November 1, 2004

Your First Photoshoot

The sun breaks above the horizon - you quickly reach for your Oakley Dartboard sunglasses. The day couldn’t be working out any better - you’re in the best shape of your life, the weather is actually cooperating, and you are ahead of schedule. Pulling into the parking lot you hop out of your X-Trail and lift the tailgate to grab your suitcase, squished full of clothes. Darn it! It’s not there! The day quickly goes from one of anxious excitement to one of total exasperation. How could this happen? Have you been "punk'd" by first-photoshoot jitters?

Are first shoots always a little nerve-racking? Let’s back up a couple of hours – better yet, let’s back up a little more and see what we can do to ensure everything comes together when it matters.

You have just finalized your first photoshoot details - this is a great opportunity to be introduced to the world of fitness sport modeling. You’ve idolized Monica Brant for years, and now have the opportunity to follow in her path. The thought of sharing the same magazine pages as your idols has been one of your objectives since you began training a few years back.

Many athletes dream of being in their favorite fitness magazines, but remember, there are an equal number who have never considered this possibility until their first show. At contests, compliments abound. "You look great! You should be in Oxygen!" Hmmm… at that thought you start to tense up. You start thinking, "Me? I’m not a model! Heck I hate myself in pictures. Well, maybe I can give it one try."

The thought of posing in front of a camera for the first time can be quite intimidating; however, the process doesn’t have to be as frightening as you might make it out to be - for real! Let’s see: You’ve been able to put together an awesome routine, and you have dieted yourself into pristine condition. So why would modeling be more difficult? It isn’t really; it just takes a slightly different approach and train of thought.

When it comes to performing a routine or posing on stage, some athletes have the innate ability to do it successfully the first time around. Others, on the other hand, take a few tries before they find what works best for them. Practice does make perfect, or at least pretty close! The same especially holds true for modeling.

Preparation for your first shoot can be summarized into four simple points that should be looked at as early as possible. A basic knowledge of these points will undoubtedly alleviate some of those intimidating thoughts that just might be kicking around somewhere in the back of your mind.

1. Define your comfort zone.
2. Do your homework.
3. Show up early.
4. Bring a positive attitude.

Now, let’s get started!

Every photo session should be a positive experience, so define your comfort zone well in advance. Knowing your limitations might seem insignificant, until you are faced with suggestions to pose in positions you are not totally comfortable with, or asked to wear something unflattering or a little skimpier than you were ready for. Think about what you’ll be comfortable with.

Will you be using a wardrobe that you are familiar with, or will there be an extensive layout of clothes that might leave you feeling a little apprehensive? Will you be taking care of your hair and make-up, or will an artist be on hand to doll you up in a look foreign to you? At times, these situations, and perhaps others, could undoubtedly arise to elevate stress levels, so be as comprehensively prepared as possible.

With perhaps the exception of high school, doing your homework is never a bad thing. First, start a checklist that you can run through the night before your shoot that will include at minimum, these details:

• Meeting time.
• Location and directions (studio, beach, gym, etc.).
• Necessary contact numbers (studio or gym number, cell numbers).
• Variety of clothing outfits and combinations you want to bring along if required.
• Favorite hair and make-up products, regardless of whether they are required or not.

Knowing what is required of you for the shoot is a must, and knowing the purpose for the shoot is a must, too. It is oftentimes the unknown that creates anxiety. Be sure to discuss the nature of the photo session with the photographer or art director as far in advance as possible to allow you time to be prepared for a successful shoot. For example, if your first shoot is specifically for a magazine that requires a certain look, you may need to be relatively lean but not overly vascular, tanned but maintaining a healthy glow. For most individuals, a couple of weeks before a show or within the same period afterwards typically work best for this type of look.

Once you know what is required of you to optimize the shoot, run through the various poses and expressions you like in your favorite magazines and learn to feel comfortable with them. Finding a little practice time here and there is pretty easy, so do so on a regular basis – if possible in front of a full-length mirror. Don’t focus on the idea that you have never modeled before. If you don’t consider yourself a model, approach it with this attitude: I can "act" like a model.

Don’t underestimate the art of posing. Although some people are under the misconception that posing is easy work, it can actually be a fairly tough workout, especially if the shoot lasts longer than an hour or two. You will likely be surprised at how sore you are the day after the shoot, considering the fact that you are dieted down and have a little less energy than usual.

Many poses will initially feel unnatural and some will require a fair amount of flexing and flexibility. Remember that practice you did in front of the mirror? Let’s hope you actually did it. It will benefit you tremendously come shoot day.

For novices, even when you’ve practiced your posing, you will likely depend largely on the photographer to direct you into your most flattering poses for the required photos. Given additional time in front of the camera, you’ll become an experienced model who knows which poses and expressions work best for you and will require minimal direction from a photographer and/or director. A reputation for being a good model, which means knowing how to pose and show yourself to your best advantage, spreads quickly and will result in more exposure opportunities that will inevitably benefit you in whichever path you choose to follow.

Being reliable is perhaps one of the most overlooked elements for being considered for various modeling opportunities on a continuous basis. Although this should be the cornerstone of your success to-date, be sure it is at the top of your list when you are looking to promote yourself in the industry. If reliability is something that occasionally takes a backburner, a good place to start practicing is at your first shoot. First, it shows you are serious about your work. Secondly it shows respect for the team you are working with. There is a saying in the industry, "Being on time is being late." If possible show up a little early, totally prepared to start your photo session. This will help put your mind at ease, and the fact that you are not running late means you are organized and well prepared. If there’s the slightest chance you may be late, definitely take a moment to phone and notify someone of that possibility.

Finally, be sure to bring along that positive attitude, regardless of any misfortunes you may have encountered that week or even that morning – leave those negative vibes at home!

Now, let’s try this again…

As the sun breaks above the horizon you quickly reach for your Oakley Dartboards. The day couldn’t be working out any better - you’re in the best shape of your life, the weather is actually cooperating and you are ahead of schedule. You pull into the parking lot, hop out of your X-Trail and lift the tailgate grabbing your clothing bag. Everything is as it should be – you are prepared and nothing is going to get in the way today!

...David Ford

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