📸 The Ultimate Pinup Photo Shoot Checklist: Prep Like a Pro, Pose Like a Queen
- Kimmi Lynn
- 37 minutes ago
- 3 min read
By Kimmi Lynn
Gem City Pin Up Photography
Updated: 2025
So you booked your shoot (or you’re this close to it) and now you're spiraling—
“What do I bring? What do I wear? Do I need to sacrifice a lipstick to the beauty gods??”
Girl, breathe. We've got you. Whether you’re new to the pinup world or just need a refresher, this checklist is your ride-or-die for getting ready like a pro and feeling like a snack on shoot day.
👗 What to Pack in Your Bag (a.k.a. Your Glam Survival Kit)
1. Wardrobe Goals
Try everything on ahead of time. Make sure it fits, flatters, and makes you wanna blow kisses in the mirror.Wrinkle-free is the vibe. And if you’re borrowing from our studio closet (yesss queen), let us know ahead of time so we can set the goodies aside.
2. Underthings That Bring the Bling
Whether you’re rockin’ full lingerie or just a supportive bra under your look, make sure it fits right and doesn’t leave weird lines or peek out where it shouldn’t.Sexy is a mindset—and it starts with undies that don't betray you.
3. Shoes That Slay
If you’ve had those retro stilettos chillin’ in your cart since last year… GET THEM.Shoes are the exclamation point on your outfit. Bonus points if they make you say “who is she?” when you put them on.
4. Accessories, Baby
Hair flowers, bangles, petticoats, props—these are the sparkle on your sundae.Think extra, then go just a little more.
💄 The Glow-Up Guide: How to Prep Your Body + Beauty Game
🚿 Start with Self-Care
Leading up to your session, hydrate like you're training for a glow-up marathon. Moisturize, exfoliate, and treat yourself to a mani-pedi if that’s your thing.WARNING: No spray tans or tanning beds within a week of your shoot! Trust me, I’ve been the streaky-orange cautionary tale.
💋 Option 1: Studio Styling by Our Glam Squad
Booked the MUAH add-on? Yassss.
Here’s how to prep:
Take a relaxing bath or shower the night before.
Do NOT wash your hair the day of. Day-old hair = volume magic.
Arrive with a clean, makeup-free face. Light moisturizer is fine.
Wear loose clothes or a robe to avoid those dreaded tight-clothing marks (no one wants jean seams on their thighs in pics).
Our glam team? Top-tier. They come equipped with high-quality products, clean tools, and plenty of laughs. You’ll look bomb and feel even better.Note: Styling must be booked ahead of time, because our stylists are salon pros with packed schedules!
💄 Option 2: Arriving Hair & Makeup Ready
DIYing your glam? You got this. But don’t wing it.
Start practicing your desired hair and makeup look well in advance. What takes 20 mins on a random Tuesday takes an hour on shoot day—because your eyeliner will betray you under pressure.
✨ Pro tip: Arrive camera-ready. We’ll allow time to throw on lipstick once you’re dressed, but anything else eats into your shoot time. Need last-minute help from us? We may be able to jump in, but a small touch-up fee could apply.
📬 Need More Tips?
Check out our other blogs for deep dives into prep, posing, and feeling fierce.Got a specific Q? Head to our Q&A Page or just shoot us a message. We love to help—especially when it ends in glitter and giggles.
Still haven’t booked? Girl, what are you waiting for? The transformation, the confidence boost, the “holy crap that’s ME!” moment—it’s all waiting for you at Gem City Pin Up.
👠 Let’s do this.💌 Book Now
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