Outdoor Active Fitness Lifestyle Photography in Los Angeles
If you’re producing a fitness or active lifestyle photoshoot with models, then there are plenty of opportunities to utilize outdoor locations in Los Angeles like the beach or the mountains for the perfect backdrop.
Although my lifestyle photography work generally leans towards a more relaxed style, there are moments I might want to incorporate action into the final images.
In this blog post, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite active lifestyle photos from working with models here in Los Angeles.
Surf Photos In Santa Monica Beach
In the beginning of this photoshoot with male model Austin Lee, there was still some harsh lighting since sunset was about an hour away. We started the photoshoot using a surfboard and managed to capture some lifestyle images with Austin running with the board into the water.
Although there wasn’t any actual surfing involved, catching his movements running with the board, along with the splashing of the water as a result of his running, provided some great action shots.
Aside from these running shots, I also captured some portraits of Austin posing with the surfboard at the beach.
Fitness Photography: Mount Hollywood
The trail and outdoor locations around Griffith Park make for a nice backdrop for fitness and active lifestyle photoshoots.
Near the end of my photoshoot with Clifton Sneed, we captured some action shots of him stretching and running along the Mount Hollywood trail. Having accessories like a water bottle or a fitness watch is a great way to incorporate products into a lifestyle photoshoot.
Some of my favorite images from the shoot were the shots of him looking out at the mountain turned away from the camera. The stretching and preparing to run still gives the fitness vibe of the photoshoot, even if he isn’t doing any physically intensive exercise.
For the running shot, we did a few different tries in order to get a shot where I was able to get the image with strong focus on him at a wide enough angle. One of the biggest obstacles of working outdoors with natural light compared to a controlled environment in a studio setting is that you might be limited with how much time you have to get the shot you want.
Once we started the running photos, the sun had almost already set over the mountains. I was able to capture this image with the golden light from the sun lighting Clifton on the left right before we ran out of time.
Choosing An Outdoor Location
Regardless of whether or not I’m producing a fitness photoshoot, I always aim to find an outdoor location that has plenty of space for myself and the model to move around.
However, if the model is going to be doing more than just stretching (running, jumping, exercising, etc.), then it’s that much more imperative that I can back up far enough to get full-body action photos with the model moving in the frame.
For all of my lifestyle photoshoots, I prepare a customized mood board that includes an outdoor location that I plan on going to. For me, it’s important that I check out the location in advance to see what backdrop is going to work best for each photoshoot and if it’s necessary to bring any props.
Final Thoughts
Some of the first jobs that I booked as a photographer in Los Angeles were capturing lifestyle photos at fitness gyms featuring members and personal trainers.
Years later, I’m happy to be able to apply some of my knowledge of those jobs into a photography style that currently suits my interest in working outdoors and in natural light.
I hope you enjoyed reading and hopefully some of these photos can give you ideas on adding some action into your images.
If you’re a fitness lifestyle brand looking to get new photos for your marketing, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I work with brands worldwide to produce high-quality commercial and advertising campaigns.
Thanks for reading and until next time.
Feel free to explore my website further for behind-the-scenes lifestyle photoshoots:
Sunrise Outdoor Lifestyle Photoshoot in Santa Monica Beach
Luxury Watch Outdoor Lifestyle Photoshoot at Venice Beach, Los Angeles
Downtown Los Angeles Lifestyle Photoshoot in the City
Downtown Los Angeles City Lifestyle Photoshoot
If you’d rather look at specific product photography galleries of my lifestyle work, check out the links below.
