The Baja Grill Photoshoot

A few weeks ago, I had a photoshoot at the Baja Grill. The shoot involved a team of the following pretty cool people: Ian Simpson of IMS FotoGrafix, talented Trisha Sidhu the make-up artist, and beautiful Andrea Pasutti (the other model I was working with).










Cheers,
Aviva :)

Merry Christmas!!

Wishing a Merry Christmas to my readers :)

Photos by Ian Simpson

What's In a Name? by JP Erickson

This article was written by JP Erickson, a fitness photographer whose work appeared in Oxygen Magazine, Fame Magazine, Muscle & Fitness, Pro Wrestling Illustrated, MuscleMag International, Women’s Physique World, Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness and more. It is copyright of JP Erickson has been reposted here with his permission.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Should you use a model alias or your real name when doing shoots?

Let's start with the premise that whatever direction you choose to go, be consistent. Remember: You're creating a product or brand, said product being you the model. If fans and industry people can't find that product on the store shelves, you're not doing your job.

If you do one shoot with your real name, the next with an alias and the following shoot with yet another alias, you're confusing the matter. Make your choice; practice consistency.

I strongly recommend using a model alias. There are multiple reasons for making this choice.

As a fitness model, your product is your physique. In this business, a sexy hard body sells. When you're showing off that hard body, some of your shoots will feature minimal clothing.

You may be fine with that image, but there will always be people that are far less accepting of this than you are. This could be anyone from your employer to family members. An alias in the model world gives you an extra layer of privacy in the real world.

The person you are today might be quite different from the person you will be five years from now. Right now, the spotlight might be great, but what happens if you need more anonymity in the future? Creating a model alias provides you with extra options in the future.

One of the major reasons why the web is a superior vehicle to print is that once you publish something on the web, it keeps working to bring you exposure long after a print piece dies. Excellent when you want the exposure, but should you ever decide to change directions, your published web material awaits discovery by anyone curious enough to Google your name. Again, a model alias provides you with that extra security should you decide to take a different direction with your life.

If you compete, you can create a model alias and compete under that name. From a marketing standpoint, this is the best strategy as it's going to give you maximum exposure for your product, that product being you.

If you're unsure, start by using your first name only as your model alias. Better to err on the side of caution than start with your real name and then attempt to undo what's been done. Keep in mind that once your name is out there, it's there for the world to see.

If you're going to create a model alias, you need to put some thought into your name. Look at it from the perspective of naming a new product. You want something that is easy to remember and easy to pronounce. Avoid cutesy sounding names. People might call you buff and people might call you hot, but Buff Hottie as your model name likely isn't a good choice.

Once you've selected potential candidates, the next step is research. Google your name and make certain you haven't selected one that belongs to an adult star or mass murderer. As important, make sure the corresponding URL is available so that you can purchase the domain name to go with your model alias. This is the first step in building your product and something we will explore in future articles.

There you have it - a new name and product waiting for you to take it to market.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would like to thank JP for sharing this article. You can view more information and articles on his website, Muscle Model 101


Cheers,
Aviva :)

How to Enjoy Food During the Holidays Without Worrying About Weight Gain

Now that the holiday season is here, you are probably being invited to many gatherings that involve delicious food. Turkeys, stuffing, red wine, prime rib steaks, cakes, candies, chocolates, and other deserts are on your mind.

Additionally, there seems to be no time for exercise as you are going from one party that revolves around amazing food to another. At the same time, you are doing your last minute shopping, cooking, and more.

The holiday season is a time where people usually take a break from their diet and exercise regimens. That's fine. However, to make it easier for you to deal with the holidays, here are a few tips on how you can enjoy the season, eat the food you like and still maintain your ideal weight.

1. Don't deprive yourself of delicious foods. If you want that piece of cake, go ahead and have a small piece. If you keep depriving yourself, eventually you will end up binging, and that is worse for you than having a small piece when you really want it.

2. Control your portions. You can have a taste of every delicious food item on your friend's party table, but there is no need to go for seconds or thirds.

3. Stay hydrated. Drinking water or tea curbs your hunger, which will help you keep your portions under control when it comes time to eat.

4. Make exercise a part of your holiday routine with your friends and family. For example, instead of sitting and watching a movie, go for a nice walk downtown where you can enjoy window shopping and sharing the festivities with other people. Exercise can also help you deal with the stress of the holiday season.

5. Eat slower. When you eat slower, you savour the taste of that yummy food, and eating slower also keeps you from overeating because you get full sooner.

