Mark Ruddick Mark Ruddick

Men’s Fitness

When it comes to photographing men’s fitness, one of the things I enjoy most is the variety. Over the years, I’ve worked with athletes, bodybuilders, personal trainers, and guys who just love staying in shape. Each session has its own energy and brings something unique to the camera.

Some of my shoots are high-intensity, with clients showing off powerful lifts or that raw grit you only get mid-workout. Others lean more toward a classic fitness model look—defined poses, sharp lighting, and really highlighting the muscle definition. And then there are the lifestyle sessions, where we keep things a bit more relaxed and natural. I find those really fun too, because they tell more of a story about who the person is outside of just the gym.

Lighting is always key. With men’s fitness, I like to use shadows to emphasize strength and shape. It’s not just about showing muscle—it’s about showing the hard work, the determination, and the personality that goes into achieving that kind of physique. Every client has their own goal for the shoot, whether it’s building a portfolio, marketing their training business, or just capturing the results of months of dedication.

What I love most, though, is how different each guy’s look and style can be. No two sessions are ever the same. Some want dramatic, powerful images. Others prefer something more approachable and authentic. That variety keeps me inspired and always pushes me to experiment with new ideas behind the lens.

At the end of the day, men’s fitness photography is about more than muscles—it’s about confidence, discipline, and the story each person brings with them. I’m grateful I get to capture that.

- Mark Ruddick Photography - My images are an exploration of the human body under muscle stress — understanding the body’s strength, flexibility, and power. Creating these images has given me a better understanding of the human form which has transitioned into my commercial fitness work. 

I am a London, Ontario photographer who specializes in fitness, bodybuilding and fight photography.

I love to tell stories as anyone who's worked with me can attest. That includes visual stories through photographs. Let me tell your story and provide high impact images of you to sponsors, agencies, family or just for yourself.

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Mark Ruddick Mark Ruddick

Aerial Photoshoot with Gabby

I recently had the chance to do something a little different—an aerial photoshoot with Gabby. This was such a fun project because it wasn’t just about capturing strength, but also grace and artistry. Aerial work has this amazing mix of athleticism and elegance, and Gabby absolutely nailed it.

Shooting aerials comes with its own set of challenges. Timing is everything—when someone is suspended in the air, you have a fraction of a second to catch the perfect shape or expression. Lighting also plays a huge role in bringing out the definition and mood without distracting from the movement. It took a bit of experimenting, but once we found the right rhythm, everything clicked.

What really stood out to me was Gabby’s focus and control. Hanging upside down, twisting, and holding poses isn’t easy, but she made it look effortless. That combination of power and artistry is exactly what I love to capture in my photography.

I always enjoy working with athletes and performers who push boundaries. This shoot reminded me why I love photographing fitness and performance—it’s not just about documenting movement, but about freezing those fleeting moments of strength and beauty that happen in an instant.

Gabby was fantastic to work with, and I’m thrilled with how the images turned out. Definitely one of those shoots that keeps me inspired to try new things and push my own creativity.

- Mark Ruddick Photography - My images are an exploration of the human body under muscle stress — understanding the body’s strength, flexibility, and power. Creating these images has given me a better understanding of the human form which has transitioned into my commercial fitness work. 

I am a London, Ontario photographer who specializes in fitness, bodybuilding and fight photography.

I love to tell stories as anyone who's worked with me can attest. That includes visual stories through photographs. Let me tell your story and provide high impact images of you to sponsors, agencies, family or just for yourself.

- London Dance Photo - I am Mark Ruddick, an experienced photographer working in London, ON. I enjoy photographing dancers and really appreciate the athleticism and artistry involved. Coming from a fight photography background, I have developed my technique to capture rapidly moving subjects at high speed in front of the lens. The resulting instinct for timing fight photography has led to an ability to capture my subjects at the peak of their motion in an artistic way.

Let me capture the photos that move you.

