TapRoom Episode 3: Planning Your Gym Photoshoot
The art of the gym shoot can be fun, nerve wracking and exciting all at once, especially if this is your first go around with a gym shoot. A few things to consider when planning or booking a session with your photographer.
Considering the potential of impact to clients in the gym, be sure there’s a good relationship with the gym owner and the photographer. The very least permission from the owner to allow the shoot.
Bring at least two changes of clothes as you might change your mind, have time for additional outfits or just change your mind at the last minute and not like the selection.
People will watch, which isn’t a huge issue as most are curious on what’s going on and it’s a novel experience for most at the gym. For the most part, the majority of individuals will look at you to see what the fuss is and then go back to their workout.
Plan for your session during the downtime in the gym, if at all possible. When booking a session, it’s much easier to go during a slower time for patrons of the gym. In the Tampa Bay Area, this is usually a Sunday and find it’s easier to maneuver around and set up for each shot. If you interfere to much with the members, they’ll start getting grouchy and that translates into a grouchy owner of the gym.
Be flexible. This isn’t saying your physical flexibility but in utilizing equipment you weren’t planning to use. At times, what was planned with an athlete doesn’t look quite right and we zig to another machine and the picture looks ten times better. This doesn’t mean the athlete or photographer did anything wrong or different, but the picture just fit better at that moment.
Plan ahead in what images you like. This opens dialogue between you and the photographer, but also gets you motivated on your upcoming session. This excitement not only assists with motivation, but also allowing for a certain level of comfort and expectation as your day approaches.
Bring your business card! In this day of social media and brand creation, this might seem odd but you never know who will be around and want to network or create a new opportunity.
