fotoman150

I have received a call from a client who hired another photographer to shoot some home fitness shots. The client has a fitness product that is used in the home. I think it is a video product. He was not pleased with the other photographer's work and called me.

In the past I have had trouble posting photographs here but I will try again.

Anyway, I have a pretty good idea how to improve the photos, but could use some suggestions to see if there is something I have not thought of.

Please don't tell me that I shouldn't take the job if I don't know what to do. That's very annoying and very common here. As I said, I have a good idea what to do, but I want to see if anyone has further suggestions.

The problems I see with these photos is that:

1 . The people aren't smiling

2. The black outfits on some of the models don't show any detail or contour and make the models look like a black blob.

3. In one photo the black furniture is behind the model and blends in with her black outfit and it looks like crap.

4. Some of the models are backlit and don't have enough light on their faces to compensate for the shadows.

5. One photo was shot with a flash off to the side and created a shadow on the wall and the flash doesn't seem to be modified by a diffuser like a softbox, making the light very harsh.

6. There are way too many background articles and they are too much in focus and detract from the main subject. The photos should look clean. These look cluttered.

7. There are no pictures from behind showing the screen as they are working out. The product is a video but you don't get to see the product on the screen.

Can you guys see anything that I have missed or do you have any suggestions on how I can improve the photos that I may not have thought of? Techniques that might work better? Equipment needed?

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Bunko.T Loc: Western Australia.

I agree with your own comments: windows in shot, too much back light.
The irrelevant clutter of furniture. Yes, a smile or two is great but difficult when you're straining.
Obviously, they would be the sole focus in a bare enclosure with a neutral back ground.
The subject matter, physical exercise, is over blown by other items, furniture & light.
Not criticism, just moral support. I've often looked at my result & kicked myself for the light behind subject.
Depending on what you want & not want extra to subject is not always controllable but some can be cropped out after.

Grahame Loc: Fiji

If these are images that someone else has taken is it ethically acceptable to post them on this forum along with the criticism?

paulroddy

Nothing to protect floor when exercising in your remodeled home. Agree with your other photo issues.
Paul

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The light through the windows is blown-out on most, particularly the first and third examples. These might still be recoverable is you have access to the RAW versions and put a mask over the windows and bring down the exposure local to these locations. The flash position should be revisited. The exposure is good, but the strong, dark shadow makes is seem like there is subject blur (movement). But, it's just a very dark shadow.

Linda S.

From a marketing perspective, if the client wants to sell the fitness equipment, then the focus (no pun intended) should be on the equipment. I don't know much at all about studio photography, but shouldn't these shots be done in a studio with some home furnishings to set the scene with a smiling person(or persons) using the equipment? Wouldn't there be far greater control over all the photographic compromises that were made in these photos?

fotoman150

Thanks

fotoman150

You may be right. They are someone else’s images. But I’m not trying to sell them so I don’t know.

fotoman150

Thanks

fotoman150

No access to the Raw. These are not mine. Besides, there are so many other issues. Agree about the shadow.

I actually visited her Facebook page and smugmug. Lots of pics of kids slightly out of focus, poor composition, harsh direct sunlight causing the kids to squint, background in focus showing that she did not control the aperture, shooting on auto/ program, color balance and skin tones off. I think she’s shooting jpgs. Also looks like a consumer camera. Nothing further back than 2017.

And some of the comments from the parents were like “oh I love her work”. Showing that parents love pictures of their kids no matter how technically bad the photography is.

I don’t mean to be mean because I started out that way. I just cringe when I see her work and the fact that she puts it up on the internet so proudly and talks about it being her passion. And the parents buy it and she charges them $60 for 15 min.

I hope she improves over time. I’m sure she will. I just want to take her to the side and say “ See? This is how you set the apertutre. This is how you shoot and edit a RAW image. This is how you adjust skin tones.” I could have her shooting much better if I had a day to work with her.

fotoman150

I think the product is a video exercise program.

Actually he has a studio where we can shoot and make a fake set. I hope it has lots of natural light. I think it looks better. I am going to use daylight balanced LED lights for fill. We’ll see what happens.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

I hope she improves over time. I’m sure she will. I just want to take her to the side and say “ See? This is how you set the apertutre. This is how you shoot and edit a RAW image. This is how you adjust skin tones.” I could have her shooting much better if I had a day to work with her.[/quote]

Yeah, but then she gets the job and you're left out in the cold.

aschweik Loc: NE Ohio

I agree with everything you've said about those photos. From the perspective of a possible client/buyer, I would want to see the actual equipment. And I'd be asking why they're exercising in such small areas like a dining room. In one picture the dog crate in the background is distracting along with personal furniture. I would definitely be setting up in a studio...it just seems much more professional. It's too difficult to take professional looking fitness photos in someone's cramped living room. I don't think it's mandatory they smile. Who smiles when they exercise? And sometimes if they're smiling too much it looks fake. If they're trying to get business from this equipment, they need to focus on the device/video and get rid of the distracting stuff. Right now it looks low-grade. I'm sure with all your suggestions, you can do better. I've never shot in this situation, but coming from a potential buyer or client prospective, I would not be rushing out to get this product based on these photos!

catchlight.. Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway

Looks like someones home? Not good to start with. get a real workout location and use a long lens. Posing will not be a good as action, street style candid shots.

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

I agree with all of your assessments. You are spot on. I do agree, however, not to expect smiles when doing a strenuous workout. A less cluttered background that still indicates it is for and being used in a home might be helpful.
Good luck!