Blood, sweat and smiles
Quite a departure from my usual assignments, I was excited to have a new challenge. Richard Hams, Hams Fitness, is a fitness instructor who runs his business from Epsom College.
Not your stereotypical personal trainer (there were no fluorescent trainers or Lycra in sight), Richard’s style is a bit more grungy and his attitude to life and fitness is everything in moderation - he trains hard (very hard) but he likes a beer too. Although in the weeks leading up to our shoot, he had regulated his diet a lot more strictly and increased the intensity of his workouts.
The purpose of the session was to create material for Richard's website to promote his business and inspire his clients, and for his online profile. It was rather ironic that I was photographing someone in the best shape of their life while I’m in the worst shape of mine!
We structured the session around a workout so that the shots would be natural and true to form. Richard worked extremely hard for two solid hours so that I could capture the range of shots and the detail and definition we wanted. There were times when, to avoid any blur and get the sharpest photos, he would have to hold still mid exercise - no mean feat when you are mid pull-up with a huge weight strapped around your waist!
While our setting was a stereotypical gym with all the usual equipment, Richard’s style and the exercises he chose meant we got an interesting set of shots. By using different perspectives and the equipment to get unusual angles, we could create some interesting compositions. A mix of weights and cardio meant we could inject some movement into the shots too.
It was a great session and I’m looking forward to the next shoot!
Now, time for a run for me I think...!
About Hams Fitness
Richard is a personal trainer who offers a variety of health and fitness packages to meet your own personal goals. He is based at Epsom College in their private, state of the art gym, or can travel to you if you prefer to work-out in the privacy of your own home. He also runs a series of bootcamps if group training is more your thing. Check him out here: www.hamsfitness.com