What to wear
Fitted, plain, in a colour that is not the same as the gym floor or walls. Black on black in a dark gym leaves nothing to see. Avoid logos across the…
In short: Fitted, plain, in a colour that is not the same as the gym floor or walls. Black on black in a dark gym leaves nothing to see. Avoid logos across the chest if the images are for a brand other than that one.
Colour. Anything that separates from the gym. Black kit in a dark gym leaves a silhouette with no definition — which is the one thing the session exists to show.
Fabric. Fitted and matte. Shiny technical fabric under hard side light produces blown highlights across the shoulders and thighs.
Footwear. Clean, and in frame for almost every lift. Chalk and scuffs read as authentic on hands and as neglect on shoes.
The thing that ruins frames. Another brand's logo across the chest when the images are for your own brand. It is the most common reason a shoot cannot be used commercially.
Trainers building a client-facing brand, competitors documenting a peak, and gyms that need images which are not stock photography.
Location changes the answer: A gym with windows, shot in the morning before it fills. Failing that, a doorway or a roller-shutter opening. Commercial gyms usually require permission for a shoot, and asking a week ahead is the difference between a session and being asked to leave.
Planning pressure to account for: Shooting under overhead strip lighting, which is the flattest and least flattering light in any building. Miming lifts. And photographing a busy gym, where the background is full of strangers who have not consented to appear.
Bring each proposed outfit as a complete look, including its shoes and accessories. The final choice is made against the actual background and light rather than from a generic colour rule.
Fitted, plain, in a colour that is not the same as the gym floor or walls. Black on black in a dark gym leaves nothing to see. Avoid logos across the chest if the images are for a brand other than that one.
For a one-hour session, plan one complete look and one quick variation such as a jacket, shoe or jewellery change. Two hours can normally support two or three resolved looks. More changes reduce shooting time, so photograph the most important outfit first and treat extras as options rather than promises.
Choose colours that separate clearly from the location and suit the intended use of the pictures. Solid tones and controlled texture are reliable; very fine checks, tiny stripes and reflective logos can distract or produce moiré. Send phone photographs of the options with the brief if you want a decision before the shoot.
Bring the garments on proper hangers, matching underwear, the shoes for every full-length look, a lint roller and simple touch-up products. Pack one neutral backup layer. Steam everything beforehand, but keep a small steamer nearby for travel creases and final adjustments on set.
Send the date, location and what you need photographed.