James Patrick Photography is giving out a variety of prizes related to this blog post including:
– PHOTO SHOOT WITH JAMES PATRICK
– COPY OF FIT MODEL GUIDE E-BOOK
– FREE ENTRANCE INTO FITPOSIUM 2015
– ONE-HOUR PHONE CONSULTATION
To enter and qualify here is what must happen.
– You must be subscribed to this blog, which is free to do on my website if you are not already. Note, if you are receiving this in your e-mail, you are already subscribed.
– You must post a COMMENT on this blog answering the question below.
Several winners will be selected for the various prizes above!
THE QUESTION TO ANSWER
If you were to start your business today as a model or entrepreneur in the talent industry, what one thing would you do differently or what is the main thing you would keep the same?
I look forward to your responses! Winners to be announced on or before October 1st.
James Patrick
jamespatrick.com
IG @jpatrickphoto
I am not currently a model but I have aspirations and dreams to be a fitness model in the future. I am a Figure/Physique competitor and personal trainer with hopes of earning my pro card as well as opening my gym. I have a lot of dreams in the fitness industry.
The one thing I would change is the use unqualified personnel. It is something I am seeing everywhere; models, sponsors, trainers. There is a difference in offering someone an amazing opportunity because you see potential in them and offering someone a job because it saves money. There are people who have gone through an incredible weight loss transformation, made it to Nationals, or even received a pro card who are now personal trainers and coaches with no other qualifications. They provide generic plans that are more affordable than something I would offer. I value my work. I have a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology with emphasis Exercise Physiology. I have certifications. And yet business is taken away by the less qualified, cheaper plans. It is not only bad for me, but for the clients and industry. It is the same with models. Many IG models who have many followers, possibly purchased followers, but are not actually models. People who master photoshop, people who offer “promotion” for services make it all a very cloudy process. It is difficult to find the proper way to build a portfolio, get quality images, improve and become a model.
That is what I would change. I would like to help clean up the industry so that the qualified professionals are at the top and there is an understood path on how to become a professional.
Put myself out there more! The fear of rejection has been something I’ve struggled with but it’s inevitable in this business. No’s make you stronger and realize where you could improve.
I will remain me being authentic, grounded and inspiring others to reach for their passions. Live life.
I’m just starting to get back into shape and my goals are to get into the industry and make a name for myself because I love it and want to help others
I’d love to change everyone’s view on what a fitness models life is like…not enough people post the struggles and how they achieve success with life going on as well.
I’d love to put in some humility and humor đ
I for sure would have worked with more professional photographers early on. I’m glad I got my feet with with TFP photographers but the photos are basically worthless now because the quality was so low. Investing in talented photographers is worth every penny, without a doubt.
I also wouldn’t have been so obsessed with sponsorships as nobody told us you almost never get money. It’s usually free product and that’s about it. Building your own brand and finding a way to make money isn’t utilizing it is the BEST way to make money in this industry.
As model I would like to bring an awareness to all, to focus on loving ourselves for who we are. Focus less on looking perfect and living our short mortal life out to the fullest. Embracing ourselves and all of our qualities that make us unique and original. We all bring something special to the table and we need to celebrate and own that. In the industry today I see alot of people going through cosmetic surgeries to become the “ideal” model, rather than saying “I’m beautiful, strong and confident.” I have nothing against cosmetic surgeries it just saddens me to see girls in their 20’s going ‘under the knife’ to attain a certain look. If I went through with some of the cosmetic surgeries I thought about when I was younger i would be disappointed with myself today. I love me for me! Am i perfect? Heck no but i am content and not willing to change me to please somebody elses standard of beauty! Who defined and decided what beautiful is anyway?
Being a model I believe that comes with the title of being a ‘role model,’ someone people look up to. To me a role model is someone we look up to based on actions and not on looks!
I struggled with low self confidence through high school, and didn’t have the correct information for proper health and fitness, in return doing unhealthy things to my body. My hope is to create a guide with workouts and nutrition info so women/girls have the CORRECT info, but along with that have a personal development guide. So many enter into their health and fitness journey in a place of insecurities, and this would be part of the program to help change the mindset while also their body and life.
The one thing I would change is to let people realize I do things outside of fitness, such as my job, family, etc. I would want people to know that you can still be fit while enjoying your every day life and it is not just people who do it as a career that can be fit.
