Bodybuilding Photography

[Photoman]

I train three days a week purely for fitness, but my major hobby is photography - I've done several weddings, an exhibition and some other stuff over last few years like portrait and landscape stuff. When my grandfather passed away recently I got enough money from his will to buy a really great brand new semi-pro digital camera (Canon EOS 40D).

Anyways, I wanted to get some ideas for stuff to photograph and thought sports might interesting but I don't know ANYTHING about this industry. Do bodybuilders have portfolios like models do? (I've taken portfolio shots before) Do you have to be a registered or qualified photographer at events? Do people pay professional photographers just before a big competition?

I'd really appreciate some feedback or suggestions - I wasn't thinking of charging for photos (I dont even know if people need photos taken!)

Thanks for letting me post.

[Pseudonym]

Do bodybuilders keep portfolios? Well, it probably depends on how serious the bodybuilder is. The more professional bodybuilders will, with the intention of picking up work. Amateurs tend to get their photos taken after a comp more as a record of their progress.

As for photographing events, most shows let the audience take photos (I've only been to one where that wasn't allowed). There is often an official photographer though, so if you wanted to go beyond simple "audience shots" you would probably need to apply for permission.

[autechre]

I think only the top bodybuilders in NZ would have portfolios and anyone that does modelling/tv/movie work. Most competitors will just get the photos from the official photog at the comp as a record of their big day on stage - usually Keith from MuscleImaging as he is at most shows.

I've taken pics at a number of competitions in Wellington and I don't think i've had any grief from organisers or other photographers there. So, you are pretty free to do your thing as long as you're not interfering/in the way.

I've also approached a few competitors after the show to take photos (for free). Some are happy to do it, others have got other shoots arranged.