How would you light a bodybuilding kind of a photoshoot?

I might be doing a bodybuilding / fitness photo shoot sometime soon and would really like some classy lighting techniques using a maximum of 5 lights + a reflector (if needed).

Basically I have 2 strobes (Einsteins) and 4 speedlites (600ex-rt).

I have PC sync cables to use 5 lights in total.. 2 strobes 3 speedlites.. while 1 speedlite will be on top of the camera controlling all 5 lights in manual mode.

Can you guys give me some tips to use a 5 or less light setup to light a fitness photoshoot. Basically I would like to retain the definition on the body of the model (male) and really make his muscles show.. while having more of a classy look to his face / the overall picture.

https://photography-on-the.net …52&highlight=bo​dybuilding

https://photography-on-the.net …56&highlight=bo​dybuilding

^ thanks, however that second thread where she's posing on stage is irrelevant. This will be a shoot inside the gym (of him lifting weights etc.) and lit by only my strobes / speedlites.. very low or no ambient in the scene.

5W0L3 wrote in post #15333447
^ thanks, however that second thread where she's posing on stage is irrelevant. This will be a shoot inside the gym (of him lifting weights etc.) and lit by only my strobes / speedlites.. very low or no ambient in the scene.

since your question concerns lighting why don't you ask in the lighting section?

Main: a medium-small light source placed far off-axis to create hard shadows which will accentuate definition in the muscles.

Fill: none. I wouldn't, anyway. If anything, set your on-camera Speedlight to very low power for just a little fill.

Other: A stripbox to make an edge light on the opposite side of the main light. Background lights as necessary.

Strong side lighting to emphasize muscle definition. Perhaps a stripbox or softbox on each side with a only a bit of fill (snooted or feathered to catch only the face.