Like Derek Zoolander, I too have wondered if there is more to life than being really, really, ridiculously good-looking. I’ve decided that there isn’t. So, I’m officially announcing my candidacy for 2009 Male Model of the Year.
My first work is now available in a nationally-distributed magazine with a wide circulation. I’ve been asked to autograph a few copies here and there — it’s nice to have fans — but thankfully I haven’t had to deal with any annoying paparazzi… yet.
Although I was reluctant at first about this new career choice, I’m now committed to becoming the bestest male model ever. Here is how it all began:
A few months ago, I was asked by a friend at work if I could help out with a photoshoot. She told me I would be modeling a t-shirt, no big deal. Plus, there would be several other coworkers there modeling with me. And, she’d even give me a gift card for my troubles. OK, well good, at least it wasn’t just me.
The day of the photoshoot arrives and I meet Shawn from the ad agency with the “vision” for the ad. Shawn shows me a sketch of his vision — it’s one guy in the foreground talking on a cell phone, with several people in the background gawking at him. Yep, and guess who that one guy is? I’m apparently the star of this show. I did not volunteer for this.
So Shawn irons my T-shirt and tells me to wear only the T-shirt and nothing else. As I was getting changed, I couldn’t figure out if he was hoping to get a real good look at my legs, or if he was simply telling me to ditch the faded undershirt. I decided on the latter, and joined the rest of the crew with my pants on. Shawn looked disappointed.
We went outside and met the photographer, Tom. Tom and Shawn started taking us around to different locations and positioning us in several different ways. They were trying to get the light just right since they planned on dropping in a fake background for the ad. When everything was set, Tom starting snapping pictures and magic happened.
Click. “Beautiful.”
Click, click. “Yeah, work it, Seth.”
At first the commentary from the photographer, the ad designer, and my fellow models made me a little uncomfortable. But with the shutter snapping away I transformed like a swan into a butterfly. I strutted and posed, pouted and preened like a male model who has been working the runways for months, if not weeks.
Click. “Nice!”
Click, click, click. “Love that pose. Half smile now.” Click.
Click. “We’re done here. That’s the one.”
I nailed that shoot. Obliviously, the results speak for themselves. Look out Zoolander, here I come.
MightyJohnsons 
Too much, Seth! But we are a little curious: why are several of the background models looking “below” your waist? Are you sure you were wearing your trousers? Your smile and expression looks a lot like a guy who just bailed out of bed, dashed out the door and may have forgotten something… So much for a new career. 🙂
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You’re such a dork Seth. What I want to know is how much that gift card was for…
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Hey! I thought you looked great in the ad. As one who spent much of his young-adult years with girls looking at his butt, I can appreciate your dilemma. I’m betting you’re next “shoot” will be for running shorts–seems like that’s where everyone’s looking. May as well make a buck or two shaking your booty.
You make me so proud, son.
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