jim g. Posted November 2, 2003 Share Posted November 2, 2003 I have been asked by an 18 year old male college student to do a photo shoot of him for an upcoming bodybuilding contest. he will have a list of the required poses that must be submitted with his application. he has also asked that I take a few nude photos that he wants to have for his own use. Any suggestions for this shoot? Indoors/outdoors? (November in NJ can be chilly) Lighting? (Is a camera mounted flash sufficient?) Do I charge him anything other than cost of film/processing? Any ideas would help. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harry_akiyoshi Posted November 3, 2003 Share Posted November 3, 2003 Well, to answer at least a few of your questions: <P> 1. You should probably shoot indoors. If you want to shoot nudes outdoors, you'll need a permit from the local mayor's office -- unless you want to either get arrested or hike out into the middle of nowhere where no one will see you. <P> 2. Camera-mounted flash is NOT going to be flattering. Most photos of this type are done in studios with a whole array of lighting equipment. Because the primary purpose is just to document this guy's body, you could use it if you can't think of anything better. Sidelight will bring out the nuances of his musculature much better. <P> 3. Given that you're not sure whether you should just use the flash on your camera to light these pictures, you probably shouldn't charge more than film and processing. <P> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin_pistor Posted November 3, 2003 Share Posted November 3, 2003 Hi Jim, just one idea: whereas it`s already stated, you shouldn`t go outdoors (if its sunny light will be to harsh) you might be able to use the gym (assuming its a place with some more space then your living room and with windows). This would give you the chance to set up a background, and use daylight (soften with a curtain and use additional reflector opposite side). Basically you find a lot of technique hints with the nude photography folks, for basically modelling the body shapes is just the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
constance_cook Posted November 3, 2003 Share Posted November 3, 2003 Jim:Go buy a bodybuilding magazine and look at the lighting and poses and you'll have a better idea of what is required to do this young man justice. I used to know a competitive bodybuilder and competing was rigorous as was everything that went with it, including the photos. So you need to see how it's done because these aren't just the usua; nude genre. Some of the best lighting I've seen was on bodybuilding photos. Conni Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris kaminski Posted November 3, 2003 Share Posted November 3, 2003 Boris Vallejo has a number of books out with nude bodybuilders, male and female. And the man works in a cramped studio, creating what are (to my eye anyway) excellent portrayals of his subjects. You should be able to find his books in your local Barnes & Noble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyro Posted November 3, 2003 Share Posted November 3, 2003 Besides side lighting, "overhead" lighting is a must as it really brings out the musculature. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron_davis2 Posted November 3, 2003 Share Posted November 3, 2003 A couple of things you may not realize about bodybuilder pictures. In general he will need immediate access to weights, the pictures are taken "pumped". Second he will likely oil himself to enhance definition. BB pictures are all about definition. He'll also be eating different the last few days to burn off fat and water. You definitely want to have your light coming from an angle to create shadow and highlight on muscle. <a href="http://www.davidfordphotography.com/shoot.htm">This</a> site seems to have some guidelines for preparation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rahul_dutta Posted December 3, 2003 Share Posted December 3, 2003 as allready said by Dhaval ...."Overhead lighting " is the best way to do it ....but Iam not sure how u will manage that on location , if it wud have been in a studio ,Iam sure u cud have managed ......this is how I do it :<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim g. Posted December 10, 2003 Author Share Posted December 10, 2003 Thanks for all the responses. I really appreciate your efforts. Based upon what you have told me, I am going to invest in some lights, stands, and soft boxes and set up a small studio in my basement next to my gym. I think I will have what I need then. I also appreciate the pic that was posted; it is a fine example of body art; i.e., the male form. I would like to try to duplicate the photo with Joey, the kid I will be photographing; not for his use, but for my experience. If anyone else has other pics that I may try to copy (style, not in printing) please post them for me to see and study. Thanks again for all the wonderful info and encouragement. Jim G. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rahul_dutta Posted January 9, 2004 Share Posted January 9, 2004 Iam posting two pix here ......1) how I click ( my setup ) ......2) the result<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rahul_dutta Posted January 9, 2004 Share Posted January 9, 2004 u may click this link to see how I clicked it http://www.pbase.com/image/24163901 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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