Body builders muscles - tips please

Flashman

Flashman

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I have a guy who wants some photo's of himself to display in his gym but I'm apprehensive as lighting a body builder is a new thing for me. I'm pretty confident at flattering female curves but wondered if any of the light wizards here had any tips of what light would flatter a blokes muscles well. Should I use less diffusion perhaps? What light angles work well to accentuate the muscle definition?

I have a home studio with a fair amount of space, assorted backgrounds and 3 x Bowens 500's with a range of reflectors/diffusers etc.

I'd be really grateful for any tips or links to tutorials... TIA.

Flashy
 
firstly I would suggest the use of oil on the subject as this makes the muscles appear larger. It has something to do with shadows. If you follow the shadow principle this will keep you in good stead for shooting bodybuilders. Shadows are key in promoting the definition of muscles.

One light as key light and possibly a rim light from behind to act as an outliner for the subject. You shouldn't need a reflector as you want to keep the shadow.

hope this helps.
 
Thanks chaps... all very helpful! I hadn't thought of using oil, good idea... as long as he doesn't expect me to put it on for him! :runaway:


Flashy
 
As above. Use a fill light in the normal position (immediately above or below the lens) and use a hard-source light such as a honeycomb or spotlight in a rimlight position. You may need several of these accent lights, each one highlighting a specific part of the body
 
Garry Edwards said:
As above. Use a fill light in the normal position (immediately above or below the lens) and use a hard-source light such as a honeycomb or spotlight in a rimlight position. You may need several of these accent lights, each one highlighting a specific part of the body
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Thanks Garry, useful advice and something I should be able to achieve with my set up. Tempted to buy another strobe to give me more flexibility though...

By the way, I've just been tempted by your tutorials, about to download and start reading now... that'll keep me busy for a bit! :D

Flashy
 
Flashman said:
By the way, I've just been tempted by your tutorials, about to download and start reading now... that'll keep me busy for a bit! :D

Flashy
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Thanks for that, all donations gratefully received:lol:

Hopefully my tutorials will fill in your knowledge gaps, please feel free to email me if you have any questions
 
Depends what sort of look your going for. Harsh low key or high key.

I would go for harsh really, bring out the man's body more. Sure there is a book I have about male photography, basically what your asking. (It's a book about every type of photography just so you know!!) :lol:
 
cherryrig said:
Depends what sort of look your going for. Harsh low key or high key.

I would go for harsh really, bring out the man's body more. Sure there is a book I have about male photography, basically what your asking. (It's a book about every type of photography just so you know!!) :lol:
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Yeah... I believe you! :D

Yes, I was thinking low key with black paper background and moody, deep shadows would be most appropriate.

Someone said to me today that there is a real gap in the market round here for a photographer who doesn't mind shooting men. Apparently they all prefer working with the ladies... can't think why.... :whistling:

Flashy
 
Flashman said:
Someone said to me today that there is a real gap in the market round here for a photographer who doesn't mind shooting men. Apparently they all prefer working with the ladies... can't think why.... :whistling:

Flashy
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Whatever pays the bills!
 
I would imagine the body builder will already have oils to put on himself, depending on his skin tone the darker the oil the better, this brings out the muscle definition. Well thats what i use. (dark oil, very dark oil, actually bitumen, need all the help i can get:lol: )
As for lighting, as what everyone else said really.
Dean:)
 
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