6. Don't skip meals. You might think that skipping breakfast and lunch because you were invited to come to a large turkey dinner is a good idea, but such thought can backfire because when you are very hungry, you will eat more than you intend to. Ultimately, you will end up taking in more calories in that one meal than you would have if you had eaten your breakfast and lunch.

7. Don't eat junk foods like chips. Chips are filled with trans fat and empty calories. If you must have something "bad", have a small piece of your favorite holiday treat. You will be happier, as opposed to blowing your caloric budget on junk food that you can eat all-year-round.

8. Control your intake of liquid calories. Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and other beverages can rack up the calories very quickly if you are not careful. Try limiting your alcoholic drinks to only one or maybe two. As for soft drinks, skip them.

9. If there are vegetables and fruit at the party, eat those first. Fruits and vegetables are delicious, healthy, and they can help keep your cravings down.

10. Aim to maintain your weight, as opposed to dieting. The holiday season is probably the worst time of the year to start dieting, and besides diets don't last, but healthy eating habits do.

Happy Holidays!
Aviva :)

The Art of Gift Giving: 100 gift ideas for people who like Photography, Modeling, Fashion, and Fitness

Are you out of ideas of what to get your friends, family, and acquaintances for the holidays?

When deciding what types of gifts to give people, a couple of things have to be considered:

1. Your budget. You can't spend your whole month's salary on gifts...well, I mean you could if you really wanted to and I'm sure your friends/family would really love you for it (they do anyways).

2. What they like...such as their hobbies, favorite books, etc. For example, if your friend likes fitness, you can't get him/her a World Of Warcraft game membership and expect them to be satisfied with the gift, although they won't show their disappointment.

In this post, I am going to talk about some gift ideas for those who are interested in photography, modeling, fashion, and fitness.

BOOKS:They are pretty inexpensive, and people love to read about stuff that interests them. A good book is something that your friend can keep, refer to, and pass on to others when they are done reading it. There is a huge selection of books on Amazon. Take a look at some of them and see if they interest you or someone you know.

Photography:1. The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby
Scott Kelby has a great reputation in the photographic world, and therefore his work is worth paying attention to.

2. Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera by Bryan Peterson

3. True Confessions of Nude Photography: A step-by-step guide to recruiting beautiful models, lighting, photographing nudes, post-processing images, and maybe even getting paid to do it. by A.K. Nicholas
If you know someone who is into art nude photography, this book is worth a read. It talks about techniques, how to get the good photos, and how to find models who are willing to shoot nude.

4. Life: A Journey Through Time by Frans Lanting...if you enjoy looking at beautiful photographs and want to be inspired. Frans Lanting is amazing, and seeing his work will inspire photographers to perfect their craft.

5. Lighting Techniques for Photographing Model Portfolios: Strategies for Digital Photographers by Billy Pegram
Includes photographs, tips, techniques, and much more from the amazing photographer Billy Pegram.

6. Christopher Grey's Studio Lighting Techniques for Photography: Tricks of the Trade for Professional Digital Photographers by Christopher Grey

7. The Complete Photographer by Tom Ang

8. The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos by Michael Freeman.

9. Complete Digital Photography, Fifth Edition by Ben Long

10. Outdoor Glamour Photography: The Complete Digital Guide to Taking Successful Outdoor Glamour Photographs by Bill Lemon


Modeling:1. Almost 5'4" by Isobella Jade
This is a story about a short model who took charge of her own career and the persistence that it took overcome her setbacks, from going homeless, to landing gigs with Macy's and Victoria's Secret, this book will inspire young women who are passionate about modeling.

2. Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior by Isobella Jade

3. Break into Modeling for Under $20 by Judy Goss

4. How to Become a Successful Commercial Model: The Complete Commerical Modeling Cookbook by Aaron Marcus

5. The Professional's Guide to Modeling by Roger Talley

6. Complete Guide for Models: Inside Advice from Industry Pros for Fashion Modeling by Jenni Bidner

7. Your Modeling Career: You Don't Have to Be a Superstar to Succeed

8. The Business of Professional Modeling by Hannah Weston

9. 500 Poses for Photographing Women: A Visual Sourcebook for Portrait Photographers by Michelle Perkins

10. Model: A Memoir by Cheryl Diamond


Fitness:1. 101 Workouts for Women: Everything You Need to Get a Lean, Strong and Fit Physique by Muscle & Fitness Hers

2. The AbSmart Fitness Plan: The Proven Workout to Lose Inches and Strengthen Your Core Without Straining Your Back by D.C. Adam Weiss