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Mark Ruddick Mark Ruddick

Dance Shoot with Sophie and Ava

I recently had the chance to work with Sophie and Ava on a dance shoot, and it was such a fun and creative session. Both of them are incredibly talented dancers, and right from the start, I knew we were going to capture some beautiful movement and energy.

Dance shoots are always a bit different from other sessions I do. They’re a mix of athleticism, artistry, and timing—every frame has to line up just right to really show the grace and strength behind the movement. With Sophie and Ava, it was easy. They came prepared with ideas, poses, and a natural flow that made the session feel effortless.

What I really enjoy about photographing dancers is how much personality comes through in the shots. Every leap, turn, or pose tells a little story. Sophie and Ava each brought their own style, which gave us a nice variety of images. Some moments were all about precision, while others were about raw expression and energy.

The session reminded me of why I love blending photography with movement. Freezing a perfect jump mid-air or catching the subtle detail of a hand position makes the images come alive in a way that feels dynamic even when the photo is completely still.

By the end of the shoot, we had created a mix of strong, striking images and softer, expressive ones that really highlight their passion for dance. I’m always grateful when I get to collaborate with dancers like Sophie and Ava—it’s inspiring to watch their talent in action and to translate that into photographs they can look back on.

- Mark Ruddick Photography - My images are an exploration of the human body under muscle stress — understanding the body’s strength, flexibility, and power. Creating these images has given me a better understanding of the human form which has transitioned into my commercial fitness work. 

I am a London, Ontario photographer who specializes in fitness, bodybuilding and fight photography.

I love to tell stories as anyone who's worked with me can attest. That includes visual stories through photographs. Let me tell your story and provide high impact images of you to sponsors, agencies, family or just for yourself.

- London Dance Photo - I am Mark Ruddick, an experienced photographer working in London, ON. I enjoy photographing dancers and really appreciate the athleticism and artistry involved. Coming from a fight photography background, I have developed my technique to capture rapidly moving subjects at high speed in front of the lens. The resulting instinct for timing fight photography has led to an ability to capture my subjects at the peak of their motion in an artistic way.

Let me capture the photos that move you.

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Mark Ruddick Mark Ruddick

Work with Yoga Practitioner Mel

I recently had the chance to work with Mel, a yoga practitioner, and it was such a great experience. Yoga sessions have such a natural flow to them, and I really wanted to capture that sense of calm strength and balance in the images. Mel made that easy—she moves with such grace and confidence that every pose looked incredible through the lens.

We shot in a simple setting, letting her practice be the focus. The clean lines of her poses, the energy she brings to her practice, and the way she connects with her body all came through beautifully in the photos. I especially loved capturing the small details—the way her hands and feet grounded her in each pose, or the moments of stillness between transitions.

Photography like this is always rewarding because it’s not just about taking a picture—it’s about capturing a lifestyle and a mindset. With Mel, that meant highlighting both her strength and her calm presence.

It was a fun and inspiring shoot, and I think the final images really reflect her dedication to yoga. Shoots like this remind me why I love what I do—working with passionate people and helping them share their story through photos.

- Mark Ruddick Photography - My images are an exploration of the human body under muscle stress — understanding the body’s strength, flexibility, and power. Creating these images has given me a better understanding of the human form which has transitioned into my commercial fitness work. 

I am a London, Ontario photographer who specializes in fitness, bodybuilding and fight photography.

I love to tell stories as anyone who's worked with me can attest. That includes visual stories through photographs. Let me tell your story and provide high impact images of you to sponsors, agencies, family or just for yourself.

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Mark Ruddick Mark Ruddick

Fitness Shoot with Model Megan

I had the chance to work with Megan again for a fitness shoot, and I have to say—she makes my job way too easy. Megan is a fantastic model and athlete, and every time we collaborate, the results just get better and better.

For this shoot, we wanted to use a fight gym to create some really powerful images.

One of the things I love most about shooting with her is how effortlessly she moves between poses. It’s not just about looking strong—she understands how to hold herself so that every angle works on camera. That’s something that takes real skill, and it shows in the final images.

