Entry tips

Getting the Fitness Figure Look

There are various factors to consider when designing a contest or photo shoot preparation programme, as there isn’t one protocol that will work for everyone, as each person will respond to their diet and exercise programme differently. Regardless, the bottom line for everyone is to maintain an energy deficit until your body fat goal is reached.

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Tips on how to make your entry a winning one!

1. Make sure that you submit full length photographs of yourself, additional head and shoulder shots are a bonus. Send in as many photos as you like.
2. Photos do not need to be professional studio photography; standard home-shot photos are acceptable for an entry. Make sure that you do not have anything distracting in the background as the photo needs to focus entirely on you.
3. If you are submitting artistic shots such as black and white photos, make sure that you also submit a full colour unedited photo with your entry. Even though we might not publish it, we need to see your physique without artistic lighting.
4. The best thing to wear would be a bikini or an outfit where we can see your physique clearly.
5. Make sure that you are wearing adequate makeup for your photographs.6. You can enter multiple times. If you would like to re-submit your entry, feel free to send your new photos to us.
7. Ensure that you have completed the entry form completely, otherwise we can not consider it a complete entries

MODEL TIPS
Compiled by Matt Raven of IVOK STUDIO
There are no hard and fast rules of what you must and must not do before a shoot, everybody is different. IVOK STUDIO have tried to summarize some of the most popular tips into a quick reference checklist dating down from 1 week before the shoot (can begin before that of course) until shoot date. Most of the tips are pretty obvious; hopefully there are a few that you can use…

Day of the shoot:
- Eat light meals throughout the day; a shoot can require a great deal of energy.
- Wear deodorant but stay away from the white powder types which can leave stains on you and the clothing.
- If you must wear perfume then ensure it is a gentle fragrance.
- Bring along some of your own make-up and hair products, just in case the MUA (make-up artist) and/or hair stylist don’t have the enough.
- Wear loose fitting garments to avoid marks on the skin. If possible don’t wear a bra (you can put one on for the shoot if necessary), and wear a front button top to avoid messing hair and make-up.
- Take along make-up cleanser, hair clips/elastics, lip balm & eye drops (if your skin tone is especially dark or light then take along your own foundation to suit your skin colour – just in case the MUA is unprepared).
- Leave early for the shoot; try to arrive at the shoot location at least 15 minutes early (know exactly where you are going before the time). If you get lost on the way, phone the photographer immediately for assistance (before you leave be sure that you will be able to call the photographer. i.e. you have the number and call-time on your cell).
- If you are supplying the outfits then ensure they are on hangers and ironed.
- Speak openly to the photographer, let him/her understand exactly what you expect from the shoot. If you feel you have a better side or a strong feature then advise the photographer. If at any stage you feel uncomfortable with a pose or any aspect of the shoot then speak up. If you are particularly embarrassed about one aspect of your body (eg. your smile, nose, a birthmark), let the photographer know for angles and editing purposes.

Outfits to look slimmer:
- There are certain handy tips when selecting your outfits too if you want to appear slimmer. Dark colours and solid colours generally make a person appear slimmer, and it’s best if the top and bottom are the same colour. Vertical lines are slimming, such as pleats or a chain.
- Cool, neutral colours remove focus from problem areas while bright colours attract attention.
- Wear the right size outfit, tight clothing can make you look uncomfortable and unflattering.
- Avoid bulky pockets, drawstrings or flashy designs that might draw attention to the waistline.
- Heels add height and can make you appear thinner in full length photos, as well as improving calf definition.

Posing:
- The most important tip is to relax, speak freely to the photographer and say if a pose is uncomfortable or doesn’t feel natural.
- As mentioned above, practice your poses often and test which ones work for you well before the shoot date so that you become comfortable with them. If you’re still nervous then use props to help you pose if necessary.
- To appear slimmer it’s best to turn your body slightly away from the camera and rest your weight on your back foot.
- An experienced photographer will use angles that compliment your body, extreme angles generally tend to distort the image and (if done incorrectly) can appear unflattering.
- Don’t pull your head toward your body, in fact try push it forward slightly to remove the appearance of a double chin.
- Posture is important; shoulders back, chest out and stomach in, but avoid it appearing too obvious.
- Be careful not to press your arms against your body, it flattens them and makes them appear wider. Also be careful not to let your elbow “lock” (when leaning on it) to avoid appearing double jointed.
- Hold a pose until after the flash or you hear the camera shutter before moving and remember to use a variety of facial expressions unless told otherwise.

Editing:
- Be sure to use a photography studio that is respected and preferably referred to you by a friend or has a good online portfolio that you can view beforehand. Good editing can make the world of difference to an image and can make you appear slimmer and better toned.
- Avoid over editing though, images that are too “soft” or “smooth” can look fake and will not be accepted by agencies. A good photo-retoucher will remove blemishes while retaining skin detail, airbrushing should be a last resort.

Most importantly, HAVE FUN!