Tips for Non-locals Coming to Shoot
For exclusive Behind the Scenes Content, Tips, Advice on lighting, filming, Q&As and direct contact with me, become a Patreon subscriber by clicking Here
This post is for future or considering clients who are visiting Los Angeles, possibly for the first time, to do a photo or video shoot with me. If you aren’t familiar with the area or where to start, no need to fear - your quick guide is here!
Where to stay
If possible, stay as close as possible to the studio location. If you are using public transportation or Uber, account for possible hiccups along the way by arriving extra Extra early. Most studios will allow you to wait outside (sometimes inside) until your slot begins. If your shoot is in downtown, check for road closures due to construction or events that may be happening on the day of your shoot.
The Studio
Do a studio rental at least 1 day before your shoot if possible, to learn the space you’ll be shooting at. Floors vary, and especially if you will be dancing on it, you’ll want to know what to expect and if it will affect parts of your routine or movement. If you have questions about the apparatus or poles at the studio, please feel free to ask. Most studios I shoot at offer cleaning alchohol, towels to wipe down the apparatus, yoga mats, blocks, and have a bathroom and AC. Check with me to ensure I sent you arrival instructions - oftentimes studios have key codes for entry, but I typically send this out shortly after you book your appointment, or the week before.
Flying Considerations
If you are doing a carry on, remember TSA guidelines before packing your grip (Anything grip liquid like Dry Hands or cornhuskers lotion can get removed from carry-on by airlines if it exceeds a 4 oz bottle. If it’s greater than 4 oz., put it in your checked luggage.
Backups…Essential!
Whatever you are bringing, have backups for...nails, hair pieces, outfits (especially outfits). You never know what will happen - stains, broken nails, wardrobe malfunctions…I’ve seen it all.
MAKEUP, TANNING, HAIR, NAILS & OUTFIT
Understand, when you cut into our shooting time because of touch-ups, it means I must try to get the same amount of filming done in less time, and this may result in a less-than-amazing video, which neither of us wants.
Makeup
Please, Please, Please do this beforehand. Every minute of time you spend on makeup (or the other things) takes away from an already short hour of shooting. Taking 5 minutes upon arrival to do touchups is totally fine, but more than 10 is too much and will affect your shoot.
If you are hiring someone for hair/makeup, please ensure that you have PLENTY of time (at least an hour) before your shoot, unless the hair/makeup artist is onsite. If you want them to do your hair/makeup in the minutes leading up to the shoot so it is fresh, please arrange to book the space before our filming time slot. This means you should know at least a week ahead if you are going to book the space for the hour before our shoot.
Local MUA who have worked with Pole Dancers:
Qiana Chase / @q_paints
Esmeralda / @esmerelduhhhlooks
Fabiola Rodrigues / @_fabiolarodriguez
Nails
If you are getting fake nails, understand that if one breaks, and you don’t have a backup, that I cannot photoshop/fix that nail in post production. I don’t recommend fake nails for this reason, unless you are regularly used to practicing in them and can ensure this won’t happen.
Story time: One client planned to do a heels routine, and on her way to the shoot, an accident happened that resulted in a small injury of her leg, which made it so she could not wear her heels. She requested to shoot anyways, and her only regret was not having her toe nails painted!* - So it’s also good to have them painted in case something unexpected happens!
Tanning
Please make sure if you are using a lotion that you test it weeks before to make sure it works well for you and you can confidently apply it. If you are doing ANY alterations to your skin or appearance, proceed on the side of caution. I would hate to have to scratch the whole video because of poor tanner application (or sunburn!). I also do not recommend body contouring for video shoots.
Accessories
Some choose to accessorize with headpieces, props, and body jewelry. This is also great, but ONLY if you test it beforehand. No one wants to see a crown being thrown across the room in the midst of a beautiful invert!
Other Tips:
*Bring a friend or someone to help. This person can remember the things you don’t have time to remember, they can carry your stuff, make sure you’re on time, provide moral support, and even film some behind the scenes for you. Having help is never a bad idea.
*Bring snacks, warm clothes, and comfy shoes for before/after your shoot. Bring a phone charger.
*DO NOT book a private lesson or workout before or after your shoot. You will regret it! Video shoots are extremely tiring. So even if you came to LA for a big convention with celebrity instructors you plan to learn from in a workshop, schedule the shoot for its own day. Either the shoot or the workshop will be compromised if you choose to do both in the same day. Don’t waste your money!
*If you need recommendations for places to stay I can’t help you, but if you need recommendations for local food spots, I got you! Simply ask.
*If you find yourself running late, let me know immediately.
*Send me screenshots of what you plan to wear in advance. Especially if you are not sure which to choose.