The Fila photo-shoot inside scoop…

by

I fear you’re going to regret asking for more about the photo-shoot experience.

So, instead of entirely gazing into this:

(poor Fila. Did they know what they were getting into tattoo-wise?)

Ive decided to answer your questions from the other day that way if it’s boring you can blame each other.

(All the images are clickable if you wish to make them larger.)

You look so YOUNG in your new avatar picture. What’s the secret??

Thank you.  (This is the picture to which she’s referring:)

This was also an easy question to answer and, surprisingly, my response isnt make-up.  When I see people I havent seen in a decade or so they frequently make the same comment. It’s not my outsides (believe me. Ive lottsa lines from summers spent life-guarding as a teen) it’s plain HAPPINESS & CONTENTMENT radiating from the inside out.  Cheesy? yes. True? for sure.

 

What most surprised you about the shoot?

Sahar actually noticed and commented about this ( which, again, surprised me. who knew I was so surpriseable?). I don’t own a hair dryer and have finally embraced the fact my hair is super straight no matter what I do (and Ive done it all from bad perms to *regrettable* supposed to produce BODY layering).  As a result I was shocked when the make-up woman FLAT IRONED my hair even straighter! (reader query:  do I get me one of these? are they horrible for hair? would I ever do it again? is it hard to do to yourself?!)

Not straightened.

Flat Ironed McGee

What was the funniest thing that happened on the shoot?

Overall there were many, many humorous moment (MANY), but the one which made me laugh the most (and realize how tired/nervous I was) happened before the shoot.  I arrived at the hotel after traveling all day and checked in at the front desk.  After giving me my key they let me know I had flowers waiting.  Ive traveled quite a bit for brands recently and they frequently leave flowers in my room as an expression of appreciation (VERY nice, huh?  I have a post coming about how blogger/brand relations are like dating…).    I took the (beautiful) roses, went to my room, opened the card and it read: WE LOVE YOU.  My first thought? AWKWARD.  You love me? That’s kind of weird and over-the-top from a brand! How on earth do I respond to that? Am I supposed to tweet back that I LOVE THEM?!  Long awkward imagination-running-wild story short?  The roses were from Ren Man & the Tornado. **

Were you really that awkward dancing?

Yes. Beyond.  I wish I could say I was milking this shit for humor and to portray myself as ‘every woman’ but Im not.   Perhaps had I merely been DANCING Id have been…better, but we were dancing while David continually reminded us: Up on your toes! Keep moving!! Booty out!! Dancing!! KEEP MOVING!! Up.On.Toes! Mere words do not do my spasticnessment justice.  

the spastic gazelle move caught on camera

Why were you dancing anyway?

With hindsight/experience it makes sense (they wanted to snap picture of us in motion while wearing the clothing)—I’d just anticipated more active shots (jump rope, mountain climbers etc) or posed.  Again, after all my years watching America’s Next Top Model, I should have known better.

 

Did you pick up make-up tricks even if you didn’t ask? SHARE!!

Alas I really did pick up nary a one.  (I love my husband.  I’d add the ‘much to Ren Man’s chagrin’ but he saw the pics, said he ADORED them yet still loved me best as my natural self.) The shoot was fast’n furious and frequently the make-up was done without my being able to see what was happening.

This resulted in…

this.

You ROCK the videos and I hope to see you on TV (!). The Today Show???

How fun would that be?! Although the last time this misfit watched the Today Show was back in the…90s with Katie, Matt & Al (which all leads me to want to ask who watches the Today Show these days?!). Word is the interview snippets will be used on CNN (I know. I dont get that either, but mine is not to question why) and there may potentially be more opportunities to be a spokesmodel for interview-type stuff for those of us who are spasticmodels. One word: YAY! More words: I still cant wait to see the photos…

I’d love specifics on your days. Miz. Or just about the first few photos and how you felt.

I’d say nervous—but more than anything I was in shock (please to see rambles above about the dancing) as it just was NOT what I’d expected.  After I recovered from that it was fun.  I may not have an inner-stripper to tap into—but I do have an inner MISFIT.  I laughed. I wriggled.  I struck a pose.  I was myself.  I may have an innerFITNESSmodel after all.

I’m great in front of the camera and freeze when the video is on. How did you get comfortable doing video?

I’ve always loved video and went through a brief period where I wanted to work in television. (waves at KDKA TV where I was an intern).  Now I find video easy wholly because Im old I know who I am.  And, when it comes to blogging, I know my brand.  My words are easy and authentic because it’s really who I am and what I believe in.  There’s nothing to memorize…it was chilly so we got to wear a new!prototype!jacket straight from production

Did you get insight into what it would be like to be a real model?

Holy moly YES.  I never thought it would be easy to be a model.  It’s as much work as Id thought.  Definitely a great reminder of the fact if something looks easy (anything from writing to modeling) that’s a pretty good indication it’s hard as hell to do & the person is just doing it well!

 

Would you ever do it again?

YES.  For sure. Definitely. Please to have your people call The Tornado my people.

 

I saw your twitpics and it looked freezing outside! Was it hard to pretend you were warm and happy in workout clothing?

It was FREEZING outside.  I’d headed to NYC thinking I’d, as a wimpy Texan, would think it was cold but New Yorkers would find it balmy.  It ended up drizzly and COLD…even for them.  The crew was bundled in jackets as we frolicked in tank tops and shorts.  Was it a challenge to pretend to be warm? Not really. The whole thing was such a fun & novel experience I know *I* forgot about the chill as soon as the camera was turned on.

Was there food? Did the other women eat??

