Lighting setup for a Gym

nicknackgtb

Hi guys,

Has anyone ever shot in a gym? I have a shoot on Saturday and first real assignment with the Elinchrome BXri 500's. It is a semi portfolio shoot for myself but at the same time, the shoot is for the instructors who have been training hard up to now and reward them with shots of themselves.

So my question is, what sort of way would/should I set up the lights to really highlight their shape. 1/2 light set up? put it up high and shine down etc?

It will be black and white for the end product too.

I am trying to find a good site/ video for this but cant seem to find anything great to explain. As said, its the first time going to someone with the lights so bit nervous to say the least.

Cheers, Any comments greatly appreciated.

kjt

Hey Nicknack,
How's tricks?

Sounds like you'll have a fun shoot on Saturday. If it's your first time using lights I'd suggest taking some time before getting used to them, even do a few tests/self portraits in your house to get accustomed to them. It will help you relax before the shoot and you shouldn't feel as much pressure, know your gear!! Shooting in a gym is no different that any big hall or studio really. I shot in a gym over the summer and it was a blast - linky.



These more than likely aren't what you're going for as they are more fashion orientated but they might give you a little insight. All of these were lit with 1 or two lights with either a medium softbox, large octo or a snoot.

Try looking over on Stobist or Strobox which will give you the lighting diagrams & setups for each shot. This will help you see how to achieve a certain look.

Good luck Saturday buddy

sumo12

I was actually thinking along the same lines as the above picture - especially if the end result is black and white. I'd keep the lights further back than normal portraiture and at head-height on a high setting to throw those hard shadows and then go high contrast black and white. Should look pretty cool in a gym environment.

Nice pic by the way kjt!

nicknackgtb

I think what im trying to get is more of a low key approach really, showing off their muscles etc and in black in white. I dont have a black seamless though so have to try and work around that by getting an open space really.

Just looking to know should i have the lights up high to accent 6 packs etc or from low down etc? Im not sure which way to have the lights really, have been playing around with them myself but my space is limited unfort.

Gehad_JoyRider

id shoot in natural light and concentrate on how you could use the body form not necessarily taking pictures of people more so if some dudes go arms like tree trunks find a nice natural light. play with angles and be creative.

Lagnagoushee

nicknackgtb wrote: »

Hi guys,

Has anyone ever shot in a gym? I have a shoot on Saturday and first real assignment with the Elinchrome BXri 500's. It is a semi portfolio shoot for myself but at the same time, the shoot is for the instructors who have been training hard up to now and reward them with shots of themselves.

So my question is, what sort of way would/should I set up the lights to really highlight their shape. 1/2 light set up? put it up high and shine down etc?

It will be black and white for the end product too.

I am trying to find a good site/ video for this but cant seem to find anything great to explain. As said, its the first time going to someone with the lights so bit nervous to say the least.

Cheers, Any comments greatly appreciated.

I'm interested to hear & see how you got on with your shoot. I have a similar BXri 500 setup and need to get them out to learn more about controlling light with them so your feedback would be welcome.

nicknackgtb

Lagnagoushee wrote: »

I'm interested to hear & see how you got on with your shoot. I have a similar BXri 500 setup and need to get them out to learn more about controlling light with them so your feedback would be welcome.

Yeah so got on ok with this shoot, am only on the phone here now but am happy with the outcome from one of my shots. When I get to my comp again I'll do a little report!

nicknackgtb

So here was the result of this shoot, a selection of photos.
Sorry about the delay in getting them up but would like some C&C on these if possible.

Cheers
1.



2.



3.



4.



5.



6.



7.



8.



As said would really love some C&C on this as this was my first main shoot using lights.

Deadlie

Nice set! The last two in particular are nicely lit and framed!

Number 2 is the standout dud for me though. The background is too visible and there's too much going on it. There's a few ways of going about this -

- Get a grid/gobo on your light to prevent spill to where you don't want it
- Increase shutter speed. Shutter speed has no effect on flash exposure*, but it does effect the ambient light. Put it to it's max and it might kill off any background that's lit by standard indoor lighting.
- put some more distance between your subject and his background. The light will fall off into nothing and essentially, disappear.

Other than that one shot though, I think your lighting is pretty damn impressive for a first timer. The lighting in #1 really does it's job, those muscles stand out very well.

I wouldn't be mad on the editing in #3 and in #4 I'd personally warm it up a bit and try remove the redness from his neck, but they're personal things. Overall, quality work!


*it does if you start dabbling in HSS (faster than 1/320) flash photography.