ups, and tights will be top of many cross-dressing and trans women’s lists. If you are wearing stockings, don’t forget the suspender belt(s) or clips to attach to other items, such as a basque or corset.
Useful hint: Pack spares! Tights and stockings get laddered easily - unless this is the hard-chick look you are going for, it’s always wise to have spare pairs to change if necessary.
Useful hint: Avoid wearing patterned hose if you have a patterned outfit; it can lead to clashes and overkill!
Useful hint: If you are unable to shave your legs, consider wearing a nude pair of tights underneath any stockings or hold-ups. A high-denier pair will help cover up the leg hairs.
5. Breast Forms
These are pretty essential if you wish to fill out a bra and have a female shape, although some clients prefer a more non-binary look. Breastplates are an alternative. Don’t forget any fixing you use, such as tape or glue (and anything you need to remove).
Useful hint: Editing software can remove the joins and colour differences between breast forms and breastplates. However, you may wish to consider your selection of clothing to cover up the lines and colour contrasts.
6. Wig(s)
Some clients are lucky to have their own naturally flowing hair. However, many choose to use a wig (or wigs) for the feminine look. There are many different styles, colours, and types of wig available, and some change their hair according to their outfit. Check that you have a suitable brush for your wig, too (you’ll probably want a nice, tidy look for photos rather than having stray hairs going across the face). A wig cap is advisable, too.
If you like to style your hair with hands, clips, and hairpieces, pack them, too.
Useful hint: Take the wig out of its storage and shape it in advance; it will make it much easier on the day to get a stunning look.
7. Accessories
Jewellery, scarfs, gloves, hats and sunglasses can add that extra magic touch to outfits; these can also easily be removed or swapped to give the same basic outfit a different look.
Useful hint: Many clients struggle with what to do with their hands; hand positioning can enhance a photo when placed correctly (for example, guiding the eye); conversely, it can also wreck an otherwise brilliant image. One easy solution is to hold something: handbags are great for this!
8. Makeup
If you aren’t having a makeover before the shoot, you’ll need to bring your makeup bag with all the items needed to apply the makeup. Pack a mirror, too, so you can check the makeup.
Useful hint: It’s probably not a bad idea to pack your makeup even if you have a makeup artist do a makeover, especially if they aren’t present during the shoot, as you’ll probably need to touch it up occasionally.
9. Makeup Remover
When it’s time to go, for some, it will sadly be the time to return to their ‘male’ mode at the end of the photoshoot session. You’ll, therefore, want to remove all traces of makeup, so bring a good set of wipes and nail varnish remover to the shoot.
Useful hint: Ask the photographer (or makeup artist if they are still present) to check you for any signs of makeup before you leave.