The one thing I wouldn’t change is now a lot of fitness people are easily accessible by email or media accounts. They are willing to answer people’s questions either personally or on their accounts.
If I were to start my business today, I would hire someone to make an exceptional website for me as well as handle all social media for my business. I would definitely still keep women as my primary audience, avoiding jobs/shoots that are overly sexy, and focusing on health and fitness.
One thing I would change about my fitness journey…. would be to get involved with a fitness cause from the start. I used to feel a huge push to get my physique perfect and win competitions. NOW…. I know the body is only one aspect of a fitness or commercial talent. Everyone looks pretty good, in the fitness industry, what stands out is people who are charitable and have a great story to tell.
Some things I would keep the same….. is being a FAN. There are so many people I looked up to when I first entered into training and fit modeling. I often tell people that I admire the way they do things or how they inspired me. Also, I always try to thank coaches, federations, agencies, photographers and publications that have helped me. I want to continue to do more praise of people doing good things in the fitness industry.
I would start the new business about how fitness models/athletes/trainers need to incorporate more sprinting. And how to practice proper form. Teach people about periodized training.
To answer the question…if I had to do it all over again, I would have jumped on Instagram as soon as it came out. I would focus on my social media presence and consistency with marketing myself. Assuring that I’m getting as much content and work as a possibly can. I would love to shoot with you someday! Love your work!
Hi James!
First of all thank you so much for doing this contest, and giving us the opportunity to win a shoot with you! I love that you’re challenging us to really think about our place in the industry, and how we can make a unique path where there might not already be one.
If I were to start my career today as a model or entrepreneur in the talent industry, hands down the number one thing that I would do differently is to actively promote the importance of acquiring and maintaining a strong, sound MIND to go along with a strong, fit body. Only in recent years have I really learned the importance of this and how it can transform your entire life.
Throughout my life I have suffered from eating disorders, as so many others in the industry, and I also began having severe anxiety/panic attacks following a traumatic miscarriage a few years ago. All of these things are a result of an unhealthy mind, and it wasn’t until I began putting great effort into improving what I focused my thoughts on that my life truly changed. I began following positive blogs, social media pages and reading books on self improvement. In addition, I began really focusing on increasing my physical strength in the gym. Physical strength directly correlates to mental strength in my opinion, and I definitely experienced that first hand. By combining my efforts in the gym with my efforts in self-improvement, I was finally able to obtain the strong, fit body I had always wanted. While I love the physical changes, the mental changes have been far more life-changing for me, and I believe could be for so many others as well. Many who are overweight, unhealthy and generally unhappy are struggling with something internal that is far more important to get to the bottom of than any amount of time on a treadmill could fix. I believe that if more people would start there FIRST, then the physical changes would be more of an added bonus.
Unfortunately, negative self-image, low self esteem, and feelings of being “not good enough” are rampant in the talent industry. Many look at pictures of fitness models and think that they live an incredibly healthy life. While I believe many do, I know that there are many others who are struggling mentally, and this can’t be captured in a photograph. This is why I feel so strongly about the importance of promoting the issue of working on your mind just as much as your body. It can truly change the lives of so many!
In conclusion, while I believe that a strong, physical look is important to be successful in this industry, I also feel extremely passionate about the importance of a strong mind to truly embody the image of “health”. So many of us struggle mentally, most in silence, with some sort of issue. I believe that we need to have the courage to bring the issues to light, and blanket eachother with encouragement (not judgement) when we do. Facing our fears, anxieties and feelings of inadequacy head on is truly the only way to overcome them. Using my public platform in the industry to help others do just that is the number one thing that I would do differently than most others are currently doing.
Thank you, James, for this very unique opportunity! I so appreciate it, and regardless of the outcome, I hope to be able to shoot with you one day in some capacity!
Sincerely,
Stephanie Willke
Thanks for this awesome contest! It has always been a dream to shoot with you!! We have chatted on several dates, but could never make it work!