We mixed up a few different looks throughout the session, from bold and striking to a little more relaxed, but the consistency was always there. Megan’s discipline and energy really shine through, and I think that’s why these photos work so well.

All in all, it was a great shoot and a reminder of why I enjoy fitness photography so much. Capturing strength, confidence, and personality in a single frame is always the goal, and with Megan, that’s exactly what we achieved.

- Mark Ruddick Photography - My images are an exploration of the human body under muscle stress — understanding the body’s strength, flexibility, and power. Creating these images has given me a better understanding of the human form which has transitioned into my commercial fitness work. 

I am a London, Ontario photographer who specializes in fitness, bodybuilding and fight photography.

I love to tell stories as anyone who's worked with me can attest. That includes visual stories through photographs. Let me tell your story and provide high impact images of you to sponsors, agencies, family or just for yourself.

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Mark Ruddick Mark Ruddick

Glitter Portrait Session

Every once in a while, I get to shoot something that’s just pure fun—no stress, no strict concept, just creativity, mess, and magic. That was exactly the vibe during this glitter portrait session. My makeup person wanted to shoot a glitter concept.

Glitter is one of those things that sounds like a great idea… until you actually have to clean it up. But honestly? Totally worth it. The sparkles brought such a unique texture and energy to the photos, and it gave the whole shoot this playful, otherworldly feel. It’s not every day you get to mix studio lighting with something so chaotic and uncontainable—and that contrast made for some really cool images.

The model (shoutout to her for being a total champ!) was down for everything—rolling in glitter, wearing it like makeup. It was a bit like a mini explosion in the studio, but the results speak for themselves. The shots are vibrant, dynamic, and definitely eye-catching.

Technically, this shoot pushed me to play around with light placement a bit more than usual. I wanted to really make the glitter pop without washing out the skin tones or creating harsh shadows. There was a lot of test-and-tweak involved, but when everything clicked into place, the payoff was huge.

And yes, I'm still finding glitter in the studio.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. If you're into bold, creative portrait ideas and don't mind a bit of cleanup—let’s talk. I’m always up for turning the studio into a glitter bomb zone again.

- Mark Ruddick Photography - My images are an exploration of the human body under muscle stress — understanding the body’s strength, flexibility, and power. Creating these images has given me a better understanding of the human form which has transitioned into my commercial fitness work. 

I am a London, Ontario photographer who specializes in fitness, bodybuilding and fight photography.

I love to tell stories as anyone who's worked with me can attest. That includes visual stories through photographs. Let me tell your story and provide high impact images of you to sponsors, agencies, family or just for yourself.

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Mark Ruddick Mark Ruddick

PFC - Novice Amateur Mixed Martial Arts

I love photographing fights and have photosgraphed 1000’s of them over the last 11 years.

There’s just something electric about fight night. The roar of the crowd, the sharp crack of a well-placed kick, the tension in the air as two fighters square off under the lights—it’s pure adrenaline, and I love capturing every second of it.

I had the chance to shoot at the PFC Novice Amateur MMA event recently, and let me tell you, these athletes brought everything they had to the cage. The level of heart and determination on display was unreal. Even at the novice level, these fighters showed technique, grit, and a willingness to push themselves that made for some epic moments.

As a photographer, events like this are some of my favourites. You’re constantly on your toes—tracking movement, anticipating the big hits, and trying to freeze those split-second moments of intensity in a way that does them justice. I love the challenge of working with the lighting in the cage and using angles to bring out the raw emotion of the fighters and the energy of the crowd.

What I really enjoy about the novice amateur fights is seeing people at the start of their MMA journey. It’s inspiring to watch them take that leap into the cage and test themselves in front of an audience. I can’t help but think about how many of these athletes will go on to bigger stages, and it’s cool to know I was there capturing some of their first fights.

Scroll through the shots below—you’ll see everything from big takedowns and tight submissions to the quiet moments in between rounds where fighters catch their breath and get advice from their corners. These little details tell the full story of a night like this.

