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How to Take Pictures in Gyms

Gyms are dynamic environments full of activity and color. While most fitness centers contain the same equipment, each gym has its own combination of gear, catering to a particular audience. Some feature long rows of cardio equipment, where others would place more emphasis on free weights and strength-building machines. Set up your photo shoot to highlight the assets of each particular gym. Take pictures of equipment and people that convey the desired atmosphere. For example, use action shots of power lifters to convey strength, hard work and professionalism. Keep in mind that over-exposure and poor composition are your worst enemies in a gym environment. Use additional lighting and willing models to achieve the best results.

Things You'll Need

Lamps
Soft boxes
Shoot-through umbrella
Camera
Reflector

Instructions

Equipment
- 1
  Divide the room into areas based on the equipment or nature of the exercises being performed (e.g. Pilates room, boxing ring, free weight area).
- 2
  Attach the shoot-through umbrella to the lamp.
  
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- 3
  Set up a photo lamp to the side of the subject to illuminate with a soft, even light. This also highlights texture.
- 4
  Take test pictures of the equipment from different angles.
- 5
  View test pictures and note composition, glare and shadows.
- 6
  Adjust light accordingly. Place light stands three to four feet away for high contrast shots. Move the light stand back to achieve a softer diffusion of light.
People
- 7
  Obtain written consent on photo releases from people included in photographs in the gym. Include a photo release clause in membership contracts to save time.
- 8
  Choose a machine or exercise area as a backdrop.
- 9
  Block off the area with cones or tape to prevent other gym visitors from interfering with your photo shoot.
- 10
  Discuss the nature of the machine with the model or a fitness expert at the gym. Ask about the motion range of the equipment, the movement being used and the muscle groups exercised.
- 11
  Watch the model perform 1-2 reps on the machine. Take test shots and note the areas of visible activity.
- 12
  Attach the shoot-through umbrella or light box to the lamp. Opt for the shoot-through umbrella to cover a wider area, and the light box for focus more sharply on a particular muscle group.
- 13
  Use additional lights to throw more balanced light on the subject and the composition. Bounce light off of reflectors to diffuse the light and soften shadows. Clamp flags to the light to narrow the field of light.
- 14
  Take different photos. Set up different shoots all over the gym using different models. Modify angles and lighting to achieve different looks.

Photography