I actually think that most things need to be changed about the fitness industry. I have been to all the large events, shot with photographers, competed, and met the top of the top. Unfortunately, most of the highly regarded in the fitness industry are not who represent health and fitness. I have seen extreme measures, drugs, and more non healthy lifestyles than healthy. I would want to lift people up in the industry, who are true role models. Who have integrity, drive, a love and passion for health that truly want to help others achieve success…. instead of just taking selfies. xx dayna
If I were able to start my own business (and model – this applied to both) tomorrow in the talent industry, I would go back to the basics. Back before social media ruled the world. I would focus on developing relationships. Shaking hands. Picking up a phone to talk, not just shorthand text. Allowing my personality to be a part of my whole “package” that I offer as a business and model.
While technology has come a long way for individuals and businesses for the better, I believe it has also become a tool that allows us to become disconnected.
Picking up a phone for an actual conversation that includes a voice on the other end of the line has become rare. Instead, we focus on the quick, shorthand texts. And often information is missed or misunderstood because of this. Call me old school at the younger age of 28, but I still prefer to meet people in person and smile and shake hands. Although, if technology need be involved, at least Skype or Facetime. Have a personal conversation, see facial expressions, understand tone, get a feel for personality.
I think the world of Instagram fame is among us. Without a certain amount of followers, people are overlooked and are of no use to businesses and their marketing efforts. However, followers can be bought. People can be fake. What they post in pictures may not accurately portray how they look in person (a la Instagram filters) or what their personality traits are.
Don’t get me wrong. I post on Instagram daily. I think technology is wonderful and allows for several business opportunities and growth. However, I also think that developing relationships is of equal importance and is just as beneficial for clients and businesses.
Thank you, James, for creating this unique opportunity. Yet another reason that you continue to be in the limelight, so well respected, and seen as a leader in this very competitive industry.
If I were to start a business today as a model or entrepreneur in the talent industry, one thing I would you do differently is to bring more awareness to the prevalence of eating disorders among this population & to let people know they don’t have to suffer in silence. While many are familiar with Anorexia and Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is not as readily recognized as it is a newer diagnosis. I had suffered with this much of my life but wasn’t officially diagnosed until 2010. I wasn’t even aware that it was actually an eating disorder until that time. After talking to so many within the industry, I know the struggle is REAL and can relate to so many with the feelings of guilt, shame, lack of self-love, sadness, and negative body image that result from BED. It took becoming healthy in mind and body to overcome the disorder, and I know others can experience this too!
If someone feels like they might be struggling with the same disorder, one should seek professional help for the appropriate diagnosis. I personally, had had enough and wanted help! Thatâs a big piece of it. They have to WANT to change! One can seek out a cognitive behavioral therapist who specializes in binge eating disorder. This form of therapy, in addition to Interpersonal psychotherapy and Dialectical behavior therapy, are recognized as successful modes of treating this disease. One can also contact a nutritionist who has experience working with those who have binge eating disorder, and encourage relapse prevention.
An eating disorder is never about the food per say. And I later learned that I was looking for another emotional need to be met by the food, thus resulting in a binge. While the road won’t always be easy, this disorder does not have to define who they are. It’s molded me into the individual that I am today and has showed me how STRONG I really am. My hope is that by bringing more awareness to Binge Eating Disorder, we will be able to help even just one person who is struggling in silence. They need to know that there is hope, that there is help out there, and that they WILL get better.
Much gratitude to you again, James! I am very appreciative for this opportunity. Keep up the great work!
Many Thanks,
Tawny Clark
What a wonderful question! This defenitly is something to think about since I have started my new job at an athletic facility as a head coach and personal trainer. Since I have started, I have approached the opportunity with a new pair of glasses. Modeling has been my whole life. But it came with many struggles. Now that I’ve started at MBX Athletics, I have used those struggles and failures as a fire to fuel my ability to be as helpful as I can.
I have so many mentors who have given me tools to use to help me catapult my business. James, your blogs and assistance has defenitly guided me on how to market myself and brand myself not only as a fitness model, but an individual business. I’ve had teachers at CSUN who have helped me learn how to take risk and make quick decisions about an opportunity which may help me. I’ve have direction from IFBB Pros about training, proper nutrition, and self appreciation. I am part of a program which has helped me learn to take accountability in my struggles and learn how to make it up in my work. I have learned how to have a strong work ethic from many successful people I have learned to listen to with patience.
All of these qualities I didn’t have before I started my journey in the fitness industry. All qualities I wished I utilized during the very beginning of my modeling career. But because I trudged through many failures I was able to learn from my mistakes.
