I’ve photographed hundreds of athletes, gym-goers and fitness professionals across London. And the shoots that produce the best results — the ones where every image is usable, where the client walks away with a gallery they’re genuinely proud of — aren’t always with the most photogenic people or the best-equipped gyms.
They’re with the people who came prepared.
Preparation isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up as the best version of yourself, so I can do my job and capture that. Here’s exactly what I tell every client before we shoot.
Book at the Right Time of Day
Most commercial gyms are quietest early morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays. This matters for two reasons: fewer people in the background of your shots, and less noise disrupting your focus. If the gym has skylights or large windows, morning light can be genuinely beautiful. I’ll always advise on timing once I know the venue, but if you’re choosing, aim for before 9am or between 1–3pm.
Sort Your Nutrition and Hydration
This isn’t about crash dieting in the week before — that’s not what I’m looking for and it won’t show up in photos the way you think it will. What does make a visible difference is hydration. Start increasing your water intake two to three days before the shoot. Avoid foods that cause bloating in the 24 hours prior — your midsection will look noticeably different and you’ll feel more comfortable moving in front of the camera.
If you time your carbohydrates well around training, you’ll look fuller and more muscular. Keep training in the days leading up to the shoot but don’t go to failure the day before — you want energy and a pump, not DOMS.
Plan Your Outfits in Advance
Bring a minimum of three outfits. I know that sounds like a lot, but variety in your gallery is what makes it genuinely useful — different looks mean different content for different platforms and purposes. Lay everything out the night before, not the morning of.
One neutral (black, grey, navy), one that represents your brand or personality, and one sport-specific option. Make sure everything is clean, fitted and crease-free. I’ll go into outfit specifics in more detail in a separate guide, but the golden rule is: if it looks good in the mirror, it’ll look good on camera. If you’re not sure, bring it and we’ll decide together.
Decide on Your Key Shots in Advance
Before we meet, have a think about what you want these images for. Social media content? A website? A sponsorship deck? The answer shapes everything — the angles, the lighting, whether we go more editorial or more commercial. I’ll guide the session, but clients who’ve thought about this in advance always leave with a more focused, purposeful gallery.
Think about three or four movements or poses that represent you well. Compound lifts, dynamic action shots, posed portraits — bring a reference image if there’s a look you’re going for. I’ll make it happen.
Groom and Skin Prep
Camera sensors pick up everything. A few things that make a genuine difference: matte skin photographs better than oily or sweaty skin (bring blotting papers or a small powder), freshly groomed facial hair looks intentional rather than unkempt, and if you’re a woman wearing makeup to the shoot, go for gym-appropriate products that won’t run under the lights.
Get a good night’s sleep before the shoot. Eye bags and tired skin are harder to work with than people expect.
What to Bring on the Day
A towel, your outfit options, water, and any equipment that’s part of your identity as an athlete — lifting belts, chalk, straps, resistance bands. These props add authenticity and give us more to work with compositionally. If you have branded kit or supplements you want featured, bring those too.
On the Day
Relax. That’s the main one. I’ll guide every shot — you don’t need to know how to pose, that’s my job. The only thing I need from you is energy and trust. The best shots always come when clients stop thinking about what they look like and just move naturally. We’ll get there.
Ready to book your gym photoshoot in London? I work with athletes, fitness professionals and gym brands across North London and beyond. Get in touch here to check availability and book your session.