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Nervous For The First Shoot? Here’s How To Deal

Career Advice /

When I started modeling from the age of fifteen, I was a nervous wreck – the worst possible kind.
I’d always be worried sick about my hair looking awful – even if looked great, and I’d mostly always let some subtle elusive detail keep me from attaining stunning photographs.

I’d stay up nights, thinking about all the worst possible outcomes that might happen on the day of shoot. I remember putting photographers through hell because I used to have such a tough time relaxing in front of the camera.

Top Model Cara Delevigne on a photoshoot

I still get nervous before every shoot, and I’ve already been modeling for quite a few years now.

So question is, does anyone have any remedy to beat the sickening first time shoot nervousness?

Yep, I do. And here’s how.

First thing first – Please don’t be afraid. You’ll see for yourself during the shoot that after a few minutes, it is all fun and there’s nothing to worry about. In fact its super awesome to be creative around a bunch of incredibly creative people. Don’t be worried, as you’ll soon forget about it all and get into the swing of things once the shoot starts.

Since its your first ever shoot, you’ll obviously have a lot of questions (you’ll be amazed at how discerning the brain gets at times like this) – which is great. Curiosity leads to learning – and that to great photographs.

You might have questions like: do the photographers like to say what they want and explain their vision or do they more just like to put you in an environment, give you something to work with, and see what happens? Well, this will vary from photographer to photographer. Some will be vague about it, others will give you a thorough instructions till the shots tick to perfection.

If you can’t deliver during the shoot, he/she SHOULD be able to guide you. And if you’re unsure of what you should do, what to bring, etc. you should go over that with the photographer.

kate-moss

Now, low and behold, some quick tips to kill the nerves are and help you prepare for your casting/modeling jobs:

When you feel like you are about to explode because of the nervousness, take a little jog. Or better yet, run. But don’t turn up all sweaty like you just ran a marathon. Nervous energy is build up of adrenaline – and the best way to help expel this energy is by running.

If you are unable to relax, ask the photographer to put on music you like. Then, try squeezing your hands right up into a fist, and release. Repeat this constantly for 10 or so times or tense each part of your body and release, working your way from your toes up to your head. However, if people are around and you don’t want to go making a spectacle of yourself, maybe it might just be best to attempt this with your toes, hidden in your shoes. That way, no one knows.

Breathe. Find a quiet spot and just breathe. Take slow big breathes in and slow breathes out. Think of something relaxing and try to keep your mind away from what you are about to do.

Sweating – some people become all hot and sweaty when nervous which can be embarrassing. If you tend to suffer from a case of the sweats wear something that will not promote how hot and sweaty you are. If you are modelling an outfit that is not yours ensure you have a cold drink of hand so that you can take some sips and maybe hold the drink up to your forehead.

Nerves remind us we are human. Remind yourself why you are there, why you want this, why they will want you, remember your posture and the hints to help you present yourself the best, then make sure you go and show them exactly who you are.

Here are some more great tips, from a model: