A successful profile shoot starts with preparation. The 20-item checklist below helps you nail the shoot on the first try — saving time, avoiding reshoots, and getting a photo set you love after just one session.
The checklist is divided into 3 phases: 1 week before, the night before, and shoot day.
Phase 1 — 1 week before (7 items)
1. Book and confirm
Book at least 3-5 days in advance. Reconfirm one day before via Zalo or phone. Note clearly: package, concept, and start time.
2. Plan the concept with the photographer
Talk with the studio beforehand about the desired concept:
- Purpose of the photos (LinkedIn, website, pitch deck, press)
- Preferred style (formal, lifestyle, cinematic)
- 2-3 sample photos you like as reference
3. Choose and buy wardrobe
If you need to buy new clothes, buy them 5-7 days in advance to:
- Have time to try on, iron, gently wash
- Remove the chemical scent from the store
- Let the garment “settle” naturally
4. Skincare
Start washing your face thoroughly and apply hydrating masks 2-3 times a week. Don’t try new cosmetics this week — avoid surprise allergies.
5. Haircut (if needed)
Cut hair 3-5 days in advance so it can “settle” naturally. Don’t cut it too freshly — newly cut hair often looks stiff.
6. Drink plenty of water
Drink at least 2 liters of water per day during the shoot week. Hydrated skin will look firm and smooth, and your eyes won’t have dark circles.
7. Light exercise
Yoga or a 30-minute walk per day boosts circulation and gives you a healthy glow. Don’t do heavy weight training on the day of the shoot — muscles swell.
Phase 2 — The night before (7 items)
8. Sleep early
Sleep 7-8 hours. Avoid staying up scrolling on your phone — blue light tires your eyes.
9. Skip salty food
Avoid instant noodles, canned food, and snacks. Salt retains water and causes facial puffiness.
10. No alcohol
Alcohol dehydrates, reddens eyes, and dries skin. The night before the shoot is a “detox” night.
11. Apply a hydrating mask
Apply a cool, hydrating mask for 15 minutes. Don’t use masks with strong AHA/BHA — they may redden your skin the next morning.
12. Iron your clothes
Iron everything you’ll wear. Hang it neatly so it won’t wrinkle.
13. Pack your bag
- Main outfit (1 set, or 2-3 sets depending on the package)
- Matching shoes
- Accessories (tie, watch, earrings)
- Personal cosmetics (if allergic to studio products)
- Light snacks (banana, nuts) in case of hunger
- Water bottle
14. Plan the trip to the studio
- Check the route
- Allow 30 extra minutes for traffic during rush hour
- Wear comfortable clothes for the trip — change at the studio
Phase 3 — Shoot day (6 items)
15. Wash face + moisturize
Don’t apply makeup before arrival (unless you’re traveling far). The makeup artist will start fresh.
16. Eat a proper breakfast
- Recommended: bread, banana, eggs, yogurt, fruit juice
- Avoid: 2-3 cups of coffee, spicy food, fried food
17. Arrive 15 minutes early
Arrive 15 minutes early to:
- Rest and calm down after the commute
- Change clothes in the dressing room
- Discuss the concept again with the photographer
18. Relax your body
Lightly stretch neck, shoulders, and arms. Take 5-10 deep breaths to reduce stress. Listen to your favorite music through headphones.
19. During the shoot
- Look at the lens with a natural expression
- Recall happy memories for a genuine smile
- Adjust according to the photographer’s direction
- Don’t hesitate to change poses many times
- Drink water between shots
20. After the shoot
- Review photos at the studio right away to make selections
- Ask clearly about the retouch delivery timeline
- Take temporary digital files (if available)
- Save the studio’s Zalo number for future contact
What NOT to do
- Don’t try new skincare products during shoot week — risk of irritation
- Don’t pop pimples 3 days before the shoot — skin will be red and flaky
- Don’t get intense spa steam treatments the day before — skin stays red longer
- Don’t get an overly elaborate hairstyle on shoot day — “stiff” hair looks unnatural
- Don’t wear oversized earrings — they distract from the face
- Don’t wear strong perfume — especially when shooting with others
Gạo Nâu Profile — Automated checklist via Zalo
After booking, Gạo Nâu Profile sends an automated checklist via Zalo with 20 preparation items tailored to your package. Additionally:
- Schedule reminders 1 day before and 2 hours before the shoot
- Wardrobe consultation by photo — send pictures of your clothes via Zalo for review beforehand
- Free light makeup for Premium and Iconic packages
- In-studio wardrobe available for clients to borrow
Contact (+84) 775 243 530 to book and receive detailed consultation.