For those of you who’ve ever wondered what it would be like to have the pleasure of photographing sexy models for a living, you’re in luck because Alex Ardenti has provided EliteFitness.com with a sexy teaser video of a “behind the scenes” look at one of his photo shoots. Seeing the beautiful babes that he is lucky enough to be able to photograph is sure to leave you drooling and rushing to join his new website, AlexArdenti.net. Check it out AlexArdenti.net "Behind the Scenes" right click the link and select option "Save Target As". (you need QuickTime to play it.)
If you can pull yourself away from the video, make sure to read on to see what Alex had to say about his work. He was kind enough to give me an in-depth description of what goes into bringing us his sensational photography, the highs and lows of the job, and how rewarding a good photo shoot can be for both him and the model.

But before a single picture is even taken, Alex has to set himself up for success in advance. As he puts it, “ Basically it's a lot of preparation... and then more preparation and a relatively short shooting time. That's the way I work in the studio. I like to test the lighting beforehand, go through the game plan with my assistants etc. I'd have already spoken to the stylist and make-up artist days before the shoot and I discuss the look of the shoot with the model in advance also.”

After the intense preparation, it’s finally time for the good stuff: the photo shoot! Time for Alex to sit back, let the models look pretty, and then snap out a few photos, right? Actually, there’s a lot more to a photo shoot than just this as Alex has to juggle multiple elements at once that could drive a rookie photographer crazy.

He gave me some insight by saying, “I have a myriad of things to think about and that need to come together at one time in my head. Some models ask how I can take notice of all the little things at once like, position of the hair, posture, attitude, lighting, background, the degree of a smile or grimace... it can drive you nuts. I've been doing this for 15 years now and I have learned not to stress. I stay calm, concentrate and also have a little fun while I work. Playing some XBox Live in between wardrobe changes always helps too.”

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As one might expect, location plays a big part in Alex’s work too. Just think about an exotic outdoor beach shoot vs. taking the photographs at an indoors studio. The two contrasting settings not only factor into how enjoyable the shoot will be, but how long it will take as well.

Alex said, “When I shoot beach stuff, I wait until the light is perfect and bang out hundreds of shots in a few hours. I usually give little direction to the model in this situation and let her or him be free to move around and try new things. In the studio it's a whole different ballgame. Most of the time it's a 10 hour shoot from beginning to end. It's a lot more tedious and you need a good crew that pays attention to all the minor details. That's why I only hire assistants that are also photographers and digital experts. It's a must for me.”

So what’s Alex’s favorite part of a shoot? Ogling at beautiful fitness babes (this would be my favorite), soaking up rays at a beach shoot, mingling with celebrities? His answer… “Wrapping it up and going to eat afterwards. The models are usually ready to relax and eat, especially competitive bodybuilders who have been dieting and dehydrating for the shoot.”

Unfortunately, being a world-renowned photographer has its downside as well. And for Alex Ardenti, this comes in the form of computer work. “I like working on my sites www.alexardenti.net, which is my exclusive members site, and www.alexardenti.com along with my designer Jimmy Dinardo. I hate doing all the grunt work after a shoot like downloading images, color correcting, making proof sheets, burning CDs. I haven't shot film in years, which is great, but the computer time gets to me sometimes. Unfortunately I can't leave this part up to an assistant. Too many things can ruin a whole shoot and I can't risk that.”

But the lows of Alex’s job are easily overshadowed when he sees a model who’s pleased with the pictures that he’s taken of them. “I have to admit that despite all the work that goes into creating great images it's extremely rewarding when the model loves their shots and especially when they get published. All models are extremely happy when they get a cover, even if it's in a foreign country.”

And getting published is very important to a model’s success. Actually, it’s a must as a model who never gets published is a model with no career. Alex laid this out to me very clearly.

“Think of it... there are hundreds of thousands of people who train hard everyday and watch their diets, yet only a chosen few will grace the pages of a magazine each month. Models absolutely need magazine exposure and website exposure. The two go hand in hand these days. There is no directory for fitness models and new talent. Supplement companies look through the pages of the muscle magazines and top websites to find their new athletes to endorse or they contact the photographers. If you're out of sight, you are often out of mind.”

One thing that’s clear is that Alex’s photography and teaser video won’t be out of my mind anytime soon. And they certainly won’t be out of my sight either! Visit AlexArdenti.net. And check it out AlexArdenti.net "Behind the Scenes" - right click the link and select option "Save Target As". (you need QuickTime to play it.)