To Succeed In Modeling, Show Some Emotion

Being a fitness model involves more than having ripped abs and being able to flash those pearly whites. Sure you have to have a great body and a killer smile, but you also need to practice a repertoire of facial expressions to convey emotions that may be required of you during a shoot.

Most new models get their start on the pages inside the fitness magazines, which call for a lot more variety than the typical “all smiles” cover shot.

Think of the photos that would accompany articles like “How To Avoid Injury” or “Tired of the Same Old Food?” If you’re booked for a shot for an article like that, the photographer may want you to look like you’re in pain or like you’re bored beyond belief.

The other day, I was helping a photographer friend of mine shoot a new female model for an article about how conflicting information makes it hard to choose a training program. I suggested that a fun lead-in shot would be to show the model looking overwhelmed and confused. Not only would this be an interesting visual for the magazine, but it would also serve as a great tear sheet for the model’s portfolio.

The photographer was excited about the idea, and told the model what he wanted her to do. The girl had never really been on a professional shoot before, and I saw that she was apprehensive about going for the look. As hard as she tried, she wasn’t able to express herself the way we wanted, and she couldn’t pull off the shot.

Let me tell you, that’s not a great way to start a professional modeling career. You’ve got to realize that it’s your responsibility as a model to work with and take direction from the photographer. You’ve got to be able to put your fear or your embarrassment or your attitude aside and also have the ability to give the photographer what he or she wants.

In my experience, I’ve found that it’s much better to be “over the top” and have the photographer tell you to tone it down than it is for him or her to have to beg you for a certain look. Photographers don’t call me back because I have the world’s greatest abs (although they’re right up there!). They call me back because I’m open to their ideas and give them more than they expect.

In order for you to pull this off, I recommend practicing different emotions in front of a mirror. Try a range of expressions — confusion, frustration, fear, anger, excitement, pain, boredom, half smiles, big smiles, smirks, and anything else you can think of. You’ll have more fun on your shoots, you’ll impress photographers and clients, you’ll get some great stuff for your book and, chances are, you’ll get a lot more work.