Pro Diets...Modeling Tips

First of all, even though this essay is directed towards the arena of fitness modeling, the same principles and philosophies apply to all forms of modeling. There is nothing magical about the contents of this article, however these are simple tenets that anyone considering the modeling industry should embrace.

Now, I want to make one thing perfectly clear! What any type of modeling is NOT about is how good you look or how great your physique is. Those are necessary components of the equation, but not sufficient in what will ultimately lead to success. No, success as a model comes (like the cliché says) to whomever wants it the most! It is as simple as that.

As I will mention again in this article, the top models are masters at self-promotion! YOU ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SUCCESS, not any modeling agency. If you cannot comprehend this simple, time-proven fact, then you should probably look for another career very fast.

Let me back this up with a thumbnail statistic. I can count on one hand (and have several fingers remaining!) how many jobs I've gotten through an agency. Agencies DO have their place - they can get people in to see the "big guns." But they also have their own agenda - to do everything they can to have one of their clients (not necessarily you) win the job, to get their percentage (usually 10 to 25 percent, sometimes out of your rate and sometimes over and above your day rate, depending on the job and magazine). They will call you and twenty other guys or gals for the job. They are just hoping that one of you get the job - regardless of who wins the job they will still make the same commission. Also, agencies tend to not be very proactive with regards to seeking out work. What this means is that you may get a call to go to an interview/audition only when they get a call.

Your Best Friend (If You're Smart):

The Photographer

I believe fitness modeling is the hardest type of modeling you can do. No other category of models work as hard to create perfection before the lens.

There are many factors that make a great health & fitness model. The best health & fitness models are the ones who are dependable - in every way. The following is my list of the ten most important tips for being a good fitness model:

1. First and foremost you have to be in shape!

And if you are not in shape, you better speak up before you show up and waste everyone's time and money. The only models that make any money in this field are the ones that stay in shape year-round. The reality is that this is true for ANY type of modeling! You will work yourself OUT of the modeling business if you do not accept this simple truth!

I find it quite humorous that in a business where one's appearance means EVERYTHING to success, that so many models do not comprehend, or accept, this simple truth...then they wonder why they cannot, or do not, get offered paying jobs. Five or ten pounds can make the difference between earning a comfortable living or starving in the modeling industry.

2. You must be well-groomed in every possible way!

Your body must be clean-shaven to clearly show your muscular development and definition. This is very important! Your skin must be taken care of and as blemish-free as possible. Your hair must be styled, cut in a way that enhances your "look" and compliments your facial features. Your nails must be cut and clean.

It is a good idea to always bring a bag with minimal make-up, hair gel, eye drops, a hairbrush, etc. Remember that every detail counts, and getting all of the details right takes work, day in and day out!

3. You have to be on time.

If you continually show up late, people will stop calling you, no matter how good you look. This should be pretty straight-forward, but you would be surprised how often it isn't!

4. Make sure your skin has enough color.

Whether the color is from a good tan, self-tanner, or self-bronzer, you need to make sure it looks as natural as possible and as even as possible all over your body.

5. Always bring some comfortable clothes.

Just in case the photographer has nothing that works for your body-type and coloring, get into the habit of looking for clothes that fit you well and show off your body best. Bright, solid colors (red, blue, yellow, purple - but NEVER white) usually work best.

6. Make sure to bring some food and water.

Be prepared with a healthy snack so that you have energy during the shoot. At times, you will be shooting great and really working the camera when all of a sudden your blood sugar dips. you will have to struggle to keep your energy up. It is important to be prepared. Your personality in front of the camera and your blood sugar level are often directly related.

7. Bring some oil and a towel.

This is important in case the photographer doesn't have any, or used his up with another model.

8. Bring portable workout equipment.

You might want to bring some resistance bands, or do towel-pulls so you can warm up quickly and easily just before shooting. A little pump is a great way to put the finishing touches on your physique.

9. Don't complain about every little thing!

Be a professional and realize although you might be exhausted at the moment, these images are going to last forever and you will be immortalized by them.

10. Communication is crucial.

If you are uncomfortable for any reason with the way something is going during the shoot, speak up and let the photographer know immediately! You need to work together to get the best shot!

Many bodybuilders and fitness competitors come into modeling and try to adapt the modeling industry to their training routine. Their reality is that they are in shape once or twice a year, so they expect the industry to drop everything and photograph them. Everyone else's reality is that this is not going to happen. A model who can be presented only a couple of seasons a year might get in a few jobs, but they are not going to have a long, successful career as a model.

The professionals that fitness models get their paychecks from make their living creating advertising photos all year long. They cannot and will not wait for a model to get in camera-ready shape. They instead must use models whose bodies are ready 24/7. Therefore, you must commit to being in shape all of the time to be successful.

You will need a real tan without tan lines to work for any good fitness photographer. The rub-on tans may look okay to the human eye, but film see colors differently - and permanently - and the models that use rub-on tans tend to look streaked, uneven and orange when the photos get to the publisher.

