Fitness Photography Ideas | The Complete Guide To Your Photoshoot

Fitness photography accentuates the athlete’s fit body and promotes healthy living. Fitness pictures inspire us to get more fit and take better care of our bodies.

What do you feel when you see a well-executed fitness picture of an athlete? I think many of us admire such individuals and would want to look like them as well.

While it’s natural to admire professional fitness photos, it’s not easy to achieve such a result without proper preparation from both photographer and the athlete.

In this fitness photography guide, we will discuss tips and ideas for athletes to achieve the best possible results from their photoshoot.

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Equipment that I use: Cameras: Canon EOS R5; Canon EOS R6
Lenses: Canon RF 85/1.2L; Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L; Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L
Light: Profoto B1 500 | Computer: Apple MacBook Pro | Photo by © Sergey Bidun

WHO NEEDS A FITNESS PHOTOSHOOT?

If you think that only fitness coaches or professional fitness models get photoshoots, that is not exactly true. Sure, these athletes may need to have high-quality pictures for their business needs, but let’s discuss who else might want to get professional fitness photos.

FITNESS COACH

A personal coach who is working on building his/her brand will need a professional fitness photoshoot. If you are a coach, you most likely have a website or some other online presence such as an Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn account.

Selfies and pictures taken on a smartphone may work for your social media profiles, but they won’t cut it for a fitness coach website. High-quality photos are what you need to showcase on your website.

To create an appealing and professional site, you will need a lot of pictures in different outfits and different location settings. Most likely, this will be not a single photoshoot, but a few separate sessions at different locations to build your fitness personal coach portfolio.

FITNESS/BODYBUILDING MODEL

Models who want to represent fitness clothing brands and fitness gear, regularly post pictures of themselves on social media platforms such as Instagram. Once they reach a large following, a lot of times, fitness brands will start reaching out to them and offering sponsored posts.

To build the following and audience, Instagram fitness models must post quality pictures. While creative smartphone photos may be fine, it’s more presentable to post fitness photos taken by a professional.

Bodybuilder models work really hard on their physique before competitions. It’s important for them to have a fitness model portfolio with pictures highlighting every muscle from the right angle.

ATHLETE

Athletes such as professional or amateur sports players could also benefit from a fitness photoshoot. When photographing athletes, photographers can use sports gear as props and utilize different locations for more personal pictures.

Athletes who compete in state or national games might want to document their achievements and superb physical appearance with a professional fitness photoshoot.

WEIGHT LOSS ACCOMPLISHMENT

One way of celebrating a weight loss journey is by having a fitness photoshoot with an experienced photographer. If you have worked hard on losing weight or getting that perfectly fit body of your dreams, wouldn’t you want to celebrate it?

It doesn’t mean that after the fitness photoshoot, the person will stop working out or taking care of their body. The photoshoot is for boosting self-esteem and confidence that they achieved what they worked so hard on. Moreover, these images will be a great reminder of how they looked like at a specific point of life.

FINDING A FITNESS PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR PHOTOSHOOT

There are many photographers out there, but how do you find the one who will be right for you? As photographers differ by the photography genre and style, you should examine each one’s work and figure out what style you like the most.

Keep in mind that even though the photographer can take spectacular wedding or family pictures, they may be not experienced in fitness photography. The photographer must know how to set up the lighting, which lenses to use, and know the best poses for fitness pictures.

In fitness photo sessions, the main focus is on the person’s physique, and the photographer must be able to creatively showcase that through their pictures.

There are a few ways that you can discover photographers for your projects. You can discover them through Instagram pages, maybe someone you know shot with a photographer who’s images you really like. Or you can simply search Google for a fitness photographer in your area.

Always pick a photographer based on a certain product that you would like to create from your shoot. This is definitely a field where the outcome depends on how much time, effort, and finances you are willing to invest in the fitness photoshoot. Making the investment in shooting with who you want to shoot with is ultimately a lot more worth in the long run than trying to save a few bucks.

If you are looking for a fitness photographer in the Sacramento area, Northern California, Bidun Studio Photography specializes in creative fitness photography. You can see more of our photography style and our fitness portfolio here.

CREATE A FITNESS MOOD BOARD

Having a successful fitness photoshoot is the ultimate goal. But how can you help it to be more efficient? Creating a mood board with your ideal fitness photos is one of the best ways to help the photoshoot be most productive.

One of the most convenient platforms for creating a mood board is Pinterest. I’m sure many of us are familiar with it and regularly use Pinterest to get ideas and inspirations. It is a wonderful tool for fitness photoshoot preparation as well.

If you don’t have a Pinterest account or prefer other search engines – don’t worry. What I would recommend you do is take screenshots and collect sample images and store them on your phone for reference of ideas.

Creating a mood board won’t only help your photographer to keep the photoshoot organized, but it will also let them know of the type of images you are looking to get from this shoot. Your photographer will get a better understanding of the fitness poses you can do and what parts of the body they should concentrate on emphasizing more.

