It happens all the time and in every industry. Someone wants to sound more important and relevant then they really are. In the fitness industry it is no different and I’ve been hearing/seeing it become more prevelant. It tends to happen around bigger shows like this weekend’s USA contest, where many false promises and guarantees are thrown around. Here are five red flags to not only keep an eye out for this weekend but also at any time.
RED FLAG #1 - Print Promises
If someone promises you they can get you in a magazine, they are lying. Unless they are the editor of the magazine no one can promise you they will get you published. Huge red flag if someone promises you to get you in print. They can say they will try and can pitch you to a mag but even those with regular columns have their work editing. Their is never a guarantee when it comes to getting published. If someone says they are shooting a cover for a major magazine, they are usually full of it. The magazines more often than not have staff or contracted photographers who do their covers. Some magazines (the lesser circulated ones) will put spec work on covers but if it’s for Oxygen, Muscle and Fitness Hers, Flex, Muscle and Fitness, Inside Fitness, Muscle Mag… chances are you’ve heard of the photographer. Don’t be fooled into thinking Joe Schmoe No Name is going to put you on the cover of a legit magazine when you’ve never seen their work published in the mag before.
RED FLAG #2 - Wannabe “Gurus” / Trainers
Just because you work with a specific trainer doesn’t entitle you to a top placing. Many women will work with specific trainers with the sole intent of thinking it will place them higher. You still need to do the work. On the flip side, be very weary of trainers who want to take credit for competitor’s success. A good trainer will encourage you and may tell others they worked with you however if someone is writing that they are on your team and you didn’t agree to it, red flag. If someone is telling others that without you, you wouldn’t have done well, red flag. You may have gotten there a little quicker with the right guidance but you still did the work. If some one is telling others that they trained you when you did well but they aren’t when you didn’t place well, red flag. There are many wannabe “gurus” and they will latch onto a competitor’s success with the intent of being more relevant in the industry. Talk with competitors who have worked with the trainer both present and past before agreeing to be on any “Team”. Just because a pro or a big name person recommends them doesn’t mean they are great either.
RED FLAG #3 - Not all people who carry big lenses are good photographers
Don’t be fooled this weekend or at any show by guys or girls carrying around cameras with big lenses. The size of the lense doesn’t equate to the quality of the photos. I’ve seen a creative person take better shots with a camera phone then someone sporting a big fancy schmancy camera. Don’t agree to shoot with someone on the spot unless you know who they are, seen their work or were recommended by a close friend who you trust. There will be many people shooting competitors this weekend and many are legit in the industry however some are not. Trust your gut and don’t do anything you’re not comfortable doing. It’s easier to say no, then to regret something and have to deal with it later.
RED FLAG #4 - Name Droppers
If someone is telling you how they photographed this top pro or this top model, be cautious. Most good photographers don’t need to name drop. If you ask them who they’ve shot and they tell you that is different then them approaching you and trying to be super fly with their roster. Just because someone shot a top pro or a model you may admire, doesn’t make them legit. There are plenty of women who regret shooting with a photographer for one reason or another. Some people will try to have credibility by dropping names but again be weary if that is one of the first things out of their mouths.
RED FLAG #5 - Bashers
If someone only bashes people and never has anything positive to say about others, red flag. This is a very image driven industry and many times people place their self worth into their placings or what others think of them. That doesn’t mean you should always be negative or complain. There are plenty of positives and great things about the industry. Watch out for the bashers, they will only bring you down. Watch out for competitors who only bitch about other competitors, their trainers, “politics” or pass blame. Sure shit happens and there is always something we could all complain about however if that is what you constantly hear, red flag. If you ask someone their opinion and it’s not what you want to hear that’s not always being negative. You all know the people I am talking about. You typically see them come out after a show when they didn’t win. It’s not just competitors - it’s photographers, trainers, boyfriends, husbands, family, friends, etc. Watch out for anyone who bashes more then they are positive with their words.
If you have any red flags you’ve experienced and like to share with the readers, post ‘em up in the comments field below.
