Page 163 - Demo

www.MOSTmag.com || FITNESS MAG A ZINE || 163Light Room and I make sure the job is edited down to the best shots. I adjust white balance and exposure if I have to, then the retouching comes. I spend anywhere from 10 minutes to 40 minutes on a photo I retouch. It depends on the model and what needs to be done on the image. FFM: How would you compare the retouching process in fitness photography compared to other styles, such as fashion? Do you feel you have developed your own style of retouching? ES: I think retouching for fashion would be different. Most of the time a fashion model is young and her skin is still flawless, so there is not lot to retouch on her. Some of the fitness models are a little bit older and also usually wear a spray tan, which can often take a lot of correction. I guess we can say that I developed my own style in the retouching, however I really just go by the feel, there are no rules in what I do except the basic must do%u2019s.FFM: In your opinion what makes a photo amazing and stand out from the rest, in terms of retouching as well as the photography style?ES: In terms of retouching the more natural the better of course, unless the goal is to create something crazy. I used to over-do it a little %u2026 I made skins really plastic. In photography what%u2019s important is great lighting, good composition, good styling and art direction, good angles, and a hot model. But all this can go to waste if the model doesn%u2019t pose well or cannot deliver the expressions we are looking for.FFM: When did you develop your interest in fitness photography, and what inspired you the most to go in that direction? ES: I do shoot many other style not strictly fitness, but yes, fitness models and nutrition companies are my main clientele. I also shoot a lot of boudoir, glamour, beauty and fashion along with some catalogue work. I also get hired for lots of personal portraits too like family, engagement and pregnancy sessions. But when I started shooting I wasn%u2019t exactly sure which genre of photography I would specialize in. I was basically shooting everything and a lot of bikini and glam, until one day a famous fitness model asked me to shoot her. I have to give her credit; it was Ava Cowan. She is very big on social media and credited my work when she posted our pictures. All of a sudden I was getting inquiries to shoot from countless fitness models. Basically I was pulled into the fitness and, which I enjoy very much.FFM: What are some tips you could give our readers with aspirations of making a career out of modeling, in terms of their preparation?ES: The most important thing is to practice. Practice posing in front of the mirror, shoot with many different photographers (but the good ones, you will not learn much from beginners.) And analyze your photos to see what works and what doesn%u2019t work. FFM: How would you recommend models to go about finding the best fitness photographers, and what are the most important things they should look for?ES: It%u2019s just like with any other photographers, they have to look at their portfolio. Depending what the model is seeking, there are many different photographers with different styles.FFM: Has your own modeling experience helped you to pose your subjects in fitness, and how so?ES: I did have to adjust. Since I was a commercial/bikini/fashion model I had to learn what type of posing is best when shooting a fitness model. I actually learned a lot from certain famous and experienced fitness models who I shot. >>>