The Fitness Selfie floods our social media newsfeeds, with gym goers eager to show off their newly-chiselled torsos, so adopting a 'If you can't beat them, join them approach' I spoke to leading Fitness photographer, Tom Miles and physique model Tom Gilbert to find out how to take the perfect fitness selfie.
The pair, who created a rather humorous video that's included at the bottom of the post talk through a number of amusing gaffes when attempting to capture that perfect post-gym selfie.
Here's a review of some of their important dos and don'ts:
1) Rookie mistakes
The most embarrassing shots see fitness fanatics flex too hard, or pose on a crowded gym floor. But however advanced your training may be, don't forget the basics - avoid blocking out your face with your phone or covering your lens with your fingers.
2) Lighting
Miles, who has shot some of the top torsos in sport and entertainment, including Anthony Joshua and Hollywood superstar Terry Crews, stressed the importance of using proper lighting. He explains "If you haven't got £2,000 to spend on a professional lighting rig, then standing with a hard, directional light from above should do the trick to make your muscles stand out."
3) Body angles
Body angles are vital, and to really impress it's helpful to stand at a slight angle, pointing your hips away from the camera. This narrows your waist and makes your shoulders look broader.
4) Get your pump on
Multipower ambassador and Personal Trainer Gilbert knows a quick workout can give you the 'pump' needed to make those muscles bulge ahead of the perfect fitness selfie. Tom advises: "Nothing too heavy, but just enough to get the blood flowing nicely."
5) Be happy
With the perfect lighting, full muscles and standing with the perfect body angle you're ready for action. But before you take the picture, Gilbert suggests: "Be happy. Be proud of the effort you've put in and regardless of the level you train at, make sure you enjoy what you do!"
6) Finishing touches
Miles cheekily adds that obviously nothing you see in magazines is ever photo-shopped; however, to give yourself a bit of an edge you can boost the contrast of your selfie slightly. This helps darken the areas around your muscles, and if you de-saturate the image slightly that should help you create the perfect fitness selfie.
They recommend using the Sierra filter on Instagram to help if you're less confident using editing software.
Your can view the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl8UHwO-jr4&feature=youtu.be