John Sener
This surfer rides the modeling wave; his strong faith keeps him from wiping out.
By Ron Sklar
FabulMag Contributing Writer
What more can a surfer/model say about his introduction to the modeling business? John Sener has gone from ripple to riptide (with ripped bod) since he was recently introduced to the New York market by Specimen Models.
“I mean, I know there are a lot of twists and turns,” he says, “but I think with my attitude, I can come into it with a solid punch and just have a good time and hopefully make a couple bucks.”
A twenty-year-old from the Jersey shore, he knows full well about maintaining his balance in the midst of a rising tide. He and his mom (a single parent) were on the road until he was fourteen, when they finally settled in Manahawkin. John naturally took to the nearby waves.
“Surfing is such a good sport for your body,” he says. “You work almost every muscle because you’re doing everything. You’re swimming, you’re standing up. Your legs, your arms, your back. Even your mind. Everything. I also do karate. That’s a great way to stay in shape.” 
He has also discovered metaphysical fitness as a devout Christian, but he’s not the typical solemn version that you may find sitting quietly, hands folded, in a pew. In fact, his faith allows him to keep the faith as he navigates the rough and often unforgiving waters of the New York modeling market. 
“I approach everything very Biblically,” he says. “I know the heart of God. I just basically found my own way. I went to a youth group, and from there, it was an upward journey. I’m just so glad it’s happened to me. It’s changed my life 180 degrees.
“I’m a non-denominational Christian. My church is just a bunch of surfers and carpenters and coffee-aholics. They think my modeling is definitely awesome and a blessing and they all wish me luck.”
His passion for God also fuels his love of music, which leans more toward Henry Rollins than “Amazing Grace.”
“The Lord says shout to his name,” John says. “A lot of people like to stereotype hard core. Hard-core singers seems like they’re angry. But no. Screaming to me is just another way of singing. It’s shouting the Lord’s name. It says that in the Bible. It has nothing to do with anger.”
Since John is walking the walk with a whole lotta love in his heart, the camera’s love for him seems to be mutual.
“I’ve never really had a problem with people looking at me, especially photographers,” he says.
His personal words of wisdom contain some serious spiritual content.
“The first thing I would do is to pray,” he advises new models about to make their way into a business that can be known for its wickedness. “Praying to me is the most powerful thing you can do. And to listen to what the Lord has in store for you. If you feel that the Lord is leading you to do whatever you are praying about, then do it. Just think before you do anything. Obviously, if you are going to sign a modeling contract, never sign it on the spot. Take it home. Have a lawyer look over it. Follow your heart and just have a good time. Make sure you are having fun the whole time.”
Amen?
For more information about John, go to
www.specimenmodels.blogspot.com or www.specimenmodelmgmt.com.
Photographs #1 and #3 courtesy of Taurus Love
Photograph #2 courtesy of Eugene Gallegos.
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