I’ll definitely be back for the next PFC card. If you’ve never been to a live MMA event, you’re missing out. And if you’re one of the fighters stepping into the cage—much respect. You make my job easy by putting your heart out there for the world to see.

- Mark Ruddick Photography - My images are an exploration of the human body under muscle stress — understanding the body’s strength, flexibility, and power. Creating these images has given me a better understanding of the human form which has transitioned into my commercial fitness work. 

I am a London, Ontario photographer who specializes in fitness, bodybuilding and fight photography.

I love to tell stories as anyone who's worked with me can attest. That includes visual stories through photographs. Let me tell your story and provide high impact images of you to sponsors, agencies, family or just for yourself.

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Mark Ruddick Mark Ruddick

Bodyscape Images – Playing with Light and Shadows

One of the things I love most about photography is how much room there is to experiment – and bodyscapes are a perfect example of that.

These shoots were all about playing with light, shadow, and form. Instead of focusing on faces or expressions, I wanted to highlight the natural lines, curves, and textures of the human body. It’s almost abstract in a way – the way light wraps around muscle or the way a shadow can turn something familiar into something completely new.

For these shots, I kept the lighting very controlled and directional. A single light source was all it took to carve out these dramatic shapes and contrast. I love how even the smallest change in angle can create an entirely different effect. It’s simple, but that simplicity is what makes it so striking.

Working on bodyscapes is always a collaboration between photographer and model. There’s a level of trust and creativity involved – experimenting with poses, finding which angles catch the light just right, and making sure the model feels confident throughout the process.

If you’re curious about trying a bodyscape session yourself, it’s a unique experience. It’s not about being “on display” but about creating art together – turning the human form into something sculptural and timeless.

I’d love to hear what you think of these images. Would you ever try a shoot like this?

- Mark Ruddick Photography - My images are an exploration of the human body under muscle stress — understanding the body’s strength, flexibility, and power. Creating these images has given me a better understanding of the human form which has transitioned into my commercial fitness work. 

I am a London, Ontario photographer who specializes in fitness, bodybuilding and fight photography.

I love to tell stories as anyone who's worked with me can attest. That includes visual stories through photographs. Let me tell your story and provide high impact images of you to sponsors, agencies, family or just for yourself.

Read More
Mark Ruddick Mark Ruddick

Valentine’s Cosplay Photoshoot

Every once in a while, a photoshoot comes along that reminds me why I love doing this so much. This Valentine’s cosplay shoot was exactly that. It was bold, vibrant, and a ton of fun to bring to life.

When I first chatted with Stephaine about her vision, I knew it was going to be something special. She wanted to channel a strong, anime-inspired vibe with dramatic colors and over-the-top energy—basically, everything I love about cosplay photography.

We decided on a studio shoot to really control the lighting and make the colours pop. For the first set, I leaned into black and red tones for that sweet-but-sassy Valentine’s aesthetic. I used a mix of gels and modifiers to give the images a glowing, candy-coated vibe.

Then we cranked things up a notch. For the second set, I switched to deeper reds to give it a more intense, romantic feel. I played around with some creative lighting setups, including backlighting and colored rim lights, to make the outfit and hair absolutely glow.

The model absolutely nailed every pose—she brought so much character and personality that my job was basically just to keep up and capture it all.

I love shoots like this because they’re such a great mix of technical challenge and pure creativity. It’s about finding the balance between the cosplayer’s vision and my own style as a photographer—and when those two worlds meet, that’s when the magic happens.

Would I do another themed cosplay shoot like this? In a heartbeat.

If you’ve got a cosplay concept in your head (Valentine’s or otherwise), let’s make it happen. I’ll bring the lights, the creativity, and a few bad puns along the way.

- Mark Ruddick Photography - My images are an exploration of the human body under muscle stress — understanding the body’s strength, flexibility, and power. Creating these images has given me a better understanding of the human form which has transitioned into my commercial fitness work. 

I am a London, Ontario photographer who specializes in fitness, bodybuilding and fight photography.