This question made me laugh—until I remembered Id asked the make-up women precisely that about “real models.” (The answer? Depends on the model & if it’s a swimsuit shoot.)  Yes there was food. Yes we all snacked.  We’re REAL women (and, after all that dancing, REAL hungry women).


Thank YOU for staying ever humble even as you get more successful.

This made me smile & think ‘really, what would I be prideful about?’  I launched this blog intending the word play to be MISFIT not Miss. Fit.  I really am, as I said last week, a tattooed, always-disheveled, pretty much flying by the seat of my shorts pants writer & tomboy-mama. Not only has it taken a village to get me wherever I am (first family & friends and since Ive begun blogging our Healthy Living village)—I plan to drag every.single.one.of you along for the ride as well.

 

 

**ok so Im thinking this whole thing was far more humorous in my fatigued state. Youll have that.  I really was a bit taken aback that Fila told me they loved me.  It was funny that day.  Please to take my word for it.

POSTS BY EMAIL

Never miss a post. Enter your email to get my latest posts delivered to your inbox.

Comments

  1. Loved the Q&As!! I must agree- happiness totally radiates from pictures. I think thats so sweet that Ren man and tornado sent your flowers at the hotel 🙂 And I totally can’t take the cold! I’m not sure how you guys were able to smile through

  2. LOVE THIS!!!

    Thanks for answering our questions (and I love your navel :)).

  3. LOL at the awkward gazelle shot.

    You are NOT awkward, Girl!

    Can’t wait to see your bad self in print.

  4. You look like a news reporter in that photo MizFit.

    You never know it could be your next career move 🙂

    Thanks for sharing these and being able to laugh at yourself.

    I love that about you, Carla.

  5. I like the flat ironed look, Miz.

    Why do I think that would destroy the hair on a regular basis??

    Awesome post.

  7. This was my favorite piece:

    Not only has it taken a village to get me wherever I am (first family & friends and since Ive begun blogging our Healthy Living village)—I plan to drag every.single.one.of you along for the ride as well.

    because I know you mean it.

  9. I loved this, Miz.

    It felt like I was there with you.

    Thanks for representing us!

  14. How exciting! As hard as you made it sound, I still would love to do it.. even with me not the best with cameras & all! 😉 I see the real models dancing all around in their shoots too so I guess that is SOP! And I cracked up with your hair as I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have straight hair since mine is curly frizzy & unruly!

    More than all – I love what Tornado & RenMan did for you!

    Thx for sharing!

  15. You have an outer fitness model, but that picture is still hysterical.

    And intriguing 🙂

    It would make an amazing magazine advertisement 🙂

  16. I’ve always heard that flat irons ARE bad for hair. Very damaging. I have one and only use it for “emergencies” but my hairdresser does it when she finishes me off and I like the look but even she agrees it is best not to do often. Oh the sacrifices for beauty:)

  17. Love that your DH sent you roses. What a sweetie.
    Thanks for sharing the experience.

  18. I am cracking up you thought Fila loved you.

    I mean I’m sure they do but….

    Epic!

  19. I’ve heard the same things as Karen about the flat irons.

    You look smooth though! 😉

    Thanks for the fun post.

  20. I’ve been waiting for this post and it did not disappoint! I loved all the pics and your descriptions all made me grin (esp. the rose story – hahhaha!) You are gorgeous inside and out and I can’t wait to see the finished ads! P.S. You’re way more natural in front of a camera than I am (awkward gazelle… whatever!)

  22. I actually thought the rose story was funny! Although I’m not going on a whole lot of sleep right now either 😉

    Thanks for sharing your awesome experience with us! No one to blame for boredom!

  28. You never cease to be a great role model for so many women because of exactly what you said… you show contentment from the inside out for everything. this was a great opportunity for you and I love that you shared it with us!!!

  29. Gazelles are graceful and gorgeous. Spasms…well, they pass. So, they hire a good photographer. 😛 Ha!

    Just kidding you lovely lady. I’m so glad you have had fun and are doing such a great job! I’m proud of you. I’m happy you’re being silly with it. ANd, you should totally go into television. #comfortablewithself

    Congratulations to you.

  30. I really noticed Fila for the first time.They are featured at my favorite shopping store. I find the clothes very impressive.You do much to make the works outs glamorous.Best

  31. No regrets at all! Love the post! I think you make a GREAT fitness model. I have a soft spot for watching ANTM and the most awkward RL people seem to make the greatest models, spastic gazelles are in! 🙂

    Can’t wait to say we followed your blog before you were CRAZY famous hehe.

  32. Note to self: “Make clearer on card accompanying flowers from whom they are.”

  36. Of course they loved you, who wouldn’t ?? Thanks for sharing, so excited for you!

  40. With every blog post I read I adore you just a little more (shall I say “I love you” :lol:)…

    And want another tattoo a WHOLE lot more.

    My husband thanks you (you know) for the tattoo part!

  41. I’m glad you had a great time – I know I’d be really nervous with something like that. Clumsy me on a photo shoot just makes me giggle thinking about it 🙂

    Flat irons rock. I have straight hair and I was convinced to get one last year by the girl who cuts my hair (but a good one – not a cheapo) and it really polishes how you look. I have no hair skills at all and it just makes me look more…like me. Takes a bit of the frizz out and makes my hair nice and straight and rather adult like (ack!).

  42. I loved hearing more about the shoot. I did think your story was pretty funny. I don’t know what I think if Fila told me they loved me!

  43. OMG, I am LMAO about the roses thing – too funny! And how sweet that they were from your husband and Emma!!!

    And as far as the flat iron, I have naturally curly hair. Need I say more? 😉

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This