Namita Nayyar:
You won 1st Place at Bikini Masters PCA British Finals, held at Hampshire UK on 24th June 2024. Elaborate on this spectacular achievement of yours.
Katie Laura Burnett:
This was a bigger shock than the first show as I saw the ladies backstage and they looked insane, much more muscle mass than me and my previous show. My partner said I wasn’t going to place and unfortunately given my lack of competitive attitude at these events I had already thought the same. But I’m not someone who backs out of what I set out to do. I walked through the door to the stairs to stage and took a second to have a moment with myself whilst climbing the stairs.
I reminded myself of why I was there, what I wanted from the day and what I was going to do. I knew I was going to go up there with a smile on my face, pose hard, show my personality and enjoy it and somehow I came 1st. I am so grateful to be able to compete, as some people can’t. I was kindly given some protein with my win, which I gave to a competitor backstage who hadn’t won their class and seemed quite down. Were here to bring each other up, the smallest things can sometimes make the biggest impact.
I did have a massage client competing at the same show; she won the Figure category and the overall sword, so I was super happy for her!
Namita Nayyar:
Having done so many photo shoots, tell us six killer tips for an excellent photo shoot. The secret behind that beautiful smile.
Katie Laura Burnett:
- Know the assignment. Whether you want to capture the model, the environment, emotion, it could be editorial, fashion, fitness etc. these factors vary shoots entirely. This photoshoot with Mak Freeman was very last minute; it was in-between shows for me also. We just threw some ideas at each other, I turned up and we made some magic happen. After competing the body is low on fat so the style of shooting/ posing alters long with the lighting due to the desired outcome. It’s important to have a location with different light sources, a photographer with decent equipment to get the images you want. The location at Studio1 Gym Aldershot is perfect for this, lots of natural light, members who were so considerate when I was the one in the way whilst they were training and lots of areas to move and pose in, big thank you to Mak and Mark.
- Pack as much as you need and extra, less is always more with shoots but forgetting something is one of my pet peeves; bring the different coloured shoes or hat etc. Always take white, red and black underwear sets as backups. These are classic and work well under all coloured clothing if you need to layer etc. Back up Makeup/ hair styling’s/ outfits. Something warm if on location in-between shot locations.
- Work with reputable people, whether photographers, MUA, hairstylists, check references and ask questions to discuss levels etc. Be safe, always. Let people know where you are and have a time frame, set alarms, time can go quick on set/ shoots. You want to be happy and comfortable on shoot, if your awkward – it will show in the images. Relax and stretch beforehand.
- Shooting styles are personal, the assignment will alter the styles of posing and angles however make it your own. You’ll create better images when you become completely yourself. For some that is forgetting the cameras there, for others it’s posing to the camera. I like a lazy, moody or strong approach as that’s my personality, I guess. Ha-ha. I can climb things and hang upside down easily but also look lazy doing so – so that’s a unique skill of mine. Find yours.
- Depending on the shoot and assignment will determine whether you choose the images or not at the end. If/ when choosing images take a day or two to ponder and go back to them. Create folders to sub section them into different poses, looking at and away from the camera. Its easy to want to keep a similar pose as this may be what works for your body type or your personal preference, but it doesn’t show your capabilities as a model and variety or work levels.
Namita Nayyar:
Share your five favorite swimwear brands.
Katie Laura Burnett:
I have some lovely items from Honey Birdette and Versace; all of my other swimwear are probably either Shein, Primark. I love the look of Badi Swimwear maybe I may have to invest at some point in the future.
Namita Nayyar:
You are the leading social media personality, model, and bodybuilding competitor and brand ambassador. How do you manage such a remarkable multi-dimensional lifestyle?
Katie Laura Burnett:
I work fast!! I’m organized and I plan what I’m going to do the day before. Living with food intolerances, the bodybuilding, training and working multiple jobs will enhance your organizational skills if you have them. I wouldn’t be able to do anything in life if I didn’t over plan everything. It’s both a gift and also a curse though; I can stress myself out with over planning and predicting issues before they arise so I can be prepared. lol
Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you may wish to share?
Katie Laura Burnett:
I tend to work on my weaknesses at the moment, these are abs and rib flare due to minor scoliosis. Leg, glute and dealt size as I want these to improve so strength training on these. And maintaining and growing back and calf’s.
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