WAIT... You do What Before a Photoshoot?
Captured by: Eve Gagne
Hey there, and welcome to The Glow Up Year! I'm Meg, an actress and a model, and your go-to guide for what it really takes to turn your big dreams into reality. After years in the entertainment industry—on camera, behind the scenes, and everywhere in between—I am fully embracing my glow-up era. This blog is your front-row seat to the journey as I hustle, learn, and level up in real time—from auditions and photo shoots to script breakdowns and behind-the-scenes chaos. We're diving into the highs, the lows, and everything in between. If you're ready to fuel your passions, take some bold steps, and see what it really takes to thrive in this industry, you're in the right place. So grab a coffee or tea, get comfy, and let's glow up together.
Prepping for a Booking
Hey, y'all! What's going on? I'm so excited to give you an update on the model workshop today. I went, y'all—I went! But before we get to it, I figured it might be helpful if I tell you how I actually prep for photoshoots and opportunities like this, and when I go on set. I thought that might be useful for you as you're glowing up this year, too. So before we get to the exciting update, let's talk about prepping for a photoshoot, an audition, or whatever it may be.
Step One: Research & Practice
I won’t go into too much detail here because I could dedicate a whole entry to this (and I probably will), but the first step is always research and practice. For this particular model workshop, the shoot was just for me—not for a company or brand—so there wasn’t much research required. But for paid gigs or branded content, I always research beforehand so I can show up prepared and represent the person or brand in the best possible light. More on that in a future entry.
Step Two: Skincare & Facial Prep
About four days before a shoot, I usually get a facial—especially for modeling gigs. For this shoot, I did it seven days ahead because my skin needed extra recovery time from extractions (my face gets really red). I go to St. Beauty Aesthetics in Lewiston, Maine—Michelle there takes great care of me. Facials aren’t just about skincare; there’s a self-worth element, too. It’s a little ritual that reminds me: I’m worth it. I’m ready. I deserve to feel good.
Beauty Saint Aesthetics (The only person I trust with my skincare)
Pro tip: groom your eyebrows! As someone who edits her own photos sometimes, I can tell you it’s SO annoying to retouch messy brows. A little prep goes a long way—for your confidence and your photographer’s sanity.
Step Three: Wardrobe Collaboration
This shoot was extra special because I got to collaborate with the artistic director, Evan Crothers. He helped me build a style guide from what I already had in my closet and offered tips on what to shop for.
Watching him tweak outfits—literally rolling a sleeve or changing the drape of a fabric—taught me so much about how little changes create a big impact in photos. So, wardrobe prep? Huge part of my process.
Evan Crothers (The artistic director/stylist of the model workshop)
Step Four: The Night-Before Checklist
The night before, I pack everything. Set bag, wardrobe, personal items—you name it. I don't want to be scrambling in the morning. My set bag includes: makeup, hair tools, a steamer, toothbrush, deodorant, and anything I might need in an "on-set emergency." Then there's my personal bag: planner, laptop, water bottle, chapstick, wallet, keys—the usual purse items, just supersized.
Also: food. I have a lot of dietary restrictions, so I bring my own meals everywhere. It may be boring, but it’s better than risking a reaction. I once had a reaction so bad it caused facial swelling—not the look you want on set. So yeah, food prep is self-care. At least for me.
Step Five: Travel Planning
I always check the drive time the night before and add 30 extra minutes. I don’t walk into a set 30 minutes early, but I like having that buffer. I’d rather wait in the car than feel rushed or flustered.
Step Six: Wardrobe & Undergarments
Don’t forget your wardrobe, shoes, and undergarments! I usually wear comfy travel clothes and change into nude-colored undergarments at the job. Feeling fresh and secure is key.
Step Seven: Sleep & Skincare
A good night’s sleep is non-negotiable. I want to wake up energized and ready to glow. In the morning, I shower, blow dry my hair (unless they ask for natural), and do a light lymphatic facial massage to de-puff.
Okay... the Model Workshop Recap!
Y’all. The model workshop? Incredible.
I showed up early, met the team (Anthony, Evan, and later Arturo for makeup), and started with wardrobe prep. The morning was all about information, and the afternoon was hands-on: three looks, round-robin style. First, we did digitals. Then, two lifestyle looks.
The info session was packed with gold. We even had a live model demo. Watching her pose and take direction gave me so much clarity on movement and confidence. Evan’s coaching was amazing—it was incredible to see how small tweaks completely changed her energy in front of the camera.
Then... they picked me to go first.
Honestly? I was READY. I had a total mindset shift this past year. I now believe that when I walk onto a job, everyone there wants me there and is rooting for me. That shift has changed everything.
So I went first. I was confident. I kept it simple. I moved like the model I had just watched, and I didn’t let fear win. I got amazing feedback from the team, and even had someone record the whole thing for social. Being able to re-watch the affirmations after the fact? Gold.
I rocked the denim-on-denim look. I crushed the second round. The energy was right. I felt proud, powerful, and in it. When I left, I knew the photos would be fire.
Fast forward a week—I get the gallery. And Y'ALL. It was so hard to choose just a few favorites, I had to ask my model coach to help narrow them down. I even paid for extra photos because I loved them that much.
These digitals are going to elevate my portfolio like crazy. And in the next entry, I’ll share exactly how I plan to use them in my submissions and across my platforms.
Final thoughts
If you ever have the chance to attend a model workshop with Anthony Grassetti—do it. This was one of the best investments I’ve made in myself and my career in a long time. Here’s his info:
Anthony Grassetti (My amazingly talented photographer)
Arturo Draper (My favorite makeup artist)
To recap: I gained new skills, new confidence, amazing connections, and a fire gallery of photos. I left feeling like a real professional model. And 2025? It's already shaping up to be one of my best years yet.
That’s a wrap on this entry of The Glow Up Year! If you enjoyed this share it with a fellow dreamer. And be sure to follow me on social for more behind-the-scenes updates and inspiration.
Your glow-up is always within reach. It just takes one bold step at a time.
Until next time, keep showing up and keep believing. Let’s make big dreams happen.
Liked this blog? I’ve got a full podcast episode just for you! Check it out below.
See you in the next post, chickipoo.
