My Top Tips for a fabulous photoshoot
From Photoshoot Fumbles to Flawless: What I’ve Learned on the Journey
Hey pole friends! I just wrapped up a weekend full of photoshoots, and all those tips I’ve picked up over time are fresh in my mind. Let's dive in—so you can make your next shoot absolutely shine.
Flashback: My First Photoshoot (September 2017)
Picture this: I had my outfit planned to perfection, hair freshly dyed and curled, and all my poses prepped. The excitement was through the roof. But what came back? A total letdown. The studio hired an up-and-coming photographer who'd never
done sports or movement photography. The results? Shots missing my feet, and worst of all—nowhere near in focus. It was my first shoot ever, so I never even questioned the lack of studio gear, lighting setups, or proper background.
This shoot was for aerial but the story is real. I've even included some of the photos here. I wont publicly shame the photographer by tagging them.
Lesson learned: expect more—but prepare even more!
1. Do Your Research!
Studios usually post the photographer’s handle—find them on Instagram. Don’t just look at their feed—check out the tagged photos, too. You’ll get a real sense of their style, plus instant pose inspiration from their past shoots at other studios.
2. Build a Pose Library
Save your favourite poses in a dedicated camera-roll folder—don't let them get scattered across your phone. Practice these in lessons or open training, and film or photograph yourself. That way, you’ll know which angles you want captured and you can show your instructor on the shoot day for precision perfection.
Bonus tip: flow poses—like jumping from Butterfly into Extended Butterfly—give you tons of images from just one starting point. And don’t underestimate simple poses—they often look stunning from the right angle.
Image notes; simple poses from 2 different shoots- Outdoor shoot @eddyhighton Neon shoot @davidjharrisonphotography
3. Outfit Checks Make a Difference
Ooh, the outfit excitement! If your shoot is shared or allows outfit changes, test each look ahead of time. Some polewear might look fab in motion but not from certain angles. Planning a split or extended shape? Double-check the coverage—no one wants a post banned for accidental exposure!
(My go-to for splits? The Addison bodysuit. Flattering and secure.)
Jade wears the Addison bodysuit in this stunning image from @Lightstories_uk
4. Add Movement with Hair Flips
Have long hair? Add a hair flip or two—they bring awesome energy and movement to “still” images. No long locks anymore? No worries—I rely on clip-in ponytails or buns to avoid that “sprout-of-hair” situation.
There's a great selection available from Stranded Hair, they also offer a colour matching service which is really helpful.
5. Get Your Grip Game On
Photo shoots mean holding poses—sometimes longer than usual. If your hands are dry or you need extra traction, use grip!
I swear by Sticky Molly (liquid rosin). It keeps me stuck to that pole, no slipping allowed.
6. Toes Pointed, Lines Refined
When you're mid-pose, it's tough to think about every detail—pointed toes, straight legs, relaxed jaw, expression, everything. Bring a bestie or support squad who’s not shy about tweaking your angles. Those small adjustments make BIG differences.
7. Avoid Pose Envy
It's so easy to spot someone else’s killer shape and think, “Why didn’t I do that?” But hey—your own images are just as amazing. Save the inspiration for next time. Celebrate your unique artistry—each shot is a win.
In short? Prep smart, test outfits, gather poses, use grip, bring movement, refine your lines—and don’t compare—just shine.
Ready to feel confident, creative, and camera-ready? You’ve got this—and your page is going to glow.