I love to tell stories as anyone who's worked with me can attest. That includes visual stories through photographs. Let me tell your story and provide high impact images of you to sponsors, agencies, family or just for yourself.

Read More
Mark Ruddick Mark Ruddick

Bodyscape Photoshoot with G

One of my favourite things about photography is how it can turn something familiar into something completely new with the right light. That’s exactly what I set out to do during this bodyscape shoot with G.

If you’ve never seen bodyscape images before, they’re all about using light and shadow to create abstract images of the human form. The idea is to highlight curves, lines, and texture so that the body becomes a landscape in itself – hence the name. It’s subtle, artistic, and really fun to shoot.

For this session, I kept the lighting setup very simple but intentional. We worked with a single light source to create deep shadows and crisp highlights. The goal was to carve out those beautiful contours and let your eyes wander the shapes without necessarily focusing on the whole figure.

G was incredible to work with – patient, creative, and completely trusted the process. Bodyscape photography requires a lot of collaboration because the tiniest shift in pose or light changes the entire mood of an image. We experimented with different positions, some that felt natural and some that felt a bit weird (but trust me, they photographed beautifully).

What I love about these images is how they celebrate the human body in a very raw yet elegant way. There’s no need for fancy outfits, props, or even faces – just light dancing across skin to create art.

If this style speaks to you and you’ve ever thought about capturing something like this for yourself, let’s chat. Bodyscape shoots are a great way to create unique, personal artwork – and you don’t have to be a model or super comfortable in front of the camera to pull it off. I’ll guide you through every step.

Check out some of my favourite images from the session below and let me know what you think.

- Mark Ruddick Photography - My images are an exploration of the human body under muscle stress — understanding the body’s strength, flexibility, and power. Creating these images has given me a better understanding of the human form which has transitioned into my commercial fitness work. 

I am a London, Ontario photographer who specializes in fitness, bodybuilding and fight photography.

I love to tell stories as anyone who's worked with me can attest. That includes visual stories through photographs. Let me tell your story and provide high impact images of you to sponsors, agencies, family or just for yourself.

Read More
Mark Ruddick Mark Ruddick

Outdoor Fall Portrait Photoshoot with Chelsey

There’s just something about fall that feels like magic—the crisp air, the golden light, and of course, the leaves showing off their best colors before winter. When Chelsey reached out for an outdoor portrait session, I knew right away we were going to have fun creating something special with that autumn vibe.

We headed out to a local forest that’s one of my go-to spots for fall portraits. The place was absolutely glowing that day—warm oranges, reds, and yellows everywhere you looked. Chelsey showed up ready to go, dressed perfectly to complement the season.

What I love about sessions like this is how relaxed and natural they feel. We wandered through trails, stopped at spots where the light was streaming perfectly through the trees, and just let the shoot unfold. Chelsey was a total natural in front of the camera—even when I asked her to walk through piles of crunchy leaves or laugh out loud for no reason. Those candid moments always end up being my favorite shots.

One of the best parts of photographing outdoors in the fall is how every backdrop feels like a painting. We played with a few different looks—close-ups with colorful leaves framing her face, wide shots with Chelsey standing against a backdrop of tall trees, and even some moody, low-light shots as the sun started to dip.

By the end of the session, we had a gallery of warm, vibrant images that felt like fall itself: cozy, rich, and full of life. It’s sessions like this that remind me why I love what I do—capturing not just how someone looks, but how the moment feels.

If you’re ever thinking about updating your portraits, fall is hands-down one of the best times to do it. The light, the colors, the atmosphere—it all comes together to make portraits that stand out.

- Mark Ruddick Photography - My images are an exploration of the human body under muscle stress — understanding the body’s strength, flexibility, and power. Creating these images has given me a better understanding of the human form which has transitioned into my commercial fitness work. 

I am a London, Ontario photographer who specializes in fitness, bodybuilding and fight photography.

I love to tell stories as anyone who's worked with me can attest. That includes visual stories through photographs. Let me tell your story and provide high impact images of you to sponsors, agencies, family or just for yourself.

