Max gets on his (unsolicted) soapbox...Common Courtesies & Manners

Posted August 29th, 2009 by Max Wettstein

(Bet Clark is happy now, that he has an open blogging forum!...)

We (the talent) must all check our egos at the door when we show to an interview, booking or production. We all know the photographer is the boss on a print shoot and the director is boss on a film shoot. Our job in the end is to make the client happy and fulfill their media needs.

We (the talent) should all expect to be directed, receive instruction, constructive criticism, be educated and even humbled at times. Most of all we should expect to learn something new during every shoot or production. But all teaching & criticism can be accomplished in a polite, respectful - professional - manner. No matter what they want or need to communicate, the director, producer or photographer should be able to do it in a polite & professional tone.

There is no reason for any of us while in a professional environment, not to be nice, or demonstrate common courtesy...proper manners!

Many of us when we are new or desperate to get our foot in the door, land a cover, or simply get a callback will tolerate a lot of disrespect, rudeness, weirdness, improper or eccentric behaviours, etc. It is tempting to kiss-ass or an even humiliate ourselves to try and make success happen.

Fortunately most photographers, directors, editors, producers are good people just like you and I and they strive to do the right thing. They're professional and courteous.

But there a few bad-apples out there who are on power-trips, have huge egos, are disrespectful, have elitist attitudes, a chip on their shoulder, or simply think they're better than you. They don't view you as the professional 'talent' that you are, and they play by their own rules.

Again, check your ego at the door but go ahead and bring your pride inside: If anybody, in any situation, is downright disrespectful towards you, belittles you, deliberately tries to humiliate you, or otherwise insults you....don't settle for it. Walk right out the door. Do not be intimidated by their delusional, empty threats. keep your cool and stay professional always. Its abuse that you don't need. They have the personal problem, not you.

Always maintain your pride and do expect common courtesy & manners in return, even in this unique industry, full of right-brained, eccentric, sometimes manicy artists.

Nobody - no ONE person - in this industry is THAT connected that they can ruin you or your reputation. Chances are, the next magazine editor you speak with, won't even know who the other mag's staffing are. MOST mags have several photographers submitting work to them, not just one. Magazines need new faces constantly, for every issue, not to mention new fitness mags are launching every year...you will work again.

Unfortunate situatons like this do occur, and this is also when it is nice to have a reputable, legit agency representing you, because they will back YOU and protect you (the talent), every time. My agent has gone to small-claims court on my behalf.

So remember: Ego leave behind, pride bring along; Humbled okay but humiliated NO WAY!...Don't put up with unprofessional abuse - you're better than that! Good manners & common courtesy still get you far, even in this industry. What goes around comes around holds true.

(...okay...maybe Clark is THAT connected...!)

Max Wettstein's blog
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nice max..

On September 1st, 2009 Brett@IronManMa... says:

Nice dude,
Back from a relaxing weekend to a typical monday... only to be inspired by, An Officer!?!.. lol (I kid Max)
This is great... very inspiring. I agree with the positives and the no 1 person can make or break, but I would reiterate that this industry is small. And add that like life, the fitness world is a Dog-Eat-Dog world, where no matter what kinda smile or warm heart you may perceive up front, everyone's gunning for what you have/had/or want. So stay sharp and on top of your game. oh, and I'd say to bring just a dash of that ego... enough to leave a good taste of confidence behind. Show you bring more than a 6-pack to a shoot, and you're first on the list for product representation, when they need more than just a face.
Professional, yes... Mary Poppins, not so much.

I like where you're coming from... Have a feeling we'll be chatting more as Clark now has opened up the doors to ALL "soapboxes"
Meet you in central park at noon!

Brett Miller
Assistant Art Director/ Athlete Relations
Iron Man Magazine
Los Angeles CA

What more to say.

On August 29th, 2009 NKennedy says:

Wow, awesome article. I love reading stuff like this it keeps my head on straight.

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

Nicely Put!

On August 29th, 2009 Jose Sanchez says:

Max,
Your post is AWESOME! I am getting all the Flavors in this Blog. This is very educational. Anyone that wants to get into the Fitness Modeling Industry should be checking out www.ClarkBartram.com.

Stand up to what is Right in you Heart!

Jose Sanchez

Follow me:

http://www.facebook.com/JoseRSanchez
http://twitter.com/mrjosesanchez

Very Happy...

On August 29th, 2009 Clark Bartram says:

See, now were getting to some meat, some really useful information from people on both sides of the industry. We have Brett giving great, very pointed, and valuable tips from the magazines point of view, and now Max is giving excellent advice from a WORKING fitness professionals POV.
Trust me when I tell you that what you are reading on these blogs can seriously alter your career whether you are a model, actor, body in an infomercial, or corporate worker-bee. It's all real life, in the trenches, common sense advice that if put to use will positively move you in the right direction.
Max, thanks for being here, thanks for being honest, thanks for speaking your mind, and thanks for being a role model that this industry can look to for real world advice.
Clarkbartram.com is getting serious now folks, hang on for an educational and challenging ride.
Clark Bartram