I get asked a number of questions over and over related to photography, photographers and modeling in the fitness industry. I’ll be sharing my thoughts on this topic and answer some of the questions I often get. Keep in mind, this is just my opinion and what I’ve found through my experience in the industry. I don’t claim to be the best photographer or know everything. Opinions are like… well we all know how that saying goes, however I am basing my opinions around my experience and absorbing information from others who I respect and admire in the fitness industry.
A topic that comes up time and time again is shooting with photographers and specifically what many refer to as “schmotographers”. Many people take offense to the term “schmo” and I’ve been called it myself a time or three. Do I consider myself one? No, but again I guess it’s a matter of opinion and how you define one. I could careless what someone calls me as I’ve been called far worse. My definition of a “schmotographer” is an individual who has little or no art/photography background, buys a fairly expensive camera (although not necessary), and enjoys taking pictures/videos of people with muscles. Most of these individuals are men however there are some women who do it as well. Do you need to attend an art school or study photography to take good photographs? Absolutely not. Many photographers have no formal training and take amazing shots. Many people refer to it as having “a good eye”. Which in lamest terms means some people have the ability to compose and frame a photo that is aesthetically pleasing while many others cannot. Some people learn how to do this through formal training while others have it naturally. I would say 98% of the “schmotographers” do not have a good eye. Anyone can take a photo, especially with digital technology advancing every day. Good photographers create images. There is a very distinct difference between taking a photo and creating an image. When you look at a photo you get some type of emotion from it. A number of things come into play that create an emotional connection through that photo… composition, color, lighting, style, wardrobe and more. I’ll touch on those specifics at a later date. If the photographer is good you will get a much different feel from the photo than if it is someone simply snapping a photo.
I’m asked by women on a weekly and sometimes daily basis if they should shoot with whom many would deem, a schmotographer. Every one is different and each individual has their own goals in mind by wanting to do a photo shoot. That applies to both the sides of the lense. Some women do photo shoots because it makes them feel sexy and confident. It’s flattering when someone contacts you and wants to take your picture and in the process promises you the moon. That doesn’t mean you should jump at the request. The “model” has her own goals by wanting to have photos taken as does the individual taking them. So what do I say to the women when asked about shooting – schmotographer or not?
I ask women this:
• What are your goals with your competitive and non-competitive career – short and long term?
• Do you have aspirations of being published in print?
• Are you a bodybuilder or a figure/fitness competitor?
• Have you met this person and looked at their work?
• Have you talked with someone you know and trust, that has worked with them?
Those are the initial questions. I’ll get into my personal feelings on those questions in the next segment. There are many, many topics within this area to discuss. I will begin to dissect them over the next few days/weeks. I’ll also provide insight from some of the fitness industry’s best as well as get opinions from the “schmotographers”. Keep in mind I am not trying to belittle or degrade anyone by calling them a schmotographer. I don’t think I am a better than anyone else, however I am in a position to educate and share information that many feel is helpful. Do with it what you will and in the end we all make our own decisions. My goal is to help provide hardbody.com readers with more information so they make educated decisions when it comes to their fitness careers on and off stage. If you have any specific questions or comments you’d like addressed in this series please email me at isaac @ hardbody.com or post in the comments field.