Read More
Mark Ruddick Mark Ruddick

Fitness Photoshoot with Alejandro

One of my favourite things about fitness photography is meeting people who are absolutely dedicated to their craft—and Alejandro was no exception. From the moment he stepped into the gym, you could tell how much work and discipline had gone into sculpting his physique. This shoot wasn’t just about showing off muscle, though—it was about capturing the story behind it.

We started with some classic poses to highlight his symmetry and definition. I always aim to bring out those hard-earned details, so we played with lighting to create strong highlights and shadows. It’s incredible how much difference a slight shift in angle or a tweak to the light can make when you’re showcasing someone’s fitness journey.

Alejandro brought great energy to the session—he was open to trying new things and had a few ideas of his own. I love when shoots feel collaborative like that. We experimented with a mix of intense, powerful looks and more relaxed, lifestyle-inspired shots. The goal was to create images that felt dynamic but also authentic to his personality.

Looking back through the final shots, I’m proud of how they turned out. There’s a mix of strength, focus, and confidence that really comes through—and that’s exactly what I want my fitness clients to walk away with.

If you’ve been putting in the time at the gym and want to document your progress, a fitness photoshoot is such a rewarding experience. It’s a chance to celebrate the work you’ve done and create images you’ll be proud to look back on.

- Mark Ruddick Photography - My images are an exploration of the human body under muscle stress — understanding the body’s strength, flexibility, and power. Creating these images has given me a better understanding of the human form which has transitioned into my commercial fitness work. 

I am a London, Ontario photographer who specializes in fitness, bodybuilding and fight photography.

I love to tell stories as anyone who's worked with me can attest. That includes visual stories through photographs. Let me tell your story and provide high impact images of you to sponsors, agencies, family or just for yourself.

Read More
Mark Ruddick Mark Ruddick

Spider Queen Photoshoot

As a photographer, I’m always looking for ways to push creative boundaries and build something unique with my clients. This Spider Queen concept came from a mix of gothic vibes, fantasy art, and a healthy dose of Halloween inspiration—and I couldn’t wait to bring it to life.

From the start, I knew this wasn’t going to be your average portrait session. The vision was bold: a dramatic look, full of dark elegance, textures, and spiderwebs woven into the styling. Our model, Hope, was fully on board, and together we crafted a look that felt both fierce and otherworldly.

Stephanie built the set pieces, costuming and did the makeup for the shoot, she is incredibly talented.

The day of the shoot, the energy in the studio was electric. We started with makeup and wardrobe to dial in that perfect balance between beauty and menace. Once she stepped in front of the camera in her Spider Queen crown and webbed gown, everything clicked into place.

Lighting played a huge role in setting the tone. I used deep shadows and moody highlights to accentuate the sharp lines of her outfit and the delicate details of the webs. We experimented with angles to give her that commanding, almost regal presence—like she’d stepped straight out of a dark fairytale.

One of my favorite moments was when we captured her standing tall with the light catching her crown just right—it was the perfect combination of strength and grace. Those are the kinds of images that stick with you.

This shoot was a reminder of why I love creative collaborations. When you start with a bold idea and see it through with the right team, you can make something unforgettable.

If you’ve got a wild, weird, or wonderful idea for a photoshoot, let’s make it happen. I’m always up for a challenge.

- Mark Ruddick Photography - My images are an exploration of the human body under muscle stress — understanding the body’s strength, flexibility, and power. Creating these images has given me a better understanding of the human form which has transitioned into my commercial fitness work. 

I am a London, Ontario photographer who specializes in fitness, bodybuilding and fight photography.

I love to tell stories as anyone who's worked with me can attest. That includes visual stories through photographs. Let me tell your story and provide high impact images of you to sponsors, agencies, family or just for yourself.

Read More
Mark Ruddick Mark Ruddick

A Day of Dogs, Community, and Giving Back

There’s something special about photographing dogs. They don’t care about posing perfectly or hitting their best angle—they just bring pure energy, joy, and personality. That’s exactly what I experienced during the recent dog charity event I had the honour of being part of.

