Model Spotlight: Assad Shalhoub

November 6, 2015 • News

1) Describe a typical day in the life of Assad Shalhoub.
A basic day during the season (there is no offseason for me) has a lot of studying, cooking, cleaning, training, and sleeping haha. I try to switch it up sometimes but I try to behave as much as I can.

2) What is the biggest misconception that people have about you?
I think that separating someone from who they seem to be in the public eye can be very difficult. I don’t get to meet most of the people who see my photography or hear of me etc… so they fill in the blank. I understand why people think of me as the way they do (mysterious, not friendly, typical model, etc…) but I try very hard to show that I am multi-faceted. As superficial as I may seem due to the nature of my craft, I am very deep as well. I challenge people to get to know not just me, but anyone that happens to be in this situation. Hopefully you will be happily surprised.

3) What has been your favorite photo shoot to date and why? 
I literally can’t choose one lol. Every single shoot serves a purpose and allows me to grow. I have some photo shoots where I see the pictures circulating more than others, but each shoot offers a different experience.

4) If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Relentless.

5) For those looking to get involved in the fitness industry what advice would you give them?
The first thing one has to realize is that this industry is brutal. You have to have very thick skin and be able to push through any obstacle or adversity that stands in your way of success. Anything that has to do with the entertainment business will have that come along with it. Be prepared to give it your all and then some, or don’t even waste your time. This industry requires you to be mentally, physically, and emotionally strong to stand a chance. It is very fun and you can experience things not many people get to do, but you have to prepare yourself for a rigorous journey.

6) If you could have any co star for a photo shoot, who would it be and why?
I will catch myself saying “oh we could probably shoot well together” quite a bit. Couples shots offer a different dynamic than just working alone so it is always nice to have that option, especially if your partner works well with you. In the fitness industry, we also shoot with the same sex so maybe one day a person that I have seen to be inspiring being in the same professional photo as me would be a great thing to accomplish. “Train until your idols become your rivals”.

7) What are your goals and aspirations for the remainder of the year?
I have a few booked jobs that have been ongoing and finishing them by the end of this year would be quite cathartic. I always trust that when I work hard, the momentum it makes opens more doors than it closes. I never want to plateau and completing this next few months will hopefully allow me to have an even more successful year after.

8) Motto you live by?
People say “do or die” but I personally don’t believe as dying/failure as an option. Adapt and overcome, and success will be your only option.

9) Favorite cheat meal?
I have way too many to count but it seems to me that my go to is Chicken Parmesan with massive amounts of pasta, bread, and maybe some wine.

10) Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?
I am proud of what we have accomplished together so far and I can’t wait to see what amazing stuff comes next on this adventure 🙂

I have worked with many models in this industry and Assad has truly become one of my good friends. We’ve shot with one another 4 times now both in Boston and Miami and our work has been featured on numerous book covers and magazine features. He’s a true professional and a very talented man. I can’t wait to see the opportunities that next year brings to us. If you aren’t already, make sure to follow him on facebook – Assad Shalhoub Modeling and Fitness.

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