Shooting fitness and bodybuilder

[mastenm]

Couldnt find where else to post this question but since this is where I usually post, I will ask you all for advice.
I have been asked to do two shoots for a woman who owns a gym. She wants two things:
1) shots on a white background of her in various forms of exercise (similar to Shape or Oxygen magazine workout tutorials)
2) shots to begin her portfolio as a fitness model (basic poses on black background)

I have never shot a fitness model and wanted to ask anyone that has how they would light to accentuate the curves and muscle structure.

Any ideas how to or where to find info?

Thanks in advance!

[inthedeck]

This should be in the G&N Talk section...but, check out Drisley's work. He has some fitness models, and I think that Adam (Derweissehai) has some too. Hatch does, also...and posted a couple of his wife, prior to her competition, and during, as well.

There's also tons of fitness models, on MM, so, just look around. ;)

[FlyingPhotog]

Search for Hatch1921

[Big Mike]

My first thoughts would be to use a hard, directional light which will help to bring out the 'texture' of the model's muscles. I would also think that it's a good idea to use accent/kicker lights to highlight the curves/shape of the model.

[kenwood33]

This is a shot I did last weekend. Two lights one on each side. Left one is in a sb, right one is bare. Did a bit of PS to change the color tone.

http://modelmayhm-2.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/090922/22/4ab9b77fcd883.jpg

[chrisvl]

Depends on the look you're going for.
If you want Arts similar to the sample above then side lighting.
If you want glamour the any where from 3 to 5 lights.
A lot of it has to do with the PP as well.
Check my site out.
You mention similar to Oxygen then search G&N forum for Paul Buceta or go to PaulBuceta.com he shoots most of their covers and workout series.

[mastenm]

Thanks Chris. The shot got pushed back a couple of weeks, due to them competing. The person wants two things, photos for their website (they own their own gym) and shots that she can use to get some fitness modeling work, such as Oxygen or Shape. So I guess I need both kinds. I will certainly look at both sites and see what I can glean from them. Thanks!