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The Ideal Way to Break Into The Health and Fitness World and Get Noticed Today!
by Bethany Carter Howlett M.S., C.S.C.S. www.bethanyhowlett.com
For more information on IFBB Fitness Pro Bethany Carter Howlett and
Better Bodies By Bethany, Inc. click on the above banner.
"If you build it they will come." One of the most recognized cinematography qoutes of all time proved to be quite exact as Kevin Costner discovered over a decade ago in the feature film "Field of Dreams." The underlying meaning via laymen terms that hard work will be rewarded holds true in almost every branch of life indeed. A dream becomes an honest desire then a realistic goal then a daily focus then deserved reality and financial security when the proper steps and discipline are followed. The latter action holds true in the task of breaking into the health and fitness world and being discovered and later down the road recognized by your peers, audiences, and colleagues.
I am often approached by eager men and women wanting to know the proper way to go about getting their name out in the health and fitness world as models, competitors, and photographers. The first thing that comes to my mind is the introduction qoute formerly stated. One must first build their foundation based upon what that same individual desires to acheive in the end. Just as a fitness, figure, and/or bodybuilding athlete must sculpt their body in order to place well in a contest, a photographer must build a great portfolio when hoping to land a contractual photo shooting with a major fitness publication, just as a writer must have referenced articles once publicly published to secure a literature assignment. The key goal can be reached when the road to discovery is followed properly. Being that the answer that you are looking for will certainly not be told to you as it was to the lucky actor, there is still an answer to your own asked question. Competitors in the sport of fitness, figure, and/or bodybuilding get started by being in excellent shape via proper training, dieting, and supplementation for the show date. Models do the same preparation before major photo shoots and/or public projects and appearances. All competitors and models should always line up photo shoots with local photographers in your area that are needing to expand their portfolio for the same reason of why you are shooting with them as normally the trade off is financially free. Always do at least four to five wardrobe and backdrop or location changes seeing as diversity is what makes an excellent portfolio. Try to line up as many photo shoots as you can seeing as you are in contest/project shape and will be for a few weeks. I then recommend chosing four to five different looks including a few black and white shots, gym shots, casual wear shots, a black and white head shot called a resume shot, etc. One would then go about creating a comp card with a resume facial picture on the front with your full name and four smaller different pictures on the back with your measurements recorded as well some contact information. It is good to attend all very big show productions that have a large expo where companies can promote their products and/or services. Always approach each booth of interest and ask to speak to the individual in charge about athlete involvement and product representation via the company, as well as what you could bring to the company. Thank the individual for his time, ask for his business card, and leave him a comp card for future contact. Another way to speak with a company representative is via email and snail mail. Most companies have a toll free number and/or Web site that provides all information needed including addresses, persons to attention, and what information to include. Always touch base and follow up with companies that you have contacted thus keeping your name in their mind for possible business projects.
Photographers involved in the sport are either freelance or exclusive as some have secured contractual agreements with elite level companies for their product endorsement ads while a few photographers are both the former and the latter. Photographers do have comp cards to hand out normally replacing the frontal black and white resume shot as well as the four to five on the back with shots taken by them. Models and photographers both should have updated portfolios composed of different kinds of work including black and white shots, full color shots, studio shots, location shots, etc. I recommend models and photographers attending all big show productions and going from booth to booth with comp cards and business contact information as well as a full portfolio for quick viewing. In the beginning a new individual's demanded pay should obviously be lower than the accomplished as early stages of work are necessary to build one's name and portfolio. Photographers and models can save money and work together via an even business exchange to help build each others portfolio indeed.
The building of a foundation and following of directions for achievement will lead to desired business goals. The beginning step is always the building process which entails a lot of business networking as well as time, but the end result is not only personal achievement but just may be financial achievement as well.
* Article by Bethany Carter Howlett M.S., C.S.C.S. www.bethanyhowlett.com.
* Back to Issue #7 Frontpage
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