This shoot reminded me why I do what I do and just how great it feels to help others open up the deep internal power and happiness as they feel and see just how amazing they truly are.
This was an exciting multifaceted shoot which will unravel as we go. Matt and Sarah were embarking on a new chapter in their lives and about to move to Thailand. I sat and listened to their story, and then constructed the way we could capture it to create something they’d love that is naturally and uniquely them.
Fitness Photography in a Natural Environment.
A big element of the shoot was to be about Matt. He had just finished a huge bodybuilding prep cycle and it was time to flex! Both Matt and Sarah run coaching businesses. Sarah is a Bodybuilding Coach and Matt is a Personal Trainer/Fitness Coach (I may change these when they tell me their actual job roles are! I just know them for being compassionate, unashamedly authentic and ultimately empowering).
So here we were in mid July and that meant bright overhead sunlight. Not ideal conditions for an outdoor photo shoot but since we had a lot of elements to cover I planned it in a way to best use the light at the right times of day.
For the first set of photos I wanted to set Matt in a natural setting. I could see his kind and relaxed nature matched with his physical strength had a oneness with the universe. I wanted to show his sculpted physique matched with the rugged strength and resilience of nature. I knew it also meant I could use the soft directional light that tree canopies provide. Considering there are no mountains in historic Chichester city centre I chose the gnarliest tree and we got to work.
The story continues after a few of those photos:
(and note, as always these photos are just a small highlight of the whole selection of photos provided from this shoot. Click for full screen viewing ).
Couple Photography Chichester - Matt and Sarah
Together Matt and Sarah seem like bees and flowers, inseparable, an interdependent relationship, a joyous dance of life, a beautiful soulful couple. The gardens were filled with vibrant summer flowers; a perfect environment for them to be themselves together, filled with energy, full with love; free. They had asked for some photos to remind them of their home town for when they moved overseas. I composed them with the well known landmark of Chichester cathedral in the background, keeping it subtle and in the mood of the moment. All photos memories to cherish of their first home town together.
Content Creator Photography
As we moved through the day we allowed the narrative to unfold organically capturing moments for Matt’s fitness coach marketing content. Sarah, being a coach herself, joining in with ideas for their use and even appearing as an extra in some scenes.
Back at base Sarah assisted Matt to prepare for the grand finale, the bodybuilding poses, the real flex! I realised they lived right on the old city walls which made for a perfect backdrop with the low directional light of the setting sun casting a magical glow. It turned out to be just the contrasting light that I had hoped for, the contrast of the dark shadow showcasing Matt’s incredible build in a gold light.
Fitness Documentary Photography
And a happy ending of course, And Sarah and Matt at the front door of their UK home, their story here complete and on to their next chapter as they move the tropics of South East Asia. Maybe we will see a future story of them here (he wishes, hopeful to be capturing that moment too!).
I love being with the people at the end of the shoot and seeing them beam, radiating a positive energy. I love creating great photography and I have been working in it for 20 years with that same level of vision. Really for me photography is more than just capturing a moment; it is about telling an authentic story. That requires a way of being with people so that they may relax, be themselves and feel good about it. Making use of my creativity and imagination to empower individuals, to help them unearth the energy and strength that lies within. There is a deep-rooted happiness that surfaces during these shoots, a happiness that confirms their own unique power. And what’s more, that lasts, every time those photos are viewed and that feeling is brought to life..
So, as you peruse through the photos from this shoot, take a moment to ponder. What stories do these images tell? What emotions do they evoke? Allow yourself to be swept away by the authenticity and compassion that emanates from each frame. And remember, your own story is waiting to be captured, waiting to be unleashed. Let the power of photography guide you on your own journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
You can find many more couples stories on my professional photography website blog
https://saintecroix.co.uk/blog/