Gift Guide for Models and Creatives

Hi all! It’s been a little while since I posted a blog, but I’ve been busy with some big work deadlines and that always takes first priority! It’s Cyber Monday so I thought I would draft up a little gift guide for content creators/models!

Please excuse any formatting issues. This platform is making things difficult

1. First and foremost, if they’re anything like me, they have an Amazon Wishlist with items they would like for shoots or even every day life. Check to see if this is the case, because it really simplifies gift giving!

2. For on location shooting:

1. Suitcases are the best way to maximize your wardrobe options on set. I’m able to bring more accessory/shoe options than if I had just grabbed a tote bag. This is way easier than carrying a heavy bag everywhere and prevents marks on  your shoulders. Also they can make for a really cute prop.

   

   Walmart, $26
   

2. Pop-up Changing tent- I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked a business if I can use their restroom to change. It can be a hassle, especially if you’re shooting in a more remote area. Plus with COVID, I’m avoiding going into public places unnecessarily. I’ve personally had my eye on one of these for a while. A pop up pod ranges from $25-100.

2. For creating at home:

1. Ring light - Natural lighting can be really unpredictable. I really struggled with shooting from home, early in the pandemic, because I was relying on good lighting that may or may not occur that day. I was incredibly grateful to be gifted a ring light kit off of my Wishlist. The kit comes with a stand, an attachment for your phone, a carrying case and two color filters. I actually have two of these lights now and I’m excited to experiment with them in my new apartment.

2. Colored gels/cellophane are a fun addition for ring lights or another lighting set up. They add a lot of interest and dimension to a photo. Stay tuned for my glowy “neon” work in the upcoming issue of PhotosUnboxed Magazine, The Neon Project.

3. 

   Amazon, $40

   Backdrop stand - In my WFH blog, I mentioned a lack of blank wall space in my apartment. Backdrop stands are really easy to set up, and take up minimal storage space. With a stand, you can have a clean background, of whatever color, to work in front of. Having a plain white background makes Photoshop manipulations easier as well.

4. Instax/Instax Printers - These little polaroid cameras are fun for capturing adventures with friends and BTS of photoshoots. You can also make a flat lay for a unique way to share your polaroids on your feed. Some models sell their Polaroid prints! Extra Instax film will allow them to make more of their content with a higher profit. The Polaroid printers are great for people who are too nervous to shoot and print images blindly. With the printers, you can be happy with the image and print as many copies as you want!

Target, $60

5. Fun accessories - Personally, I’m always looking for new accessories for shoots. As I talked about in my last blog, Styling a Shoot, I like to use accessories to style wardrobe pieces in new ways. Think wigs, hats, glasses, belts. The weirder, the better in my opinion. It really challenges me to think outside the box when styling.

6. Good quality skincare (we don’t want those $10 bath boxes from Walgreens!). If you know they have a favorite, obviously go for that. Sephora and Ulta will have great sales on all your favorite brands today! 

1. This Sol de Janeiro Set (Sephora, $62) immediately caught my eye. The gift set contains their infamous Brazillian Bum Bum Cream, a fragrance mist, a lip balm, and body wash. I am OBSESSED with the scent they use in their products. 

2. The Buns and Boobies mini gift set by Truly (Ulta, $50) comes in the cutest tin. It comes with two serums and two butters to tighten and lift.  

3. I do caution on gifting face products as it may not be compatible with their skin type. That being said, this quartz facial roller and mini rose milk duo is so cute (FourthRayBeauty, $20)!

7. Makeup brushes - You can never really have enough makeup brushes. When you play with a lot of colors, it’s essential to have multiple of the same style of brush. Plus then you have to clean them less often!

   

   ColourPop, $44
   

8. Studio time at favorite studio - A lot of my concept ideas need a bigger creative space. Reach out to your local studio, and see if they sell gift cards or the gift of studio time. My favorite studio, HGAB has this as an option!
9. When all else fails, gift cards are always a good go-to! Amazon gift cards come in really clutch for both wardrobe and equipment needs. As a model, I find myself having to buy clothes semi-frequently, so a gift card to my favorite clothing store would also be very appreciated.

Disclosure: I am a ShopStyle Affiliate and am paid per click (PPC) for some of above listed product links.