Advertising Photography & Client Connections

Keeping in touch, KIT, with past clients or potential clients is crucial in the world of independent photographers. “Out of sight, out of mind” really holds true in many cases. With the high number of advertising and corporate photographers out there, who do you think companies will choose? The one they used years ago and never heard from again, or the one who has kept in touch? As long as both have quality work, chances are they are going with the one with whom they’ve been in continuous contact.

There are a number of ways photographers can KIT both for commercial and lifestyle photography. First, think of the client and which method or methods will get them to remember you. Often the way to be remembered is to use a combination of options. Below are just a few easy ways to KIT.

The first option is direct postcards. Postcard mailers are most effective when received around the time photography services are actually needed. This may depend on a great deal of luck, as not everyone needs a corporate or an advertising photographer at the same time. Sending out a couple of cards a year should be enough to get you remembered. Direct the postcards to each client’s needs; don’t send a large company who needs advertising photography information on your lifestyle photography. Make the cards appropriate.

If a client has time, a portfolio interview can be great. After you get that first interview, remember with repeat interviews that no one wants to look at the same work again, so keep your portfolio updated. Showing off new work means you’ve been working and that makes a photographer more desirable.

Portfolios are so often digitalized that being able to drop one off in person is a great way to KIT. It leaves the potential client with a face to match the name. It is also a less pressure situation; no one is waiting for them to look over the photos. The best way to do this is create a list of companies and clients that would want to see your work. This can be anyone from design firms, to advertising agencies, to corporations. Remember that small companies have as much, if not more, of a need for advertising photography than the large companies.

Another option is to make phone calls. These can be awkward, but getting your name out there might be worth it. Best case scenarios are when you have a reason to call. You want to make your calls sociable and remember you aren’t selling yourself or your work, you only want to be remembered in case any photographic need come up. Most important, don’t overdo it. No one wants to feel hassled.

The final KIT idea is one of the most popular. Email your clients and potential clients. This is the cheapest and probably the least time consuming KIT idea. As with phone calls, it is best to have a reason to email. Valid reasons to email could be an updated website, new additions to your portfolio, checking up on past work, or a more sociable excuse. Use whatever fits your situation and the client.

Whatever choice you make, as a photographer you need to learn the art of KIT. The number one thing is to not overdo your marketing. Irritating clients is not your goal and if you think you might be, back off for a little while. Being remembered when someone has lifestyle or commercial photography needs is the best way to keep in business, and keep the profits coming in.

Fitness & Glamour Model Amy Barraco

Fitness Model Amy Barraco shot with Mandarich Models last week. She is a real pro. Also a glamour model, this girl can really pose & light up a room. Check out her sexy video below! To see more of Amy visit the MandarichModels.com website. Just a short little TIP for you models. Some of the models we have shot have been using body wrap patch and have been very happy with the results. Just an FYI.

Photographing Fitness Models: The Forgotten Half

Do an Internet search for ‘fitness photography’, and most likely your return will be a list of websites with beautiful, fit women. The smart photographer, looking to expand his or her female fitness photography business, will create a section in their portfolio dedicated to male fitness photography.

Photographing a male model, especially a male fitness model, offers a unique set of challenges. The best fitness photograph portrays the model as attractive, muscular, and relaxed. Putting all those elements together in a single frame, with a model that is often inexperienced, can be difficult.

In preparing for a shoot, the male fitness model needs to be well groomed. A fresh haircut will often eliminate the need for extensive post-production to get rid of flyaway hairs. It is also important to discuss whether or not the model needs to shave his face; if the finished image is intended to be ‘edgy’, a day-old beard often contributes to the effect. Most fitness models will also shave their body before a shoot, much as they would before a competition. Remind your model that if they shave their body, they need to use a soothing aftershave to eliminate bumps and redness, which are highlighted by today’s high-resolution digital cameras.

A finished male fitness image emphasizes the muscularity of the subject, which is often in contrast to the ‘fit and trim’ image we try to create with female fitness photography. In order to maximize the muscularity, the male model should come to the session after a workout, when they are at maximum pump. Being slightly dehydrated will also help emphasize their lean muscle mass. Asking the model to do a quick set of pushups and sit-ups between sets will also help their muscles photograph their best. As a photographer, don’t be afraid to ask the model to be well prepared; the finished image that you both receive depends on itl!

