From Nail Technician to NailPro Magazine Cover Star: My Journey to the Perfect Photoshoot

Hey my friends! I’m so excited to share my journey with you. Recently, I was invited to be on the cover of Nail Pro magazine. check out issue: Jan/Feb. 2025 HERE

It’s a huge milestone in my career as a nail technician, and I thought it would be great to walk you through the steps I took to find a local photographer, how I prepared for the shoot, and some tips for a fantastic photoshoot experience.

Finding the Perfect Photographer

1. When I received the invitation, I knew the first step was to find a local photographer who could capture my unique style and personality. I started by asking for recommendations from my network of fellow beauty professionals and clients. Word of mouth is powerful, and I quickly gathered a list of potential photographers.

2. Next, I checked out some Instagram portfolios online. This was crucial because I wanted to ensure their photography style matched my vision. I looked for photographers who had experience with beauty and fashion shoots, as these would best highlight my nail art.

3. After narrowing down my list, I reached out to a few photographers to discuss my project. Communication was key here – I explained my vision, the magazine's requirements, and asked about their availability and rates. After a few conversations, I found the perfect match!

Preparing for the Photoshoot

Preparation is everything when it comes to a successful photoshoot. Here are the steps I took to get ready:

1. I talked with Nail Pro magazine and their theme was Cozy Winter.

2. Then, based on that theme, I planned my nail design that I wanted to showcase. Because I am known for marble nails, I chose a design that was unique and colors that spoke to the theme.

3. Then, the hardest part, coordinating my outfits and accessories to complement the nail art.

4. The night before the shoot, I made sure to get a good night's sleep and stayed hydrated. Okay, who are we kidding. If you know me, you know I was too excited to sleep, but I was well hydrated. 😊 This helped me look fresh and energized on the day of the shoot.

5. I found an amazing local makeup artist who was very excited to work with me, and as was I.

6. she followed my vision for what I wanted my makeup to look like, and the results were stunning.

Three Tips for a Great Photoshoot

Be Yourself: Authenticity shines through in photos. I made sure to relax and be myself during the shoot. This helped me feel more comfortable and confident, which translated into stunning photos.

Communicate with Your Photographer and makeup artist: Clear communication with the photographer and makeup artist is essential. I discussed my ideas and listened to the their suggestions. These collaborations ensured we were on the same page and resulted in beautiful images.

Have Fun: Lastly, I remembered to have fun! Photoshoots can be stressful, but enjoying the process makes a huge difference. My positive attitude and excitement were evident in the final photos.

engaging with Your Photographer and makeup artist

Effective conversations with the both the photographer and makeup artist was crucial for my successful photoshoot. Here are some tips I followed:

Be Clear About Your Vision: I shared my ideas and inspiration with them, including mood boards and sample images. This helped them understand my style and expectations.

Ask for Feedback: During the shoot, I asked for feedback and was open to the photographer's suggestions. This collaborative approach ensured we captured the best shots.

Follow Up: After the shoot, I followed up with the photographer to review the photos and discuss any edits. This ensured the final images met my expectations and the magazine's requirements.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my journey to becoming a magazine cover star! If you have any questions or need more tips, feel free to reach out. Happy shooting! 📸✨