Rub-on tans tend to look especially unattractive around the fingers, knees and toes. Your hands play an important part in posing for photos so an uneven rub-on tan can destroy your chances of earning a living as a fitness model.

That being said, rub-on tans can enhance an already naturally-tanned physique and provide deeper skin tones to highlight your physique.

Finally, no tan lines is extremely important because you never know what clothing you might be modeling. You just don't know what pose a photographer may have in mind. You may be asked to assume a pose that will show off a section of your physique that you never thought you would be featuring. The photographer simply cannot deal with the possibility of a big section of your non-tanned skin being exposed.

It can be tough to be a photographer. They're all experienced in the process of shooting good photos. That's why they're hired and make a consistent living. But most of them didn't get their degree in psychology...

Photographers don't want to hear about your diet, your hunger, or your disappointment with your physique on shoot day. It is also really uncomfortable for them when a model begs for more jobs. They honestly don't want your opinion on poses either, or which kinds of shots you feel you look the best in. They don't care which angles you think are your best. They're the professionals, so you need to trust them. They will figure out very quickly what your best angles are.

This will sound a bit harsh, but it's the truth: a model is a rent-a-person, not a rent-an-opinion. So to be blunt: shut up if you want to consistently get work. Do what the photographer needs you to do.

At a contest, you might find yourself being approached by several photographers and clients. Some will be legitimate. Most will simply have an angle: to get you to work for "exposure." "Exposure" simply means that they don't want to pay you. Run.

When you do get an offer, never accept on the spot. Never give out your phone number. And never, ever pose for photos right then and there. Instead collect the contact information, check out the photographer's reputation and then call them, to either accept or reject heir offer.

If you need to check someone out and do not know how, e-mail me at drdiet@prodiets.com. I will help you.

Working nude is up to you - no one else. If you choose to do it, you will need to understand the three types of nude modeling.

Art Photography - This type of photo is one that tastefully captures you and is used in coffee table books, greeting cards and posters. It is safe and will not harm your modeling career.

Nude Magazines (like Playboy or Playgirl) - These photos are much more sexual by nature and truly exploit all of your body for the world to see. Many top bodybuilders and fitness competitors have appeared in these magazines. Some clients think this kind of modeling is fine, yet others do not. You will definitely lose some jobs because of this kind of exposure and you will definitely get some jobs because of it, as well.

Erotic Nude Modeling - This is what you see in the adult industry. If you pick this kind of work, you will never be able to do any other kind of modeling or acting.

Never shoot nude with a beginner photographer. Never sign a photo release without a clear understanding of what the photos are going to be used for, written into the release you are signing. Also know that the law says that the original negatives are the sole property of the photographer. So be very careful.

For example, say four magazines want to use you on their covers. That's great publicity that will lead to other jobs. Just don't do them all the same month. If you were to do all of those covers at the same time, they obviously will appear on the newsstands all the same time.

So, what's wrong with that you ask? Again, it's true you will get a lot of attention and this attention will lead to other offers. But by using all of this attention in only thirty days (as long as each magazine is on the newsstand), you are killing your chances of long-term future work.

Client's want to use whoever is hot right now. So if you space your magazine jobs out so that you agree to shoot one each month, you end up on a new cover for each of the four consecutive months instead of being on four covers in only one month. You will definitely have to keep your day job to pay the rent, but you will have 120 days of fame instead of only thirty days. In effect, you remain a hot commodity much longer.

If you want to really make money as a fitness model, you need to understand that your hair is one of the things that clients need to be able to make different. They definitely don't want you looking the same in their ad as you do in the ads of their competitors'.

Remember that the photo is not about you. It is about some product, publication or service you are helping to represent. You are just a component used in the advertising. If your hair is short and unchanged, you are not as versatile and you will lose out on many jobs. You need a flexible, standard model's haircut.

Also never show up at a shoot with a fresh haircut. You will just look like you have a peeled head. In addition, never show up with your hair full of product and pre-styled for the client. Simply bring your hair-preparation products and ask the client how they want your hair to look.

Unless your skin is unaffected by shaving (especially the abs and chest), shave only one hour before the shoot. Never shave the night before. You will get a rash, which means a re-touching bill for the client. And this bill can be so expensive that it becomes not worth shooting you, so they send you home - unpaid!

Skin takes the shape of whatever is placed against it. These impressions can take up to two hours to go away. If you are in a shoot that depends on the sunshine and the sun goes down while the crew waits for your skin marks to relax, then you have blown the shoot. Tight socks are another concern in this matter.

Never show up any earlier because you might interrupt the shoot ahead of you. And never be late!

The set is not a place for your visitors to be entertained. This includes girl/boyfriends, agents, managers, fans, other models, immediate or extended family, etc. No one.

They make most people too nervous, jumpy or edgy, which in turn makes the crew not want to work with you. They also affect your facial attitudes on camera negativity.

