How to Prepare for Your Pole Photoshoot
So, you’ve booked yourself in for a pole photoshoot (or you’re thinking about it) – yay! Whether it’s a group shoot at your local studio, something a bit more out there like an outdoor pole shoot, or a private session just for you, there are a few simple things you can do to help your shoot run smoothly and make sure you walk away with photos you love.
Here’s a handy little guide to help you feel prepared, confident, and ready to slay ✨
1. Book Yourself In -
First things first, get your spot locked in. Whether I’m hosting a shoot at a studio, taking bookings for outdoor locations, or doing one-on-one sessions, photoshoot days fill up fast. Keep an eye out on my socials for upcoming events, or reach out if you’d like to organize something private.
2. Plan (and Practice) Your Poses - Start thinking about what poses you want to capture. Choose a few that showcase your strengths, but also pick two or three simpler, reliable ones you can fall back on if things aren’t working on the day. Even seasoned polers can surprise themselves with how different their body feels during a shoot – adrenaline, nerves, lighting, and timing all play a role!
Bring a saved gallery or a list of your poses with you – it’s easy to forget once you’re in the moment.
3. Choose a Style That Feels You -
Think about the vibe you want for your shoot. Do you want it to feel gritty and strong? Ethereal and soft? Classic sexy pole? Your outfit can help tell that story.
The best thing you can wear is whatever makes you feel confident – whether that’s a full glam costume with all the sparkles, or your favourite oversized hoodie and socks (yes, cozy pole shoots are absolutely a thing!).
Makeup is totally optional. If you don’t usually wear it, don’t feel pressured to start now. That said, if you’re going minimal, a little mascara can go a long way to help your eyes pop in photos. If you generally wear glasses and feel most like yourself in them, absolutely feel free to keep them on - it’s all about how YOU like to see yourself!
And a quick but important PSA: plan your underwear. Bright colours or high-rise undies can sneak into shots and distract from your look. Going without anything on underneath is totally fine (and super common in pole shoots) – just secure things in place with dancer’s glue or Hollywood tape so everything stays put where you want it.
4. Nourish and Hydrate -
The day before and day of your shoot, try to eat nourishing food that gives you lasting energy. A good balance of protein, carbs, and hydration will help keep your body feeling strong and your brain focused.
If you’re the type who gets nervous, you might want to go easy on caffeine – it can give you sweaty hands which is not a vibe when you're trying to grip a pole!
5. Body Hair? Totally Your Call - There’s no “should” here. If you like to remove body hair, go for it. If you don’t, that’s completely fine too. Just keep in mind that studio lights or sunlight can sometimes highlight things in ways you wouldn’t expect, so it’s worth thinking about whether that’s something that might bother you in your final images.
6. To Tan or Not to Tan? -
This one really comes down to personal preference. If you're super fair-skinned (hello, fellow moonbeams ✨), you might’ve noticed that in bright lighting, your skin can be a little… reflective. It's not a problem at all – I’ve worked with all skin tones and can adjust lighting and editing accordingly, but sometimes it can create little hotspots or make certain areas of your body appear brighter than intended.
If that’s something you’d rather avoid, a light coat of fake tan can work wonders. It helps add some natural-looking depth and dimension to your skin, and as a bonus, it can really help define your muscles in photos. Totally optional, but worth considering if you’re after a bit more visual oomph in your final shots.
7. Final Outfit Touches - Before your shoot starts, give your outfit a once-over. Take stickers off the soles of your shoes (yep, those sneaky stickers love to show up in photos), and check for tags that might stick out or move around. If you can, trim or tape them down. It’s also a good idea to have a backup outfit with you, juuuuuuust in case.
8. Bring a Support Human (If You Need One) -
Feeling a bit anxious? You’re not alone. Pole shoots can be super exciting, but also a little nerve-wracking – especially if it’s your first time.
Most photographers (myself included) are totally happy for you to bring along a friend for moral support. Just give a heads up so we know who to expect 💖
That’s it! Just remember: pole photoshoots are meant to celebrate you. Come as you are, bring your magic, and let’s make some art together. If you’ve got questions or you’re not quite sure what to expect, feel free to reach out – I’m always happy to chat.