HOW TO GET READY FOR A FITNESS PHOTOSHOOT

After your initial contact with the photographer, and after creating a mood board, it’s time to start getting ready for a fitness photoshoot. Based on your inspiration images and personal preferences, the photographer will help you choose a location that suits you the most.

OUTFITS

Prepare your outfits ahead of time by making sure everything is clean and neat. Don’t just assume that you can grab any clothing piece to the shoot, but instead try each one beforehand, making sure every outfit fits you well. Try them on in front of a mirror to see if your top matches the bottom. You will be able to tell if you need to make changes to your outfit choice.

HAIR + MAKEUP

Like with any other type of photoshoot, you must style your hair and do makeup. Don’t do any extreme makeup, just apply enough to highlight your features and cover up any imperfections. Most of the time, you can start the photoshoot with your hair down, and later pull it back into a ponytail for the rest of the session (tip for females). Guys should style their hair in a usual manner.

BODY HAIR

Make plans to remove any body hair in areas that will be revealed in the photos. The combination of lighting and no body hair will help with definition and creating more appealing skin textures. This will also save your photographer time in post-processing.

BODY SHAPE/PHYSIQUE

Many professional athletes and fitness models go through strict diet restrictions to better show off their muscles during the photoshoot. There is a special process for getting fit, in which they limit carb intake and increase water intake, which helps make the muscles more defined. It’s best to consult your personal trainer or a fitness professional to make sure your photoshoot preparation is safe for your health.

If you do this process, make sure you do it about a week in advance or a few days in advance. You want to make sure that you still have enough energy to complete the photoshoot.

Energy is a huge factor in how you feel about this project before, during, and after the shoot. So if you are investing in this experience, don’t you really want it to be the most comfortable and fun it can be? Being in shape on time while also being hydrated and nourished will make the experience fun. You will get much better results than otherwise.

Getting your body in shape depends on the goals of your photoshoot. It depends on how lean do you want to be, how much clothing you will be wearing, and if certain outfits cover up your body fat areas. Discuss these details with your photographer to better prepare for your fitness photoshoot experience.

For more ideas on how to prepare for your photoshoot, see our other post Getting Ready for a Portrait Photoshoot.

WHAT TO WEAR FOR A FITNESS PHOTOSHOOT

Ultimately you are in control of how you want the pictures to look like. I would suggest finding certain fitness clothes that you would like to model. Look for things that make you feel comfortable while also looking great.

It can be a certain tank top or a pair of shorts or leggings from a brand that you support. Make sure you pick pieces of clothing that are your size and fit you well. In fitness photography, everything is about showcasing your muscles and perfectly fit the body.

Your fitness photoshoot outfits have to be body-fitting and tight, but not too tight. My suggestion for you to always try on all your outfits before the photoshoot, to make sure they fit you well and will look awesome in the photo session.

It’s a good idea to bring a few different outfits for a bigger variety of images. Consult your photographer if you are uncertain about choosing a specific outfit for the given photoshoot location.

And don’t forget the shoes. It’s best to have solid color workout shoes, but if you have colorful ones, make sure they match well with your outfits.

FITNESS PHOTOGRAPHY POSES

It’s worth stating that fitness poses differ significantly from regular portrait poses. And since fitness photography is all about the athlete and their physique – pictures must masterfully highlight that.

During the photoshoot, it’s important to flex the muscles to demonstrate their size and strength. If you are doing a full-body shot – flex both leg and arm muscles. Listen to your photographer for advice, as he/she will guide you on poses that help you look more natural.

The photographer must shoot from an angle where the light will highlight the muscles and give them dimension, instead of light hitting straight on and making the image flat. By positioning the body at the right angle to the light source, your pictures will improve substantially.

Crossed arms is another fitness pose that implies strength. It is also called the power pose. It’s best to photograph fitness from a lower angle, as that makes the athlete appear bigger in their body.

If you are taking fitness pictures with the exercise equipment or other props, there will be more variety of ideas to use. Your photos will also appear much more natural if you are fully concentrated on doing your workout instead of over-thinking each pose.

MORE POSING TIPS

If you have a friend or a partner who is also into fitness, it might be helpful to have them come along to your photoshoot. Your friend can help to motivate you and give some tips on posing since they will see what looks great and what doesn’t. And also, you might be able to sneak a few pictures with your friend during the fitness shoot.

It’s essential to keep moving throughout the shoot, so you don’t appear too posed and stiff. Your photographer should photograph you doing some type of movement rather than standing still while striking a pose.

If the shot didn’t quite work out, don’t be afraid to give it another shot, or even a few. Think back to your mood board images, and try to accomplish as many desired shots as possible during the shoot.

As you can see, it’s important to find a photographer who is experienced in fitness photography and knows how to use the light properly. You will have a great stress-free experience when working with a professional fitness photographer and incredible photos for your fitness portfolio or personal memories.

FACIAL EXPRESSIONS IN FITNESS PICTURES

Even though we put a lot of emphasis on body movement and how to highlight the physique, we must not forget about the facial expressions. If your body is busy doing physical exercises, but the face is smiling or looking absent from the photoshoot – these images won’t prove the point you are trying to achieve.

