5 things to consider when having your photos taken in a public gym

Having your photos taken in a public gym can be tricky. If renting out a space is a little out of budget or not an option where you are located here are 5 things to consider.

1. The gym might be a ‘public’ place but it is still a private facility. Meaning having people in frame of your photos without their consent is a real thing, so be cautious. What’s the work-around? A majority of your shots will have to be tight or filling the frame nearly to its entirety. Photoshop is an option but not always full-proof. 

2. Time = Money. Waiting for a specific machine or apparatus can reduce your photoshoot time. How to combat this circumstance? When hiring your Fitness Photographer it might be best to opt for a deal that gives you ample time to get in the shots you want barring waiting on other gym members. Or if the coverage for extra time is costly, create a mood board to select a few of the ideas that can be captured in one spot in the gym. Extra tip: Go during non peak hours, like before sunrise or graveyard hours.

3. Your photographer may need a gym pass. What’s the trick here? In a perfect world, you’ve met your photographer at your gym so no need to worry about admittance. Or review your gym pass policy, you might have a buddy pass system that will allow them on certain days or times. Try not to get a trial pass, because usually that comes with a salesman trying to pitch a membership and it’ll take time away from your photoshoot. Plus it’ll make it awkward. 

4. In a public setting it is unrealistic to have your photographer bring all their gear such as light stands, light modifiers, lights, so on and so forth. Depending on the gym space bringing extra clutter will make it difficult to setup and navigate through the crowd. What’s the realistic approach? You’ll have to accept the available light from the gym during your Fitness Photo Shoot. Depending on your Fitness Photographer, they might bring a minimalist approach to light sources. Pro tip: During your workouts start to make note of the areas of the gym that make you look pumped. Recommend these to your Fitness Photographer so that it’ll take less time hunting for a spot.

5. All eyes are on you. If you are shy or awkward in front of the camera the draw to attention is going to be magnified when the other gym members see a fitness photographer following you around taking snaps. Practical approach? Try to find a corner of the gym to keep your exposure to a minimum. 

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