How to become a Fitness Model
If you've ever eyed the pages of top fashion magazines like Harper's Bazaar or Vogue-any dreams you might have of becoming a fashion model are quickly dashed at the sight of the waif-like models who fill their pages. But don't worry. If your physique is fit rather than famished you might consider becoming a fitness model.Unlike mainstream modeling, which exclusively recruits the tall, thin and sometimes flat chested, fitness modeling welcomes a wide variety of sizes and shapes. For example, if a magazine is planning a training article on shoulders, chances are an art director will choose the featured model from photographs of candidates who have well developed deltoids. Similarly, a pictorial on hiking might best convey the activity's benefits if the model has sculpted calves and thighs.The perfect body type often wins over the perfect face. But, even if you have the perfect physique you've still got your work cut out for you. What seems like a career based on beauty and a little brawn requires one more letter B attribute brains.Successful fitness models stress that when it comes to modeling, making wise and cautious choices is essential. One model snag her first opportunity to do what's called a spec an unpaid photo session after being approached by a photographer at a Miss Galaxy contest. The shows organizers handed out a list of approved photographers so this particular model knew whom she was dealing with. After she checked out the photographer who wanted to work with her, they met on Venice Beach and shot photos. But she emphasizes that it's important not to go with any guy who's holding a camera.This story demonstrates that competing in fitness can be an excellent way to be discovered as a model.After all, what better way is there for you to show off your peak conditioning? In addition to your friends and family, the audience at a fitness how might include casting agents and other decision makers from fitness magazines and agencies. Sometimes, not just the winners get singled out for queries. A lower-placed finisher may have a more charismatic appeal or a more attainable-looking physique than the winner and might capture the attention of industry leaders.Neophytes should check out the credentials of any self named professional. It's important to get a contact number and see samples of his or her work. Then, speak to competition officials and investigate the individual's background. If he or she works for a publication, call the editor and ask questions. If the person's on the level he or she won't mind if you inquire about him or her. This is the best way to ensure your safety.Once you set up a spec shoot, don't count on getting paid. Most of the time photographers will give you copies or negatives of the photos as payment. Even if your photo is used in print, you won't necessarily be paid you might have to settle for the free publicity it brings. The only way to guarantee payment is to sign a contract or be represented by an agency.Going the agency route will help weed out working with undesirables, but there's no guarantee an agency will accept you. Many modeling agencies offer sporting departments, where they contract specifically for sport and fitness jobs. Although these agencies take 15% of your pay, you still can't rely on them to promote you 100%. It's still important for you to make contacts.It's helpful to have realistic expectations. No matter how amazing you look, you may not make it in the fitness modeling industry. Aim for training articles if you have a great body. Send photos emphasizing your back or abs. If you have a beautiful face, spend time working on your physique. Ultimately a good physique is important because it makes you stand out.Even if you're lucky enough to get jobs, it's rare than anyone can make a living from fitness modeling. Top magazines pay only an average of $150-$300 for a layout, and it takes as much as 14 hours to pose for a layout. Some models that model for clothing lines, accept free clothes as payment.If you choose to get started by having your own photos taken, one model recommends getting "zed" cards made. A zed card is a flip card with a head shot on one side and four or five photos on the back with your name, contact number and agency information printed on it.