It’s very important that your facial expressions complement whatever it is your body is conveying. Don’t be afraid to show emotions if you are lifting some heavy weights or doing some other exercise. Your photographer will be after capturing those in-the-moment expressions that are so hard to get at times.

One tip I can share with you from all my previous photoshoots is to open your lips slightly when taking fitness pictures. This will give the impression that you’ve been working out for a while, so you can save your energy for the rest of the shoot. Doing so will also give your images a more natural feel.

Some of the emotions your facial expressions can portray are competitiveness, perseverance, satisfaction, happiness, or something else. Think about these emotions and what you want to show in your fitness portfolio. Mention your preferences to your photographer, so they can pay attention if your photos portray your desired expressions or not.

FITNESS PHOTOSHOOT LOCATIONS

Location choices go hand in hand with the specific ideas you have for the shoot. Sometimes a certain location can spark inspiration for the pictures that you might want to take.

Similarly, some photographers prefer certain locations to accomplish their personal style. So it might be beneficial to have some ideas of locations that you think are good for the scenery and environment. Ask your photographer for their personal input for that too.

GYM OR IN-STUDIO FITNESS PICTURES

If your fitness photography project calls for indoor pictures, the best types of locations are either a gym or the photographer’s studio.

One of the advantages of doing a photoshoot in the gym is that you will have access to any fitness and workout equipment. But there are some cons too. Usually, the lighting inside the gym is not the best, and it’s hard for the photographer to add artificial light with so many workout machines around. Another obstacle could be the other people inside the gym who came to workout, as you might be forced to wait until a certain piece of equipment becomes available.

You can try asking the management to allow you to come in before the gym opens to the public for some undisturbed photos. It’s just a suggestion, but it might be worth trying!

Taking pictures inside the photographer’s studio has more advantages for both the photographer and the client. First of all, you are not rushed to finish up the shoot, and the photographer is fully in charge of using any additional light for the best possible pictures.

The cool thing about studio fitness pictures is that you can do as many re-take shots as you would like until you achieve that perfect shot. It’s also very convenient to quickly change outfits and fix hairstyles & makeup if needed. You also won’t have to worry about sudden weather changes or a chance of rain, when doing the photoshoot in the studio.

You can always bring any props or workout equipment with you to the photoshoot, to add a personalized touch to your pictures.

OUTDOOR FITNESS PHOTOSHOOT IDEAS

Outdoor locations can add a certain feel to your fitness pictures. You will choose the location depending on what your goal is for the photoshoot and where you want to use your images.

One of the most common outdoor locations for fitness photography is on a track field. This setting sets you right in the mood of athlete and fitness photoshoot. If you are a racer, soccer, or football player, this would be an ideal location for fitness pictures.

The photoshoot can also take place at a unique place, such as an abandoned building. The rustic walls will serve as a wonderful backdrop and give your pictures that mysterious feel. It’s also possible for the photographer to use any additional light sources for more creative pictures.

A great idea for yoga or pilates type of photoshoot would be at a location by a water source such as ocean or lake beach. Yoga is a type of fitness that relaxes the mind while exercising the body. It’s only natural to want to do this type of photoshoot on a beach, where the person is getting full recharge, both physically and mentally.

INCLUDE PROPS IN YOUR ATHLETE PHOTOSHOOT

Besides certain pieces of exercise equipment, most other props in fitness shoots are gym bags, water bottles, towels, and things of that nature. Photoshoots that are done in the gym, probably won’t require any additional props besides the exercise equipment already present inside the gym.

If you are going for unique and super creative fitness pictures, there are a few ideas that you can implement. Try adding water mist to your upper body – this will give your pictures that magazine-cover look that fitness models have. Add some backlight to creatively highlight the water drops on your fit abs.

If you are shooting in a studio, another idea you can try is using flour as a prop. This creative prop is great to use during gymnast or athlete shoots. With a quality camera and proper lighting, you can get really amazing shots that you only find in fitness magazines.

Bodybuilders often use tanning salons or tanning spray or cream, to get themselves ready for the competitions. You might be wondering why it is so, and why they would do that. If you look closely through their pictures, the muscles and veins are much more defined on dark tan skin. I’m not saying that you should go out and get yourself a fake tan, but it’s something to consider for future photoshoots.

There are many other props that can be used in a fitness photoshoot, and you may get lots of ideas when putting together a mood board for your session. Discuss with your photographer which props may be necessary to bring along to the shoot in order to achieve the photographs that you want to take.

CONCLUSION

This summarizes our tips and ideas for a successful fitness photo session. If you take careful preparation steps towards getting yourself in the perfect shape, putting together outfits, and choosing the ideal location – you are well on your way to a successful fitness photoshoot.

We hope that our ideas and suggestions will be helpful in your future fitness photoshoot, and you enjoy that experience.

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Photographer: Sergey Bidun

Written by Maria Bidun

Bidun Studio Photography is based in Sacramento, California.

Fitness Photography Ideas | The Complete Guide To Your Photoshoot