Most aspiring or established bodybuilders take a lot of photos of themselves during their quest for the perfect body. However, this is not a sure sign of narcissism, as these photos will make an excellent graphical record of progress during the various stages of the process. So it makes a lot of sense to invest in the best photographic equipment one can afford at an early stage and also spend a bit of time perfecting the techniques needed to take good solo bodybuilding photos.
These points are often overlooked, a fact amply demonstrated by the masses of really bad bodybuilding photos one sees. Bodybuilding is a sport whose success is judged visually, both on stage and in pictorial form. If, for example, the venue lighting is poor on the day of a contest, contestants will struggle to achieve maximum visual impact for their routines. They may be seen clearly, but if the lighting is too dim or too strong and not placed correctly, the definition of the muscles may be much less apparent and the poses will not be as effective.
The same principles apply to making your own bodybuilding images. You are going to spend a great deal of time, effort and money on your sport, so there is no point in neglecting the photographic component of your team. Fortunately, there is no need to spend thousands on a studio setup. Digital cameras are getting better and cheaper every year and it is possible to get a mid-tier digital with good optics and a megapixel sensor for a very reasonable price. The only other critical item in a basic photographic setup is a tripod. Again, really good examples can be had at prices that won’t decimate your bank balance.
Let’s start by looking at the camera options. This, being the core of your photographic equipment, should be the absolute best example you can afford. In today’s environment, it doesn’t make much sense to invest in a movie camera (if you can still find one that is). Digitals simply offer so many advantages that they represent the only serious option when considering camera options. Always try to stick with the big names, as the quality of optics and components are usually better, as is after-sales service. Brands like Nikon, Canon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus, and Konica Minolta are always safe choices. Kodak, HP, Panasonic, and FujiFilm also make decent cameras. One feature that would be a definite plus in a camera is a remote control. This will allow great flexibility when taking solo bodybuilding photos.
Photography is making magic with light. Lighting is possibly the most important factor in any photographic genre, and particularly in bodybuilding photography where muscle definition is so critical to creating visual impact. Again, no need to break the bank. Any fairly intense and addressable light source will do the job. For best results, try setting up two light sources approximately 45° apart from your posing position and situated behind the point where you will be setting up your camera. Try to avoid using flash unless you have a flash diffuser, as flash tends to wash out too much subtle detail. Remember that a high light position will emphasize the shadow on your lower muscular frame, while a lower position will do the same for your lower abs, but may also detract from your chest.
Your camera should always be placed on a tripod to avoid any blurring that wreaks havoc on the definition of your shots. If you have a portable full-length mirror, it’s helpful to position it almost directly behind the camera so you can adjust your poses for maximum effect. Just remember to look directly at the camera again before taking the photo. Keep unnecessary clutter out of the background that can detract from you as a focal point. This is especially true of items that could possibly cause a blush attack at a later stage!
Personal preparation for taking bodybuilding photos should include the following points:
- Body hair should be removed as it detracts from muscle definition in bodybuilding images.
- Try to avoid eating for about an hour before taking the pictures. A recent meal will distend your stomach and ruin your profile.
- Pump before you shoot, and no, that’s not XXX-grade movie advice either. A short workout before taking the pictures will increase blood flow and muscle volume.
- Skin tone and highlights are essential to show muscular development in bodybuilding images. Focus on maintaining a good tan and oil up the highlights. This will really define your muscle mass.
- Practice good poses. Suck in that belly and keep your back straight or slightly arched. When applying tension, try to make it look effortless and smile! There are no war faces here.
Once the images are taken, you can use the software to edit the results if you can and want to. Skin blemishes can miraculously disappear and lighting and exposure are adjusted to maximize effect. You can’t overlay Mel Gibson’s face though!
It is impossible to briefly cover all the different techniques and setups that can be applied to get great results in bodybuilding images. However, experience will quickly teach you how to maximize results, and if you use the tips above, you’ll soon be building a flattering portfolio.