Every photographer can offer you advice for how you can be the best possible fitness model. So, ask them for their input before your photo shoot. In the meantime, here are some tips to get you started:

Before Your Photo Shoot:

1. Your Look: If you’ve shown a picture of yourself to the photographer be sure your picture is a true representation of your current look. If you’ve changed your hairstyle, added any tattoos, or have any noticeable new scrapes, bruises or cuts/scabs or bad acne that weren’t in the photo you showed the photographer, let the photographer know long before your photo shoot.

2. Tanning: Have a good, even tan all over, but don’t be sunburned red. It’s best if your face and hands are the same color as the rest of your body. Be sure you don’t have tan lines from sunglasses or jewelry. Pro Tan or similar tanning products used for bodybuilding competitions typically don’t work well for photo shoots. Don’t use tanning products with gold or silver glitter.

3. Practice: Practice flexing, especially your abs. Be able to flex your abs while smiling and without contorting your face. Know how to flex your abs without looking in a mirror. Practice facial expressions. Learn how to smile on command to make your smile look genuine. Discover how to look serious without having a blank look in your eyes.

4. Clothes: Bring a good selection and variety of clothes to your photo shoot. Don’t overdo it with all white or all black clothing. Be sure that at least some of your clothes don’t have logos or company names.

5. Facial Hair: If you are a male fitness model, ask the photographer if you should come to your photo shoot with facial hair or if you should be clean-shaven.

6. Snacks/Food: Let the photographer know what you like for snacks during your photo shoot (fruit, protein bars, coffee, etc.), especially if you have any food allergies.

7. Sleep: Get a good night’s sleep the night before your shoot. A photo shoot is a lot of work--more work than most people think. You’ll be on your feet for a long time, constantly flexing, and likely not eating at your regular intervals.

8. Shaving: If you are shaving your legs for the first time, for example, practice doing that long before your photo shoot so you can learn how to shave without nicking yourself and so you know how best to prevent razor burns and bumps.

9. Hairstyle: Come to your photo shoot with a good haircut. Ask the photographer if a hair stylist or make-up person will be at your photo shoot. Ask the photographer if he/she wants your hair to be a certain length.

10. Body Fat Percentage: Be in excellent shape! Great images come from working with the best photographers shooting the best physiques. So, make all your training, dedication and dieting pay off by being in your best shape possible for your photo shoot. But, keep in mind that if your body fat is too low your face may not photograph well. Most male fitness models shoot best somewhere between 3% and 6% body fat. Female models shoot best at slightly higher body fat percentages.

11. Skin: An hour before your shoot remove your sunglasses, watch, ball cap, and anything else that might leave a mark or indentation on your skin. Put some lip balm on your lips so they won’t be dry and chapped.

12. Schedule: Be on time for your photo shoot.

13. Cell Phones: Keep your cell phone off during your photo shoot. Use your phone before or after your shoot and during rest breaks.

At Your Photo Shoot:

1. Whenever you feel hungry at your shoot, let the photographer know. It’s better to break for a meal or snack then to shoot you when your blood sugar is low.

2. Be easy to work with. Work with the photographer to get the best possible images. Feel free to suggest shots/angles/concepts that you think would be good or know look good for you. And, be prepared to take direction from the photographer who will understand lighting and posing techniques that will help make you look your best.

3. Be humble, but confident.

4. Be professional.

5. Have fun. Photo shoots are lots of work, but also fun and rewarding.

General Tip:

Every photographer will shoot you differently, and each photographer can lead to different opportunities for you, so try to shoot with as many good photographers as possible.

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