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Fitness photoshoot on location

Behind the scenes video Feat. Manon Vergé

This was actually my last photoshoot of last Year. A fitness photoshoot in a unique location, what could go wrong? I kinda liked my previous post where I explained how 5 of my images were made. So I decided to do the same on this one. So let’s start with the concept, nothing crazy, really simple, I wanted to use my experience with dancers and my love of shooting performers in unique locations but on a fitness photoshoot.

So that’s what we did! We got access, to the Pavillon Joséphine in Strasbourg and it was easier this time because I’ve worked there already a couple of years ago. The model that worked with me on this special session is an amazing athlete. I thought this would never happen, as we've been trying to meet for so long. Her name is Manon, and I am super happy we finally made it happen.


Gear wise, I had the Canon EOS R with me. Yes, you read it right, the good old EOSR. I said old because you guys are already fantasizing about canon’s latest announcement, the R5 that will make the EOSR obsolete in a couple of months. I gave my opinion about this camera already, and although a lot of you out there love to hate it, I believe it’s a very capable camera.


The EOS R my thoughts on Canon’s Mirrorless camera!

With the EOSR I brought with me the 24-70mm, the 16-35mm and 70 - 200mm f/2.8 L EF lenses and of course my 2 Broncolor SirosL 800ws.


So lest jump right in and look closely at the images from this session:


Manon Vergé - Pavillon Josphine (Strasbourg - France)


Canon EOSR + 24-70 mm EF f2.8L

2X Broncolor SirosL

1/200 f5 ISO 640 at 24mm


We started by the most difficult of the series, which in the end is not that difficult to make. All you need is a tripod… You decide how you want to frame your image first and lock your camera. Then you discuss with your model and try to find 3 poses that would work together. I’ve done this multiple times in the past, I choose 3 different poses with 3 different outfits. I usually start with the first shot in the center and then deal with the two others on the side. I used tape on the floor to help Manon know where exactly she had to stand. One light with a silver Umbrella was used as a rim light and the 90x120 Broncolor Softbox was my main placed camera right.


Manon Vergé - Pavillon Josphine (Strasbourg - France)


Canon EOSR + 70-200 mm EF f2.8L

2X Broncolor SirosL

1/200 f2.8 ISO 250 at 100mm


All the photos made close to the Pillar were done with only one light. The light is facing her to have those deep shadows facing me. Hanging from the pillar on the 2nd image wasn't easy. I asked her if she could possibly climb up there, and let herself hang. It was hard for her to have a grip so my lovely assistant came to the rescue and stepped on a chair to hold her hand.

Manon Vergé - Pavillon Josphine (Strasbourg - France)


Canon EOSR + 24-70 mm EF f2.8L

2X Broncolor SirosL

1/200 f2.8 ISO 250 at 105mm


I wanted another version of the first photograph we made. An almost identical composition but without the clones…I took this one from the ground for a different perspective, which also elongates her legs.