What to wear

What to wear for a fitness photoshoot

Fitted, plain, in a colour that is not the same as the gym floor or walls. Black on black in a dark gym leaves nothing to see. Avoid logos across the…

In short: Fitted, plain, in a colour that is not the same as the gym floor or walls. Black on black in a dark gym leaves nothing to see. Avoid logos across the chest if the images are for a brand other than that one.

What works for a fitness shoot specifically

Colour. Anything that separates from the gym. Black kit in a dark gym leaves a silhouette with no definition — which is the one thing the session exists to show.

Fabric. Fitted and matte. Shiny technical fabric under hard side light produces blown highlights across the shoulders and thighs.

Footwear. Clean, and in frame for almost every lift. Chalk and scuffs read as authentic on hands and as neglect on shoes.

The thing that ruins frames. Another brand's logo across the chest when the images are for your own brand. It is the most common reason a shoot cannot be used commercially.

Two rules that hold everywhere

  • Steam it the night before — creases are the most expensive thing in any retouching bill and the cheapest to prevent.
  • Bring options and decide on set, where you can see the light and the background rather than guessing at home.

Next step

See if a session makes sense

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