Tips for prospective photoshoot models

I tend to work with alot of photoshoot newbies, both in local shoots at on location at shows. One thing I like to pride myself is giving models tips, tricks and direction that can help them showcase their physiques in the best possible light — not only during our shoot, but in any other shoots they may have. Like algebra, its all about learning the basics and then building upon that foundation until your able to do the model-version of the Pythagorean theorem. Ok, not the best metaphor, but you get what I mean. Hopefully.

Anyhow, in addition to giving tips *at* a shoot, I also wanted to pass along some info that may help you before a big shoot, or to even help the odds of getting a shoot in the first place. So here we go..

Know your body
Obviously, you've been around your body alot longer than any photographer (at least I hope so!), so you know your flaws, your strengths, your good side and your bad side. Or at least, you should. If you don't have one already, purchase a full length mirror for your home and become very good friends with it. Know what poses flatter you the most, what poses bring out definition or make bodyparts pop. Learn how to control your muscles, so you can tighten certain areas without having to flex your entire body and come across stiff as a board. Its all about muscle memory, and once you get used to posing, you'll know what it feels like and be able to replicate it on location at a shoot.

Know your face
Ok, so you can bust out poses like a cast member of America's Next Top Model.. so now what? Oh yeah.. there's that thing called a head that is usually a part of the photo as well. Don't worry, you won't have to practice flexing your cheeks or brow.. well actually, you will, in the form of mastering different facial expressions to match the pose your body is displaying. Doing a seductive pose? Then you shouldn't have a big, bright smile with wide eyes.. a soft, open mouth with "bedroom eyes" would be more appropriate. And of course, vice versa for a more sporty, athletic themed photo. Of course, there is no steadfast rule; perhaps you want a sexy workout photo. But for the most part, your face has a large effect on dictating the mood of the photo.

Not sure on how to make different facial expressions? Its as easy as saying your vowels. When you mouth the 'sound' of the vowels (a, e, i , o & u), your lips position themselves in a variety of shapes, each evoking a different feel. Want a nice, natural smile? Try "eeeeeee". A soft open mouth? How about "iiiiii". A sexy lil pout? "uuuuuu". Sounds ridiculous, I know.. but try it (preferably not in public the first couple times).

Do your homework
I previously mentioned the show America's Next Top Model, and I'd like to bring it up again. Its a great resource to get a peek into a professional shoot and to see how the models work the angles and come up with pose after pose for the photographer. True, they also have stylists, makeup artists, assistants, wardrobe people and baristas on call — things that won't happen at most TFCD fitness shoots — but it's still a great resource for people interested in modeling to view.

Make time to shoot
For the most part, photoshoots happen the day after the show. With that being said, try not to schedule your trip back home at the crack of dawn that following day. Give yourself an opportunity to shoot by leaving the morning and afternoon after a show open, and leaving later that day. There have been countless shoots that have never materialized due to this type of scheduling conflict.

Want to shoot? Ask
I've been told after the fact that alot of potential models look at the photos I produce and think "why would he want to shoot with me"? Just because the photos look professional doesn't mean that you have to be a professional in order to be in them. I shoot with TONS of newbies, and its actually something I enjoy, so please don't be shy when it comes to getting in touch. And if you aren't in "shooting shape", use a future shoot as a goal to work towards. You don't have to be an established pro competitor to shoot.. so if your interested, the only thing you really have to do is ask.

At a show and want to shoot? Ask around
If you don't have a shoot scheduled in advance, but really want to capture your awesome condition in photos, simply ask around to see if any girls backstage can recommend someone you should get in touch with. Its better to give a photographer a 'cold call' and try to set something up than to go home with nothing to memorialize all your hard work.

Photos or booze? You choose
Look, I know its hard not to let off a little steam after a long contest prep and party like its 1999 after a show. Its only natural. But if you have a photoshoot scheduled for the next morning, it might be wise to party like its 1997 instead and taper the excitement for another night. Hungover, red-eyed, and lacking of energy does not make for a good shoot. If you know your a party person, that's fine, just schedule your shoots accordingly. Its up to each person to decide what's more important to them — a few Irish Car Bombs or some quality photos.