The event was all about supporting a great cause SCAAR London, hosted and arranged by Boss Fitness. As a dog lover myself, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to combine my photography with helping out a community initiative. From the moment I arrived, the park was alive with wagging tails, happy owners, and a buzz of excitement.

Throughout the day, I got to meet so many amazing pups—each with their own quirks and charm. From tiny, shy little guys to big, boisterous ones that couldn’t sit still for more than a second, every session was an adventure. And honestly? That’s what I love most about pet photography. You never quite know what’s going to happen, and the best photos usually come from those spontaneous, candid moments.

One of my favourite images from the day is of Michelle and her new puppy Moose. It perfectly captures the playful spirit of the event and reminds me why I picked up a camera in the first place: to freeze those fleeting moments of pure emotion.

The best part? Knowing these photos are helping make a difference. Every shoot and every print sold goes directly to supporting the charity’s mission. It’s rewarding to see how photography can bring people together and give back in such a meaningful way.

Thank you to everyone who came out, to the organizers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, and of course to all the wonderful dogs (and their humans) for making the day so memorable.

- Mark Ruddick Photography - My images are an exploration of the human body under muscle stress — understanding the body’s strength, flexibility, and power. Creating these images has given me a better understanding of the human form which has transitioned into my commercial fitness work. 

I am a London, Ontario photographer who specializes in fitness, bodybuilding and fight photography.

I love to tell stories as anyone who's worked with me can attest. That includes visual stories through photographs. Let me tell your story and provide high impact images of you to sponsors, agencies, family or just for yourself.

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Mark Ruddick Mark Ruddick

White Bride Halloween Photoshoot: A Hauntingly Beautiful Collaboration

Every now and then, I get to step away from traditional portrait or fitness photography and dive into something a little darker, a little moodier—and a whole lot of fun. This Halloween-inspired shoot, which I like to call the White Bride, was one of those moments. It brought together haunting beauty, a touch of horror, and some incredible creative collaborators who helped bring this eerie vision to life.

The concept was simple but striking: a ghostly bride, pale and intense, emerging from the shadows. Think Victorian-era mourning meets supernatural elegance. I wanted to explore that intersection between beauty and fear—the kind of imagery that gives you chills, but makes you stare just a little longer.

Working with Stephaine, our model, was a dream. She brought this character to life with a chilling grace that instantly elevated the shoot. Her expressions were haunting and expressive, perfectly embodying the mysterious backstory we imagined for this bride: someone not quite of this world, possibly searching for something lost... or someone.

Special thanks to Stephaine for costuming, makeup and hair—she absolutely nailed the pale, almost porcelain look with dark, intense eyes. The contrast between light and shadow in her styling played perfectly into the overall mood. And of course, the custom white dress tied everything together. It had this timeless, spectral quality that made the whole story feel real—like we’d captured a ghost in mid-wander.

Lighting was key. I kept things dramatic—low-key setups with directional lighting to sculpt the face and create deep, moody shadows. The location also helped sell the concept; the slightly decayed, empty setting enhanced that haunted, abandoned feel we were going for.

This shoot was part passion project, part creative escape—and honestly, it reminded me why I love doing styled shoots like this. There’s freedom in taking a concept and running with it, especially when everyone on set is equally excited to create something a bit outside the norm.

Would I do another Halloween-themed shoot? Absolutely. The combination of atmosphere, storytelling, and raw visual impact makes these some of the most memorable images in my portfolio.

Until next time... keep things a little weird.

- Mark Ruddick Photography - My images are an exploration of the human body under muscle stress — understanding the body’s strength, flexibility, and power. Creating these images has given me a better understanding of the human form which has transitioned into my commercial fitness work. 

I am a London, Ontario photographer who specializes in fitness, bodybuilding and fight photography.

I love to tell stories as anyone who's worked with me can attest. That includes visual stories through photographs. Let me tell your story and provide high impact images of you to sponsors, agencies, family or just for yourself.

Read More