3. Body for Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength by Bill Phillips

4. Eating For Life by Bill Phillips

5. Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running: The Best Advice to Get Started, Stay Motivated, Lose Weight, Run Injury-Free, Be Safe, and Train for Any Distance by Dagny Scott Barrios

6. The Butt Book: How to Build a Non-Cellulite and Fat-Free Butt in 9 Weeks by Tosca Reno

7. Transformation: The Mindset You Need. The Body You Want. The Life You Deserve by Bill Phillips

8.Keeping Fitness Simple: 500 Tips for Fitting Exercise into Your Life by Porter Shimer

9. Women's Weight Training and Bodybuilding Tips and Routines (The Best of Joe Weider's Muscle and Fitness) by Weider

10. The Jennifer Nicole Lee Fitness Model Diet: JNL's Super Fitness Model Secrets To A Sexy, Strong, Sleek Physique by fitness celebrity Jennifer Nicole Lee

11. The Mind, Body & Soul Diet: Your Complete Transformational Guide to Health, Healing & Happiness by fitness celebrity Jennifer Nicole Lee

MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS: Magazines, when they are not filled with useless ads, are great whether you are looking for photographic inspiration, fashion/fitness/beauty tips, and posing references.

1. Cosmopolitan

2. Esquire

3. Oxygen

4. Fitness Rx For Women

5. InStyle

6. Marie Claire

7. Vogue

8. Health

9. Fitness

10. Self

11. Runner's World (1-year auto-renewal)

12. Digital Photo Pro

13. Harper's BAZAAR (1-year auto-renewal)

14. Elle

15. Fashion Magazine

16.NYLON Magazine

17. W Magazine

18. Women's Running

19. Redbook Magazine

20. Muscle & Fitness


Fashion/Clothing & Gift Certificates: People LOVE gift Cards!!

1. Ujena Gift Card

2. Malibu Strings Gift Card http://www.malibustrings.com/

3. Lingerie.com Gift Card

4. Victoria's Secret Gift Card http://www.victoriassecret.com/

5. Lululemon Gift Card http://www.lululemon.com/

6. Garage Gift Card http://www.shopgarageonline.com/

7. JCPenney Gift Card http://www.jcpenney.com/

8. Lord & Taylor White Gift Card

9. Dangerous Curves Swimwear Gift Card

10. Guess Gift Card

11. La Senza Gift Card

12. Bootlegger Gift Card

13. Suzy Shier Gift Card


Other Gift Cards: Gift Cards are great! :)

1. Amazon.com $50 Gift Card


2.ITunes Gift Card


3. Sephora Gift Card

CAMERAS: If you can afford it, and have friends who are into photography, giving them a camera for Christmas will make a big difference to them. Based on reviews and looking at people's wishlists, I came up with the following list, in no particular order:

1. Nikon D90 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera (Great for Beginners)

2. Nikon D200 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera

3. Nikon D300s 12MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera

4. Nikon D700 12.1MP FX-Format CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD

5. Nikon D7000 16.2MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR with 3.0-Inch LCD (Good for Beginners)

6. Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD This camera is good for beginners, and relatively inexpensive.

7. Nikon D3S 12.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and 24fps 720p HD Video Capability

8. Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens Good for beginners.

9. Canon EOS 5D 12.8 MP Digital SLR Camera

10. Canon EOS 7D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-inch LCD

11. Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens Inexpensive and thus good for begginers.

12. Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens Great for beginners and teens :)

Of course, if you are getting someone a camera, check out some lenses too.

Nikon Lenses:
1. Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom Nikkor Lens It is expensive but worth it.

2. Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Nikkor Wide Angle Zoom Lens

3. Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras It is Nikon's least expensive lens.

4. Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S Nikkor Zoom Lens

5. Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Lens

Canon Lenses:1. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM Telephoto Zoom Lens

2. Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens

3. Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM Telephoto Lens

4. Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens

5. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens

6. Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens

7. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Standard Zoom Lens


Other Ideas:1.AVON Items

2. SkinCubed Items

3. Ansel Adams 2011 Wall Calendar

4. The Fashion Designer Survival Guide, Revised and Expanded Edition: Start and Run Your Own Fashion Business

5. Fashion 101: A Crash Course in Clothing

6. The End of Fashion: How Marketing Changed the Clothing Business Forever

7.Avedon Fashion 1944-2000 Richard Avedon-the person whose photography inpires me and will inspire you too!!

8. The Fashion Book

9. How to Set Up and Run a Fashion Label by Toby Meadows


Disclosure: Some of the links on this page will take you to Amazon. Any purchases you make through Amazon by clicking my links will help me with my university expenses, contributions to local charities, and more.