Many of these qualities are things I would want to change from what I have done in the past. These qualities are what I apply today. But one thing I would never change is being a mentor for those who follow behind me. I’ve always been a part of my community. I especially enjoy reaching out to children and adults with self esteem issues and body image issues. My future goal is to make sure that I maintain a positive self-image for young girls and women around the world.
Hi James,
Waking up and seeing this question was a wonderful thing to see for me personally this morning. This past year for me alone has been a whirlwind to put it best. One year ago, I was the introverted unknown girl who had two goals: To prove to myself that I could get in the best shape of my life and rock the Fitness Universe stage for the fun of it and the experience. I also had this childhood dream of hoping to be discovered and end up in the pages of a magazine. Both happened and I am grateful for all of the opportunities that I have been blessed with in just under a year.
What started out as a blast for me and I was truly honored with all of the support I was getting personally as well as through social media, ended up also causing me to feel lonely, sad and depressed to the point that I had contemplated taking my life this summer. As a person who knows people are watching and cheering me on there is a small percentage of people who are watching for me to mess something up, take advantage of me or send me messages that are hurtful, messages from people hiding behind keyboards and bullying me.
Each day, I post inspirational messages to give others hope, well wishes, posts about fitness, nutrition and how to love yourself. I wasn’t practice what I was preaching. I let the few remarks, the bullies get to me so bad that I sank into a depression so bad, I just wanted to find a way to have the pain I was experiencing personally, just go away.
I knew that I needed help so I walked away from what I was doing and took time for myself to get back to where I needed to be.
I am back, but this time around, I am not going to allow people who don’t even know me, my intentions or story get to me any longer.
I am a survivor of many things including a marriage that I had to run from so that I didn’t end up dead. If I can survive that, I can take on anything that I am handed, including people hiding behind their computers acting like jerks.
This past year, I left my job in IT of nine years to start my own business, to help women with PTSD as a result of assault and abuse. I want to use my experience of gaining weight and taking my life back to help, work with and inspire. I want this to turn into a platform that will allow me to travel and speak with women and teens one on one or in a large forum. I have a love of sharing my love of nutrition and fitness with others. I have been a personal trainer and want to continue that as well as implement it into an actual business. In all reality, I am not looking to get rich or life a lavish life. I find more satisfaction in seeing people smile and laugh, when they find peace within themselves and see the results coming from the inside out.
Having a second chance, all change must start from the inside before it can be seen on the outside. Not only myself, but us women need to lift one another up, not beat one another down. Self love, empowerment, health, and how to stay in that place is now my personal mission.
Thank You for the opportunity,
Sarah
James,
I have been following your work and your blog now for about a year. You have done such an incredible job promoting us fitness models who are working hard! I appreciate you and can’t wait to meet you one of these days… đ
Thank you for asking these questions! After being in this industry for over 5 years now, I have met so many amazing people, and I have been blessed to have the best coaches in this business – coaches who do it right – who are motivating their clients to re-tune their bodies in a healthy, sustainable way. That’s the number 1 thing I believe in and luckily got it right the first time. Ask around, look at those who are walking the walk, who radiate health, inspiration and depth. This is about so much more than having a hot body and trying to win a competition. This is about doing it with people you trust, doing it in a way that you don’t become a diva/monsters, and doing it in a way that you are HAPPY!!!!! It should not be a painful process, but unfortunately, I am witness to so many women who are frustrated, deprived, in poor health or unhappy because they lack the support system and leadership to do it right.
Peace all! May you all find the right teachers, trainers, guides in this journey.
~ Rah
If I were to start my business today as a model or entrepreneur in the talent industry, the main thing I would keep the same is my reason for pursuing it in the first place.
When I picked up my first fitness magazine I was infatuated by the physique of the male cover model, but as it sat out on prominent display in my bedroom, I realized it was the aura surrounding him that I really wanted. There was this feeling that the guy had it all, like he was on top of the world. It’s that motivated me to work hard every day, not only in the gym building my version of that body, but in the other areas of my life: school, sports, and relationships with friends and family.
