Editor's note: Everyone likes to be flattered, certainly I did. When you are told how great you look and they had no doubt you would make a great male model. Well, it has it's attractions.
Sometimes good fortune smiles on you. I'm in my second year of college going for a degree in business administration. That's the degree you pick when you have no idea what you want to do with your life. Anyway, I'm considered good looking, with sandy blond hair, a slim, well-built body, and standing at six foot two inches tall. I had no problem hooking up. The girls just kept coming and I enjoyed the attention and sex. My success with the ladies gave me a much-needed confidence boost.
Recruiters for every profession and industry were constantly seen on campus, trying to convince the chosen few to consider their company upon graduating. I've been approached a few times because I keep my grades up and am a member of two of the more popular action groups on campus.
One spring day I decided to study outside. The weather was exceptional, so I found myself a spot on the grass, and made myself comfortable. I had just cracked open my text book on 'computers and accounting' when I heard a guy ask, "can I speak with you a moment?"
He was in back of me and I had to sit up and turn around to greet him. He was definitely a recruiter, which I didn't mind as I was always open to job possibilities. He was wearing a suit, well groomed, carrying a briefcase, of course. When I turned, he introduced himself.
Extending his hand, he said, "Hi, I hope I'm not interrupting you, but I wanted to meet you. My name is Stanley Graves."
I stood up and took his hand, shaking it I replied, "Hello Stanley, my name is Bill, well, William Lane really, but Bill is better."
"Ok, Bill it is, please call me Stan," He replied. "I was hoping to meet. I've had my eye on you, and I think we might have a proposal that would interest you. Would you like to hear it?"
"Fire away, I'm all ears."
When we had both sat down again, he said, "I represent a top modeling agency." Stopping, he looked at me, "Don't jump to conclusions, we're legit." He began explaining why he approached me. He noticed me and thought I had what it takes to succeed in modeling. They are looking for attractive individuals, starting them in minor shoots for magazines, advertising, and such, but moving on to other, more lucrative shoots as your popularity increases. He went on to say that 'This can be done while you are still studying, which could help with some of the college expenses.' He finished with the statement, "let's face it, you have the look."
I might have turn red, can't say, but I was interested in his proposal.
"If I want to look into this, what's required?"
"Well, we would schedule a photo session, so we know how the camera sees you. If your looks translates on camera, we will compile a portfolio and propose a professional shoot."
"That's it?" I ask.
"Of course, if things progressed to that point, we would offer you a contract as agent."
"This is coming fast. It sounds like a good deal, and, as It wouldn't take away from my studies, I'd consider it. I need to know more before agreeing."
"Tell you what, why don't I schedule a simple photo session? We take some pictures, look them over, then talk, sound good?"
"When do you have in mind?"
Pulling out his cell and studying it for a moment, he said, "what about tomorrow around four-ish?"
"That soon?" Now it was my turn to check my phone. "I've nothing going on. Where are we meeting and is there anything I need to do?"
Handing me his card, he said, "No, nothing special, we will supply several outfits so we can photograph you in different fashions. Let's us see what style suits you best."
I know, it's crazy to agree to this without checking all the angles. Who is this guy, and what agency does he represent? I figured I could work on those details during tomorrow's meeting, at least I planned too.
I was a bit rushed the next day, so breakfast was skipped and lunch was a few crackers I had in my room. My last class was at 2:00 PM, so I had to hustle to shower, and get ready for my appointment. I was hungry, but that was nothing new.
4:00 PM
I'm standing in front of a house in a middle-class residential neighborhood. It's a nice home, but certainly not a studio. While I stood there contemplating this surprise, the front door opened, Stan was standing there.
"Hi Bill, come on in."
Giving the house one last look, I accepted the invitation. As expected, the house looked like a normal residence inside as well.
"Anything to drink?" Stan asked.
"Whatever you have is cool," I replied.
Stan went to the kitchen and came back with two beers, handing one to me he said, "We shouldn't waste time, let get to it. Follow me."
He led me through the kitchen to a side door. When he opened it, I saw it went down to the basement. We descended the steps to a concrete floor. He turned on a light revealing quite a large space. He turn to the left and approach a second door. As I entered, I could see that it was a room about twelve by twelve. He flicked on the lights.
One wall was a sheet of white, with a plastic lounge in front and a chair on the side. On the other side of the room were lights, tripods, and all kinds of photographic appliances. At the far end of the room where two racks with assorted items of clothing. On the wall next to it, was a full-length mirror.
Stan had laid several items of clothing on a small table in front of the racks, including two swim suits. The whole thing made me uneasy, but Stan assured me everything's good, and to take it easy. "It's no big deal, it's business," He said. I have to evaluate the pictures before going to the agency.
He ask me to put on the first outfit and see how it fit. That means I had to take off what I was wearing and put it on. I'm not that modest, and although I was somewhat unprepared for this part of the shoot, I thought it normal.
I stripped to my underwear and put on the first combo, a tropical theme. All this time, Stan was adjusting the camera equipment and paying no attention to me. When I was ready, I walk to where the shoot was obviously going to be done and looked at Stan.
"I'm all set, Stan," I said, "what's next."