I suppose the bottom line is to do your homework. Prepare all the little details, like the ones listed above, so that you not only come across professionally, but you are also relaxed in front of the camera.

When you've done your homework and addressed all of the details like a professional, you'll act, look and shoot like a pro.

The Five Secrets of Fitness Supermodels

SECRET #1: They are master self-promoters and net-workers. Besides having agents trying to obtain work for them, they are constantly sending out photos of themselves or calling potential clients. They don't just wait for things to happen, they make things happen.

SECRET #2: They are 1000% - yes, I said 1000% - committed to being the very best at what they do. You can just take a look at the way they live, and there is no doubt of what their main objective is.

SECRET #3: They have discovered their niche, where they fit in (and where they can stand out), and have exploited their assets! Top fitness models are also very aware of their competition and have figured out where they can be most successful.

SECRET #4: They are "professionals." They show up on time, they are well-prepared, and follow up with a phone call or a card expressing their appreciation (this may seem like a small point, but let me assure you that a "thank you card" is one of the most important ingredients to your success as a top fitness model).

SECRET #5: They have taken all of the necessary steps to look their very best. In fact, they take extreme, even absurd measures to perfect key features that set them apart from everyone else. Top fitness models are action-oriented creatures.

Now onto the most critical ingredients to your success - your photo shoot! Here are five tips that I believe will ensure successful pictures that will help "sell" you! (Remember that you've got to sell yourself in your own photo shoot if you're going to convince other people to pay you for their photo shoots!)

1. Prepare, prepare. Start preparing weeks - even months - in advance, for all of the details that will affect the outcome of the shoot. Some things you will need to consider are the following:

2. Select The Best Photographer For The Look You Are Trying To Capture. Do your research. Ask around and choose a photographer on the basis of his or her work (also, someone who you have a good working chemistry with). Do not choose a photographer just because he is convenient, is your friend, is a friend of a friend, or is the friend of your cousin's ex-fiancé. You get the point, I'm sure!

3. Select The Perfect Clothing For The Look You Are Trying To Capture. The most important thing, in my opinion, is the way the clothes fit your physique. Make sure the cut and fabric is flattering to your body. Be sure the clothing is in good condition, pressed (if necessary), and definitely not faded! Also pick a color that flatters your skin tone and hair color.

4. Practice Different Poses With Your Body And Different Facial Expressions In Front Of The Mirror. Believe me when I tell you, top fitness models know themselves! They know each component of their being, and how to hold each and every facet of themselves in just the right way to get the perfect outcome.

The mirror will help you in developing this ability. Once you receive the proof sheets from your shoot, examine the result of each of your photos carefully, then ask yourself, "How can I improve the next time I shoot?"

5. Cover The Basics. If you don't have a professional make-up artist (which I think is a must for females), here is the least you can do: conceal the blemishes, and cover those nasty zits and razor burns. Use a powder that matches your skin tone to get rid of shine (use this throughout the shoot, as needed). Tweeze (or, for females, preferably wax) your eyebrows.

YOUR FUTURE IS NOW!

Having the information and taking action are two different things. I encourage you to take action today by starting from the beginning - and working through the process. Then, if and when need be, start all over again - from A to Z.

I can't tell you how many times people have asked me to give them exercise programs or nutritional advise, expressing a burning desire to get in shape, only to see me the next time not having changed a thing.

Knowledge without zeal is useless! Let the information you've just read take the trip from your head to your heart. Then leap into action!

You will experience success - perhaps in ways you have never even thought of. Perhaps the degree of success that you experience will only become apparent in hindsight. Perhaps it will be a success grounded simply in the knowledge that you pushed yourself to a new level of conditioning and/or discipline, or in your resolve to a new degree of tenacity.

That success will be most rewarding - in tangible results and with regards to your self-esteem - if actions you take begin in your heart.

You don't have to read too hard between the lines to see that the information provided above can apply in any area of your life. Refer back to this information whenever you need a swift kick in the butt for motivation.

Get out of your comfort zone! Take action, venture out and see where the adventure takes you.

Allow room for rejections, mistakes, fear and frustration. Even welcome these seemingly negative events and attitudes. They are the natural by-product of your push to take on, and eventually overcome new challenges. I have experienced all of the "negative" feelings, and I'm sure I will again. But, I have not let those pessimistic thoughts impede the process thus far, and I don't plan to let it happen in the future.

Try not to focus too intensely on the big picture, so you don't miss all the fun along the way. You will meet new and exciting people that will add to your life and experiences with each small step along the way. Put yourself in a position to be able to look back and know that you have enjoyed the process as much as the rewards.

Remember that people will look up to you and value what you do and say. Be an encouragement. Touch the lives of people you meet in a positive way. Don't ever take what you have accomplished for granted and enjoy every day of it while it lasts. I can almost guarantee that if you do, it will last longer than you ever anticipated.