I’ve always been moved by images. Sure, I wanted to soak up all of the information inside that magazine’s pages, but after I read through once, it was was the symbolism of that magazine sitting out that that kept me going early on. Eventually, it got piled under dozens of other publications and images, where quantity took over the concept of quality in my pursuits. I started to make some spending money with a local talent agency and did commercial modeling for things I had no interest in, but hey, it was a paycheck, so I’m thought to myself, “I guess I’m ‘making it’, right?”.
As I’ve gotten further into the industry and have seen the goings-on behind the scenes, I’ve become turned off by a lot of the politics, people, and competition. I think that as anything moves further away from passion towards a redundant means to a paycheck, the less fulfillment and the less motivation there tends to be with whatever you’re doing. It wasn’t until I was recently going through some old drawers in process of moving to my new apartment that I uncovered that first fitness magazine of mine. Instantly, I was taken back to the mindset of my original goal of being on the cover of a fitness magazine. This time, it wasn’t because I thought if I did, I’d be the guy who was on top of the world and have the girl hanging off his arm; it’d be the self confirmation that I did it, based purely on the hard work and persistence it took me to get there. The money, the girl, the newsstands: none of it would matter. I wouldn’t even need to do another. For me, it wouldn’t be a flash in the pan or a first step towards superstardom; it would be my reaching the pinnacle.
In losing sight of that initial seed of motivation, I lost passion, and one thing I’ve really pulled from James’ blog is that if you don’t have passion, you don’t have much. So, that would be the one thing I’d keep the same moving forward: my passion and end goal, even if it’s not seen as ‘successful’ in the eyes of the industry.
_BP
Hello James,
Firstable, Thank you so much for doing this and giving us this opportunity. If I were able to start my caree as a model or my own business tomorrow I’ll keep the PASSION and love I have for health and fitness, but I’ll emphasize and promote on having strong mind and beautiful personality.
Having lived overseas for 10 years I’ve learned and experienced the differences between cultures and now, back to my home country (Spain), I’m facing how different (and sometimes hard) is for me to be a fitness & vegan athlete. Not everyone understands (and sometimes arguments) why I’m vegan, why do I work out that much, why do I do photos, etc. Still though, it is my passion and something I believe and live every day hoping one day to be an inspiration for many others to take care of their health and body.
Hello James,
Thank you so much for giving us aspiring fitness models the opportunity to win one of these four valuable prizes!
Regarding your question: I am an aspiring fitness model and entrepreneur. I am very unsure of the proper avenue to take in order to best “get myself out there” while being able to present myself as who I truly am. I do not want to just take “any job that come to me” its making sure I can accurately represent myself and motivate as many people as possible to a healthy, active lifestyle as I can. I truly feel this industry is meant to inspire others and show everyone that it’ not just for people who “are in the magazines” anyone can change and reach their fitness goals! So, one thing I would like to continue to do the same and aspire to in my fitness modeling aspirations is to continue to motivate and inspire anyone I can.
Thanks James!
Things I would do differently:::
Photography/Marketing/Social Mediaâ
These topics are HUGE nowadays to really âmake itâ in this industry. If money was not an object, I would get the best photographer to market me as a multi-faceted person: as an athlete, bodybuilder, trainer, mentor, friend, and most importantly a normal person like everyone else. The media nowadays portrays women as stick skinny with flawless skin, or ripped and perfect physique. Everyone knows this is not the norm, but society canât help but gravitate toward this. Continuing the theme of limitless funds, I will then hire a social media manager to keep up with the current trends, hashtags, and best ways to market myself and my business.
âCommunityâ
There are so many local businesses in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area, I would love to get connected to them all. I love the concept of small businesses helping small business grow and be successful. Coupling this along with myself as a local athlete will help build my brand on a greater scale. If I had an unlimited supply of time, I would do this by attending local events, expos, races, seminars, etc. and volunteer at however many local business functions as possible.
Things I wouldnât change:::
Be true to myself and others. Always be open minded and willing to learn. Strive to motivate and inspire everyone I come in contact with, and push everyone to their full potential. So many people don’t know what their capable of, and it is my goal to allow people to realize how much the can really do!
I would make it easier to find reputable photographers that can actually publish the work you two did. I would also make interactions with photographers and potential magazine editors to discuss what they are looking for. Something I wouldn’t change is my promotional efforts online using social media to encourage women to be healthy and fit with a more balanced approach. I’m sure someday a magazine will recognize my efforts of promoting health and wellness that I would get exposure as a positive role model.