Online interview from 2009
Online interview from 2009
Pavel Ythjall is well known in the fitness industry as one of the leading photographers for publications like Muscle & Fitness, Flex and American Curves. Beyond his talent for capturing the strength and beauty of an athlete with still photography he is also an accomplished cinematographer, having served as director of photography on two feature films and 50 commercials.
Originally from Sweden, Pavel made Venice California his home in 2005 after receiving his greencard for permanent residency. Since then he has made a name for himself with a body of work like no-other, defined by an instinctive talent and 17 years experience. Pavel’s images are a tribute to the grace and presence of the human body and an essential addition to any athletes portfolio. So what are the secrets behind a successful photo shoot.
What elements are essential for a good photo?
Drive, commitment, curiosity and a true and honest intent from both the photographer and the model to work together creating something out of the ordinary!
The technical aspect of a shoot, the clothing, the styling, make up, choice of location etc – they are all very important elements but most important of all is the photographer/model vibe. True art is created when that positive vibe translates over to the whole team and everyone from the runner, the assistants, to the photographer, model and art director works together in harmony. Contrary to ordinary beliefs, the photographer is not a magician though… there is no magic wand that will make the model look great no matter what.
Modeling is hard work! There is a reason you see the same models over and over in the magazines. These are the women that consider modeling a skill and work at it! Endless hours in front of the mirror getting to know your angels, learning how to “tweak yourself ” a little after every flash/exposure, never stay the same, show of the body in the best possible way as well as giving the photographer different expressions all the time.
A good photographer can take all that and create true art. A good photographer will recognize that particular models skill set and enhance them to another level.
But the photographer has to have something to work with. You can not come in to a shoot expecting to be told exactly what to do. You have to bring your uniqueness to the table. You have to be able to move. You have to be interested. You do NOT have to have the best body in the world, it is not about that. It is about showing off YOUR physique in YOUR best angels together with a facial expression demanded of that particular shoot/client.
The worlds most published fitness models right now are: Pauline Nordin, Mandy Blank, Jamie Eason, Jennifer Nicole Lee and Alicia Marie – “all bring it” to a shoot. One might also notice that these women do not even compete very frequently. They are true athletes indeed but not often seen in competitions which goes to tell that a “competition body” is not the same as a “modeling body”, these can be the same thing but are often not. Needless to say the model must be in the shape requested for that particular shoot. That is essential and really goes without saying.
For an athlete hoping to expand their portfolio what things should they consider?
Buy ALL the magazines you want to model for. Look through the first pages for the column outlining the staff. There you will find the photographers shooting for that particular magazine. Contact them for TFP (Time for Prints/Portfolio) or schedule regular shoots. These photographers know what the art directors are looking for and can set up shoots that will catch the eye of the art director. In a sense your portfolio should be better than the shots you see in the magazines. Once you get better and better pics you should immediately get rid off the old stuff. Only show the best most current you.
What things should a model avoid doing?
A model should put her or his effort into more quality photo shoots, not quantity. 5-6 really good shots, portraying the model in her or his best form and shape and light is the way to go. No one has time, or want to, go through 40 mediocre pictures. Not via email and not in person. I will repeat this. 5-6 really good shots are better than 40 bad ones. Put your money and effort into creating these 5-6 good shots to start with, preferably with different looks and different photographers.
This really goes without saying but I will say it anyhow. You can not do “porn” and then expect to be chosen as a model for a fitness magazine or similar. You really can’t. You are not Madonna (yet). When you are, do what you want but until then you really have to keep it clean to get the work.
What are your rules for choosing a suitable location?
Well, a studio with a white backdrop is perfect for a cover, simple as that but when creating “concepts” a good location can really establish “authenticity” to a shoot. I pride myself in being one of the few photographers in the fitness world that “step out the comfort zone” and really find and shoot on cool locations. I think I have proven this to be a very successful way of doing things.
The location should serve as a backdrop of authenticity when creating the images. A few examples of my latest work is the following 2
shoots with Pauline Nordin, one shot in a real boxing gym and the other shot in a hardcore MMA gym. The boxing one was published in American Curves Hardbody’s Issue, 18 pages (largest spread ever given to a fitness model I think) and just recently 7 pages in FLEX magazine, October 2008 issue (first female feature in many years).
What are your favorite angels to shoot?
My background is in cinematography and as a music video director and I frequently used low angels to create a dynamic picture. This works extremely well when moving the camera or when the subject moves towards the lens but also in stills. More importantly is to never shoot “straight on” as the human body looks “blocky” straight on. I try to always have either myself or the model in an angle, creating depth and a dynamic picture.
If a model is struggling to express themselves do you have any tricks for getting something more out of them?
Nowadays I only work with the best so this is never a problem. To be honest if the model is a “dead fish” at the set I am not gonna be able to use my magic wand and make it into art in a sec, it just does not work that way.
You have all seen Tyra Banks show ‘Americas next top model’ – you just have to “bring it” to the set. In my world it is not an option not to be able to express yourself as a model. For theaspiring model the mirror back home is your best friend but the work has to be done before you come to the set. Struggling on the set just isn’t an option!
How important are props, and do you have any favorite ones that you like to use?
I like props, they often give the model something to use to get in to character and also, they add authenticity to the pictures.
What in your opinion should never be aloud on set?
As in life, you should respect the people you meet and work with. A shoot is special since a “good vibe” can really make a shoot successful and a “bad vibe” can actually break a shoot. Negative people is not aloud on my sets. If you are having a bad day, and you are aloud too, keep it to yourself. It is NOT easy being a fitness model and any model needs tons of encouragement. It goes for high fashion but especially for fitness models often wearing minimal clothing in front of a big crew. Negative people/talk or people not focusing on the job in hand have no place on my sets. “On my shoots the model is the star and so it should be!”
What can a model do before hand to prepare for a photo shoot?
Check, check and double check what is expected of you. Check, check and double check with the make up artist, the stylist and the photographer. Once again, being in the shape/condition that is needed for that particular shoot is a given.
What advise do you have about choosing colors that compliment a model or work well on film? I have never favored any color in terms of makeup, clothing, props or the set. It’s a myth that certain colors work better than others.
Finally what should be the primary focus of a good photographer?
My primary focus is to make my client happy delivering exceptional shots, every time I shoot and to have fun on the set, creating art and make a living off it at the same time.
