Most aspiring or established bodybuilders take lots of pictures of themselves during their search 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 various stages of the process. So it makes perfect sense to invest in the best photographic equipment one can afford at an early stage and also spend a little time perfecting the techniques needed to take good solo bodybuilding photos.
These points are often overlooked, a fact amply proven by the masses of really bad bodybuilding photos one sees. Bodybuilding is a sport whose success is judged visually, both on stage and pictorially. If, for example, the lighting in the venue is poor on the day of a contest, it will be difficult for contestants to achieve maximum visual impact on their routines. They can be seen clearly, but if the lighting is too dim or strong and not positioned correctly, the muscle definition may be much less apparent and the poses are not as effective.
The same principles apply to taking your own bodybuilding pictures. You are going to spend a great deal of time, effort and money on your sport, so it makes no sense to neglect the photographic component of your gear. Fortunately, you don’t need to spend thousands on a studio-quality setup. Digital cameras are getting better and cheaper every year and it is possible to get an intermediate level digital with good optics and high megapixel sensor for a very reasonable price. The only other critical item in a basic photo setup is a tripod. Again, good examples can be obtained 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, it should be the absolute best example you can afford. In today’s environment, there is little point in investing in a film camera (if you can still find one that is). Digital simply offers so many advantages that they represent the only serious option when considering camera options. Always try to stay with the big names, as the optical and component quality is usually better, as is the after-sales service. Brands like Nikon, Canon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus, and Konica Minolta are always safe choices. Kodak, HP, Panasonic, and FujiFilm are decent cameras too. One feature that would definitely be an advantage on a camera is a remote control. This will allow a lot of flexibility when taking solo bodybuilding photos.
Photography is doing magic with light. Lighting is arguably the most important factor in any photographic genre, and particularly in bodybuilding photography where muscle definition is so critical to creating visual impact. Again, it is not necessary to fail the bank. Any fairly intense addressable light source will do the job. For best results, try setting two light sources about 45 ° apart from your pose position and located behind the point where you are going to set up your camera. Try to avoid using the flash unless you have a flash diffuser, as the flash tends to remove too much subtle detail. Remember that a high light position will emphasize the shadow on the lower part of the muscle structure, while a lower position will do the same for the lower abs, but it can also detract from your chest.
Your camera should always be mounted on a tripod to avoid any blurring that can wreak havoc on the definition of your shots. If you have a portable full-length mirror, it helps to place 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 may detract from you as a focal point. This is especially true of items that could possibly provoke a blush attack at a later stage!
Personal preparation for taking bodybuilding photographs 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 dilate 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 pictures will increase blood flow and muscle volume.
- Skin tone and reflections are essential to show muscle development in bodybuilding images. Focus on maintaining a good tan and oiling to increase reflections. This will really define your muscle mass.
- Practice a good pose. Vacuum that gut 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 photos are taken, you can use the software to edit the results if you can and do so. Skin blemishes can miraculously disappear and lighting and exposure can be adjusted to maximize the effect. However, the Mel Gibson face overlay is not active!
It is impossible to briefly cover all the different techniques and settings that can be applied to get great results in bodybuilding pictures. However, experience will quickly teach you how to maximize results, and by using the tips above, you will soon be able to create a flattering portfolio.