I have a male friend who has asked for my help in breaking into the fitness modeling industry. Unfortunately I don't have much info for him, as my industry experience is as a female editorial/beauty model for print work. So, I'm now turning to all of you! I'd specifically appreciate hearing from people who have direct experience either in hiring male fitness models or who are/were male fitness models.
My friend is 20 (about to turn 21), medium height (5'10" perhaps?), has no previous experience, strength trains and exercises regularly, has a muscular physique (though he is not so big as to look 'roided out' or like the heavy duty fitness models), has curly/wavy blond hair, and is not willing to model in a nude/sexual context.
Any advice, tips, or insights? Does anyone have any links to beginning male fitness model profiles which would show a good template for him to base his own MM profile around (he has yet to create an account)?
If you click on "BROWSE" above you can find all of the male models (I searched age 18-24) who list "Fitness" as one of their genres and who do not do nudes.
I got 5,954 results. Feel free to further limit your search criteria (by race, age, weight, geographical region, hair color . . .etc.)
EDIT: for some reason, the link isn't working but I think you should be able to recreate the Search I did and see the results list I obtained.
Stephen Markman wrote: If you click on "BROWSE" above you can find all of the male models (I searched age 18-24) who list "Fitness" as one of their genres and who do not do nudes.
I got 5,954 results. Feel free to further limit your search criteria (by race, age, weight, geographical region, hair color . . .etc.)
EDIT: for some reason, the link isn't working but I think you should be able to recreate the Search I did and see the results list I obtained.
Ah, I'd considered that, but I was curious to hear from people who might hire a fitness model to see if they might be able to point out particular profiles which are appealing to a photographer or project director; that way I can show my friend some profiles that stand-out to a photographer's eye...rather than just give him a bit list of random guys who may or may not be good templates for him to learn from.
To seriously be a fitness model, he needs to be absolutely ripped, and have less than 10% body fat. If he has an ounce of visible fat, he will not make the cut as a fitness model.
Note that there is a difference between a fitness model and a fashion model. A fashion model must be able to fit standard size men's clothes off the rack. A lot of fitness models are too bulked up, and often can't wear a standard cut of clothes. There is some crossover, but not much. Male models can be fitness models or fashion models, but rarely both.
He might also search out photographers who do fitness photography. I hire fitness models. You can check out my pport for an idea of what appeals. I agree with the poster who said your friend must absolutely be in op condition. I would say 6 to 8 percent body fat at all times.
He needs current images as another poster mentioned. He should build a portfolio showing athletic pursuits. Looking at magazines like Men's Fitness, Strength and Health, Men's Health will give hi an idea of the loook and style of images he needs and photographers who make such images.
He should also do a search on photographers who do fitness photography. There should be several in SF.
As a professional photographer, I exclusively produce male model stock photography for publication. My work has been continuously published since 1996. We compensate models on an ongoing royalty basis.
You can see typical published uses of my images here on Model Mayhem at http://www.modelmayhem.com/100833 or on my web site at http://www.artminds.com where you'll find a link for our Male Model Search information and submission form.
Best regards,
Art Minds
Art Minds Surf & Sport Photography
Pasadena, CA 91101
Apologies in advance for a semi-flippant (while being semi-serious) response:
1) Be born male.
2) Be incredibly fit (because the competition is).
3) Be photogenic.
4) Learn how to move & pose.
5) Get some great photos.
6) Get a portfolio on-line; here or elsewhere or on your own website.
7) Get materials made (like business cards, comp cards, stationary, etc.).
8) Develop a marketing plan.
9) Implement your marketing plan.
Your marketing plan needs to include you being proactive, finding the photographers in your area that photograph fitness models, and introducing yourself (handing out those business and/or comp cards). Volunteer & get visible.
The best way to appear active is to be active. Get out there.
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