Bodybuilding

[Ken_Tola]

Hi All,

I've been asked to do a full body shot for a female bodybuilder. I've do mostly product and fine art and when I do shoot people it's more photo journalistic style. Since my studio is small I'm thinking of doing it in an outside setting or even throwing up a white background outside. Any recommendations things to be aware of when shooting bodybuilders?

[Mike_Guilbault]

I'd recommend the studio, or if outdoors, early morning. You need the light to come across the body to create shadows to show the curves, textures and form of the body. It really depends if they want a 'record' shot, or an artistic shot too. There are as many ways to shoot a human figure as there are photographers.

[Jeff_Tiemann]

Agreed... If you go with a high key setup and flat lighting you may produce a nice picture, but the more interesting thing to do might be as the previous poster said to go for more contrast. I would consider using a bare bulb setup and a perhaps some type of rim effect from behind or above. This is something I would do indoors or out. There is nothing "normal" about the body builder's physique, therefore more dramatic lighting is apropriate imho. Good luck with your assignment!

tiemann

[gene_x_hwang]

You should clarify what type of shots they are looking for. I do tons of physique photography and some people want the "Bill Dobbins" style while others like less produced shots.

I prefer natural light outdoors (not in direct sun of course and have found that to be very popular with the bodybuilders). Here's a link to some of my shots if you want to take a look (click the physique link):
http://www.orangephotography.com/genex/shoots/

Let me know how it goes and good luck!

gene

[Mark_Stevens]

Gene,
when you cover the body building events are you generally the only one allowed to take pictures? I have been trying to get a few of the local NPC/IFBB events to let me do some shots and find it rather hard to get a response.

Mark

[Ken_Tola]

Whoa! Wow! Very nice stuff. It's not just one image they go on and on and on and on and on. By the way feel very out of shape after looking at those shots - both photographcially and physically. One take away seems be to have fun with it. Thank you for sharing.

[gene_x_hwang]

Hey Mark, the NPC has some very specific guidelines, and to get a 'real' press pass is hard unless you are part of their network. I've had requests through various publications and been turned down, but what they are doing now is selling press passes which seems to be catching on as sevearl promoters are doing this now.

gene