Perhaps the most difficult task a fitness photographer faces in undertaking male fitness photography is making the subject appear relaxed. In order the create a successful image, the model cannot appear to be straining or grimacing; male fitness images that are currently salable show a relaxed, happy model, who just happens to be incredibly fit and muscular. Any strain on the face or in the body of the subject translates as ‘I am trying too hard, and it is painful to be this fit and muscular’. Whether the male fitness image is trying to sell a supplement, a product, or a gym membership, the final image needs to convey ease and fun.

‘Ease and fun’ is not often easy with a male model! Especially if they are inexperienced, the male fitness model will want to pose as if he’s on stage in a competition. Giving the model instruction to act as if they were casually interacting with the camera can be especially helpful. His preparation before the shoot should create the appearance of lean muscle mass; no extra flexing or strain should appear on the model’s countenance or body. If the model still wants to flex and pose, giving him a prop to interact with can often distract him enough to get a great image. Props don’t have to be pre-planned; take advantage of what’s available. A cell phone, a pet, a bicycle, or even a water bottle can all create something for the model to interact with, thus distracting them from their thoughts of flexing and posing. Capture the male fitness model looking happy, relaxed, and fit, and you’ve created a winning image!

Written by Charlavan Mandarich

Photographing Fitness Models

For a variety of reasons, photographing Fitness Models is a big part of our business at Mandarich Models. Since Tony Mandarich, a former NFL player, was on the cover of Sports Illustrated, fitness models just seems to gravitate towards us. We still spend a lot of time at the gym as well, and we’re in constant contact with people in the fitness profession (as well as with fitness models). Therefore, fitness model photography has grown to be a significant division of Mandarich Media Group.

Often, fitness photography involves clients that aren’t professional models, so extra time and attention must be spent preparing these clients for the shoot. When shooting with a client who is experienced in fitness competitions but not in modeling, it is important to discuss the differences between being on stage in a competition, versus being in front of a camera. During a fitness or figure competition, models are often spray-tanned, slathered in baby oil, dehydrated and caked in overly-dramatic makeup. In front of the camera, the same person needs to have a nice natural tan, professional hair and makeup (not overdone!), and be well-hydrated so as to be able to spend 2-4 hours in front of the camera. Women should have a manicure and pedicure, and men should pay attention to their hands and feet as well. Since fitness photography often focuses on specific body parts, attention to the small details can be more helpful to a fitness model than it is to many other types of models.

Another important part of planning a fitness model shoot is the theme and wardrobe. Often such a client has a stage wardrobe that they use for their competitions, which may or may not be effective in front of the camera. I suggest having the client bring several outfits that we can go over together, and decide which is going to work best considering the type of final product we are seeking. Loud colors and bright patterns should generally be avoided, as well as any other clothing or accessories that detract from the fit body being photographed. Unless you’re shooting a fashion client, the motto for wardrobe and background should be “K.I.S.S” (keep it simple, stupid!).

If you’re not shooting in studio, a fitness client may want shots that emphasize their level of activity. Be prepared to hike, bicycle, or swim to ‘get the shot’ for a fitness model. If you have access to a gym before or after hours, they will often be interested in letting you use the gym as a set if you’re willing to provide finished images in trade. Be prepared, though, to show your liability insurance! If you don’t have access to a gym, consider having an assistant drive you as you shoot out of a moving vehicle as the model runs, cycles, or rollerblades… not many photographers are willing to literally ‘go the extra mile’, and your fitness client will be thrilled that you understand what is important to them.

When shooting in studio, we like to use dramatic lighting with fitness models. One strobe, positioned at a dramatic angle, can really make the muscles on a fitness client ‘pop’. One of my favorite shots that I’ve ever taken was with a male fitness client, using only one strobe, positioned slightly in front and above the model. The definition in his abdominal muscles was highlighted by the deep shadows created by the direction of the light. This image also adheres to the K.I.S.S. philosophy; simple background, simple wardrobe, one light… and an amazing finished image!