Have you seen fitness models in the magazines and thought, “I could do that”? Do you think you have what it takes to break into the industry? Which photographer do you use? Perhaps a photographer has already approached you and wants to do a photo shoot with you. How do you know they are legitimate? What about make-up, hair styles and outfits? How do you prepare for the shoot? I sat down with Terry Goodlad, editor of Bodysport magazine to discuss the “do’s and don’ts” of a successful photo shoot. Terry is a professional photographer, and has taken photos of such big name fitness models as Monica Brant, Timea Majorova, Kelly Ryan, Jenny Hendershott, Bethany Howlett, Adela Freidmansky, Mandy Blank, Susie Curry, Jenny Lynn, and Kary Odiatu.

If you are serious and want the best results, it starts with the right photographer. Magazines almost always include a photo credit with the photographer’s name somewhere along the picture. You need to consider any photographer’s level of credibility, knowledge and experience, as well as your own personal safety. There are several questions you can ask when speaking to potential photographers that will tell you clarify their credibility. Who have they worked with in the past? Does he or she have references they can give you? Follow up on their references, and contact the editors of magazines where you have seen their work. Find out if they have worked with other fitness models, as some photographers may excel in lifestyle photography (weddings, special occasions) but may not have the knowledge and experience with fitness and swimsuit photography. What kind of shoot will it be, in what sort of location? Will they be supplying a make-up artist and/or hair stylist? If not, what kind of look do they want? What kinds of outfits would they like you to where? Should the outfits be solid colors, or patterned? Do they want you to wear shoes and if so, what kind? Should you bring sunglasses or other props like a beach ball, or roller blades? Will the photographer bring any props? Terry says that the photographer’s purpose is to tell a story with his photos, and he should be able to give the model a mental picture of what his trying to accomplish. Ask what the story is. Will you need to sign a waiver release form? What will the photos be used for? Terry points out that the pictures from your shoot are the property of the photographer. Even if you pay them for the shoot, you are paying for them to do the photo shoot, not for ownership of the pictures. Will they be used on the internet, will they make money from them, and will they be sent into a magazine? Terry reminds us that “if you are worthy of being photographed, then you are worthy of being exploited”. You definitely do not want your photos to be used on the internet or in other publications in an unflattering or controversial way. All these questions may seem like an interrogation, but Terry suggests that if they do not know how to answer your questions, then move on in your search.

Even after all of those questions have been answered, personal safety should always be a concern. When you meet the photographer, bring someone along. When Terry shoots his models, he insists that someone come along with them, then when the model feels comfortable, the extra person should leave to let the model work without any distractions or interference. Terry asserts that if you do not trust the photographer or do not feel comfortable then you should leave.

Preparing for the day of the photo shoot is very important. In advance of the shoot be sure to either spend some time tanning, or using a self-tanner to give your skin a healthy tanned appearance. If the photographer will not be providing a make-up artist, get a make-up consultation, or hire a professional for the day of the shoot. You may want to hire a professional hair stylist or experiment with different hairstyles on your own. Your make-up and hair should match the feel of the shoot. If it is a beach and bikini shoot, you would want a natural look rather than a glamour look. Outfits should also be appropriate to the feel and setting of the photographs, and should be as flattering to you as possible.

Preparation includes practicing your poses and facial expressions. Once again, the photographer is trying to tell a story with his work, and therefore, you are an actress. The more versatile you are, the more usable and marketable you are as a model. Terry informs us that there are many pretty girls out there, but it is the ones who can be diverse in their modeling that will be used again and again. Practice different poses infront of a full-length mirror. Use poses that flatter your figure, and be creative! Versatile facial expressions are just as important! Terry shared with me a valuable practice method he learned from model Alex Roworth. She called it “doing your ABC’s”. Sit in front of a mirror and say each letter of the alphabet, varying your facial expression to the sound and feel of that letter. With practice, you will have diverse looks to bring into any photo session! Remember that the camera will catch your nervousness and the photos will be bad. In contract, if you are confident it will reflect in your photos. Everything else considered, Terry says it is most important for the model “to show up being relaxed, comfortable and ready to have a good time”.

It is clear that a successful photo shoot requires intensive planning and preparation. I would like to thank Terry for his time and invaluable advice. The wisdom that he has shared will allow promising new models to achieve professional results. Having the right pictures is key in launching or maintaining a modeling career in the fitness industry.