As a fitness model it is very important to know your body, best poses, different looks and what basically works and doesn’t work well for you. This may seem obvious or simple on the surface, but if you’re a novice or even somewhat experienced, it’s different when the rubber meets the road during an actual shoot. You don’t want to “freeze” when you are on an assignment or even a test for that matter.
What I recommend is first practice posing in front of a mirror. When you think you have found certain poses that are flattering for your physique, then learn what that feels like. Practice the achieving that pose so you can do so without the mirror, basically muscle & mind memory connections. It is just as important to know what angles don’t work. For example if your oblique’s are thick you might look better at a slight angle. You can also work the body parts that compliment you the best. It is critical among everything else to know how to work your abs. I had a shoot once with a professional bodybuilder who had great abs, but the harder he tried to get them to show during the shoot the worse they looked. In between shots when he was relaxed oddly enough was his best 6 pack. I said what are you doing now to get that look – he replied “nothing” So in his case he was overly trying and once he relaxed we got some killer shots. Abs are king in the physique photo world, so once you’ve got them learn how to best get them to work for you.
Then do the same for your facial expressions. You should be able to get you're your best smile, laugh, serious expression etc. on demand. There is nothing more nerve racking for a photographer being told they have to tell you jokes in order for you to smile. If they can, that’s a bonus, but don’t expect that. We are photographers, not stand-up comedians. The expressions have to come from within and you need to learn to trigger that, just an actor uses method acting. I once had a model who claimed he was really more of an actor. I said in that case – act like a model! Remember when you are modeling you are essentially acting as well, just no spoken lines.
A versatile model will be able to mix up combinations of expression, body position, and attitude on the fly. Think of the shoot as a dance. There needs to be a rhythm between the photographer and the model. If you are both putting energy in to the shoot the result will be that much better.
I suggest bringing music with you that you are comfortable to moving to. Not all situations will lend themselves to the use of music, but when in a controlled environment like the studio it will help make you comfortable and is what I do with my shoots.
If you would like to contact me for potential photo assignments or portfolio work please In addition to an photos be sure to include any competitions coming up, what city you live in, if you are willing to travel to Los Angeles at your own expense, contact phone and e-mail, height, weight, hair color etc.
If you don’t already have professional pictures that represent you, in your best light, you can contact someone like me to discuss a paid portfolio. If that’s of interest please write to [email protected] and put portfolio shoot in the subject line. You can check out some of my work at:
www.magiclight.com or www.facebook.com/magiclight.productions or www.oxygenfit.com for great home/travel/contest pump-up fitness products.
Remember stay fit, as you never know when that next shoot call or email may come!
In Health,
Robert Reiff
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