When I first set out to compete, I must admit that, never in a million years did I ever think I would actually get published in a magazine. The beautiful fit ladies that I followed so avidly, be it in the back pages of the competition highlights, in the supplementation ads, in the success stories, in the fitness articles…and of course the almighty cover were a million miles away. Although I dreamed of being one of them, it was a wish that seemed too far away, not in this small town girls grasp.
The day that Glen Grant photographed me would change me forever. Not only did that get me my first publication, but it gave me confidence to pursue those dreams that were once thought outlandish and to live the example I have always followed. Now, twice published in the Inside Fitness Hot and Fit and sponsored by an amazing company – Magnum Nutraceuticals, doors that were once locked tight seem to now be unlockable.
Markus had told me that I had a surprise waiting for me at the Arnold. When I got to Columbus he proceeded to tell me that my surprise was three fold and that he couldn’t wait to show it to me!! I hate surprises and no one knows better than my husband that you can’t tell me that you have a surprise for me without me searching the house high and low and asking every person in site if they know what it is and to TELL ME!!! This surprise was eating me alive…I could not wait to see what this was going to be. After arriving in Columbus Wednesday evening and photo shoots all day Thursday, the first day of the Expo finally arrived…Friday! The day my surprise would be revealed!
I think the main reason why I hate surprises and try my best to avoid them is because I cannot hide my emotion. I get very nervous because I do not want to disappoint the surprise giver. Well, Friday morning was here! Meghan, Emily and I nonchalantly walked into the Expo. We found which direction to head to booth #601. I lagged behind the other two girls as I always do. My legs are longer, but I can’t seem to figure out walking with a bag in one hand and a coffee in the other without spilling…maybe that’s why I was always assigned the beer tub station at Athena’s?! :) As I approached the booth, I was stopped by Markus who told me to “WAIT”. He signalled the go ahead to Tyler who was the videographer for all of the Weekend moments. I was then given the ok to proceed…..NERVES! This. Is. Happening! My heart jumped to my throat, my eyes scanned the scene and then I saw it. A friggin life size, no, way bigger than life size picture of ME! I made the ad! Holy S@&%!!! I cried! And I hyperventilated a minute. And then I stared in awe! Wow. Markus grabbed the Product Fact Sheet and low and behold ther I was on the back and within the contents. Markus then grabbed the new Muscle Insider where this ad is the back cover! Humbled. This is it. Remember this moment Holly. Take it. Appreciate it. You’ve earned this.While in Las Vegas last fall working the Olympia Expo for Team Magnum Nutraceuticals, I had the pleasure and opportunity to do a photo shoot with David Ford. I also had the opportunity to test shoot for the new product that Magnum would be rolling out. This experience was, again, one that seemed to be pulled out of a movie, one where I looked back thinking…is this really my life? This is Awesome! If you’re going to be put into a situation where you are trying to emote feeling and present what the client is looking for then Mike O’Hearn is who you want to learn from. He has been on hundreds of covers, a former American Gladiator, actor…his book of work is impressive to say the least. He is a consummate professional and very easy to work with. David Ford, Asha Belisle and Rodney Jang of Status Fitness were the gang in the room. These guys made me laugh uncontrollably and made me feel so comfortable that apparently, my photo’s turned out and I was awarded this campaign. Totally unbelievable!
Being comfortable during a photo shoot is key. Especially when you are shooting with a counterpart and with a photographer and crew you have never worked with. It is critical to always bring your best, to respect their time and to take lessons from them. In that room that day, I was surrounded by professionals. This is their business and I was a guest. At any moment, opportunities may be offered to you. Do not try to control the situation, let these experiences guide you towards your ultimate end goal.
People come into your life at special moments. Many of them are brought into your life to teach a lesson and to enable you to grow to the person you are set out to be. As long as you learn from your experiences you will forever grow closer to your dreams.
Contrary to what some may think; No, Mike and I were not testing the product. No, I’m not cheating on my husband. A picture is a still moment of action. I love photo shoots and photography for that reason. I get to act. I am able to express myself and to be fierce without explanation. I rise to the occasion and hope that the world is watching. Luckily, people are watching and noticing and allowing me to bring ME to this industry. Forever grateful for this opportunity.
Thank-you Team Magnum!
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Holly Barker
Sports Nutrition Supplements help support your athletic and sports performance!
ReplyDeletenice read, now your the one being admired! As soon as you said, "Markus had told me that I had a surprise....", had chills reading the rest!
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