Photo Credit: Brian Guilliaux
From the outside looking in, many people assume photo shoots happen as follows: 1. Show up. 2. Take pictures.
However, for those of you who have a photo shoot (or several) under your belt, you know that is FAR from the case. In order to get the best pictures possible on the big day, it takes several weeks of mental and physical preparation. The Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue Dancers (DCR&B) know this all too well- their last two season photo shoots have not only included still cameo shots and squad photos, but also action shots! Here’s what a few of them had to say about how to prepare for a photo shoot:
Whitney’s Tip: Up the Intensity of Your Workouts
“It’s important to increase the intensity of your workouts a few weeks before a photo shoot so you can look and feel trimmer,” said rookie, Whitney. “I personally like to enlist a workout buddy to keep me accountable and push me to work my hardest.”
While this may be an obvious point, it is definitely worth mentioning because it is crucial to your photo shoot preparation. If you keep doing the same workouts at the same intensity and expect different results, you will be disappointed. In contrast, when you kick the intensity level up a notch and incorporate multiple different workouts into your routine 4-6 weeks before your photo shoot, you will notice a positive change in your overall look and feel.
Whitney suggests doing cardio intervals and high intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. For workout ideas, click here to visit previous #WorkoutWednesday posts.
Follow Whitney on Twitter: @DCRB_Whitney
Sammi’s Tip: Eat Clean
“I usually eat very clean anyway, but when I prepare for photo shoots, I tighten the reins a little bit more and eliminate all processed foods from my diet,” said captain, Sammi. “I also cut out all beverages except for water in the weeks leading up to the big day.”
Sammi recommends lowering your sodium intake in conjunction with cutting out processed foods about 4-6 weeks before the big day. She also emphasizes the fact that crash diets and starving are definitely not the answer! Be sure to eat the amount of nutrient-dense calories your body needs to be healthy. Low fat proteins such as turkey, chicken and tuna, coupled with fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains (eat whole grains sparingly or cut out completely a couple of weeks before the shoot), and small amounts of healthy fats (think avocado, raw almonds, etc.) are all good options. A good rule of thumb that Sammi likes to live by: If it’s in a package, avoid it!
Follow Sammi on Twitter: @DCRB_Sammi
Jeremy’s Tip: Drink LOTS of Water
“Water is so important to your overall health- especially as an athlete,” said rookie, Jeremy. “Not only does staying hydrated help you perform better, but it also helps keep your skin clear, which is EXTREMELY important for professional pictures.”
About 60% of an average person’s body weight is comprised of water. Bodybuilding.com has a handy water intake calculator you can use to estimate how much water you need based on your weight and total workout time. Click here to check it out!
Follow Jeremy on Twitter: @DCRB_Jeremy
Brooke’s Tip: Have Multiple Poses Ready and Perfected
“Put the uniform on and practice multiple poses in the mirror so you know what is most flattering to your body and what is not.” said veteran, Brooke. “Being prepared with poses is of utmost importance in ensuring confidence the day of the photo shoot; and confidence comes in handy when you are in front of that camera and so many people behind-the-scenes are watching you!”
Need posing inspiration? Brooke recommends Instagram and other social media outlets that are chock-full of images that you can either replicate or put a spin on to make your own. Try visiting other dance team websites and social media accounts to start!
Follow Brooke on Twitter: @DCRB_Brooke
Be sure to check out the DCR&B next time you go to a Cowboys home game! For access to additional DCR&B photos and articles, click here.
See you next #WorkoutWednesday!
