Mark Ruddick 2026-10-01 Mark Ruddick 2026-10-01

Fitness Photoshoot with Thea

I always enjoy a fitness photoshoot, but every session has its own personality, and working with Thea was no exception.

For me, fitness photography is about more than simply showing off a physique. I’m always looking for the combination of strength, movement, lighting and expression that tells a story. The goal is to create images that feel powerful while still looking natural and authentic.

Thea brought plenty of energy to the shoot, which made it easy to experiment with different poses, angles and lighting setups. I like to take my time during these sessions because sometimes a small change in position or the direction of the light can completely transform an image.

One of my favourite things about fitness photography is seeing all the hard work that happens in the gym come through in the final photographs. There’s a lot of preparation behind a fitness journey, and I want the images to reflect that dedication.

We worked through a variety of looks during the session, creating everything from strong, dramatic images to more relaxed shots. That variety is important to me because I want my clients to walk away with photographs they can use for different purposes, whether that’s social media, personal memories, promotional material or simply documenting where they are in their fitness journey.

I had a great time working with Thea and loved how the images came together. Fitness photography continues to be one of my favourite areas of photography because every person brings something different in front of the camera.

And honestly, that’s what keeps it interesting for me. Every shoot is another opportunity to create something unique.

- 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.

Mark Ruddick 2026-10-01 Mark Ruddick 2026-10-01

Pole Shoot with Chelsey and Friends

I recently had the chance to do a pole dance photoshoot with Chelsey, and this time she brought some friends along for the fun. It turned into one of those shoots where we were able to experiment, try different things and come away with a whole bunch of awesome images.

Pole photography is always interesting for me because there’s so much going on visually. You’ve got strength, flexibility, movement and some seriously impressive poses, all happening around a single piece of equipment. My job is to capture that moment in a way that shows just how much work and control goes into it.

Having several performers in the studio also gave us plenty of opportunities to mix things up. We could shoot individual portraits and poses, but also work with group shots and different combinations of performers. Those group images added another dimension to the shoot and created some really cool compositions.

I’m always looking for interesting ways to use lighting, and pole photography gives me plenty to play with. Strong shadows, highlights and coloured lights can completely change the feel of an image, so I like experimenting until everything comes together.

What I really enjoyed about this shoot was the energy. Everyone was relaxed, comfortable and willing to try different ideas, which makes a huge difference when you’re creating photographs.

Chelsey and her friends brought plenty of personality to the session, and I think that comes through in the final images. There’s a great mix of athleticism, movement and style throughout the shoot.

It was a lot of fun to photograph, and I’m definitely looking forward to more shoots like this. Pole dancers make fantastic subjects because there’s always another movement, pose or idea to capture.

Woman performer on pole with colored lights

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

Mark Ruddick 2026-10-01 Mark Ruddick 2026-10-01

Cowboy Shoot with DJ

Model and fitness model DJ and I had a great creative shoot with DJ’s cowboy hat and beer and cigars.

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

Mark Ruddick 2026-09-30 Mark Ruddick 2026-09-30

Fitness Shoot with Skylar

I had a great fitness photoshoot with fitness competitor and bodybuilder Skylar. Here are some of the best images we made.

Fitness woman laying on white background

Black and white image of a fitness woman from behind

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

Mark Ruddick 2025-11-19 Mark Ruddick 2025-11-19

Fitness on a Boat

This summer I had an opportunity to photograph a bunch of fitness people on a boat.

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

Mark Ruddick 2025-11-08 Mark Ruddick 2025-11-08

Beach Day with Ashley

I wanted to do a beach shoot, but not summery and warm. Ashley and I went out in early April when it was still cold and windy. (It snowed the next day) I got the exact look and feel I was going for.

We caught the golden hour just right — that warm, buttery light that photographers dream about. Ashley was a total pro, totally relaxed and confident in front of the camera, which made it easy to capture a range of moods and moments. Whether she was laughing with the breeze in her hair or giving a calm, reflective look toward the horizon, every frame felt genuine.

I always love when a session feels more like hanging out than working, and this one definitely had that vibe. The sound of waves, the cool sand underfoot, and the shifting light all came together perfectly. By the end, we were both a little sandy and windblown, but that’s part of the charm — real, unfiltered moments are what make these shoots special.

You can check out some of my favorite images from the day below. Big thanks to Ashley for being such a great sport and making the shoot feel effortless.

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

Mark Ruddick 2025-10-08 Mark Ruddick 2025-10-08

Fitness Shoot with Model Megan

I recently had the chance to work again with fitness model Megan, and as always, she brought her A-game to the studio. We’ve shot together before, so there was already a great flow to how we worked — it’s always nice when you can skip the warm-up and dive right into creating.

This session was all about highlighting Megan’s strength and form through a mix of bold lighting and dynamic poses. I wanted to create images that not only showcased her physique but also captured her energy and confidence. Megan has this natural ability to hit powerful poses while still keeping everything looking effortless — it really makes my job easy.

What I really enjoy about these shoots is collaborating with athletes like Megan who understand their bodies and movement so well. It turns the whole session into a creative partnership — she knows what works for her, and I get to translate that into a striking visual story.

I’m thrilled with how the images turned out. Every time we shoot, we push things a little further, and I can’t wait to see what we come up with next time.

If you’re a fitness model or athlete looking to capture your hard work and dedication, I’d love to help you create something powerful and personal — just like this shoot with Megan.

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

Mark Ruddick 2025-09-26 Mark Ruddick 2025-09-26

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.

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

Mark Ruddick 2025-09-25 Mark Ruddick 2025-09-25

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.

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

- 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.

Mark Ruddick 2025-09-25 Mark Ruddick 2025-09-25

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.

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

Let me capture the photos that move you.

Mark Ruddick 2025-09-11 Mark Ruddick 2025-09-11

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.

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

Mark Ruddick 2025-08-19 Mark Ruddick 2025-08-19

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.

Fitness model in MMA cage with Prime Drink

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

Mark Ruddick 2025-08-01 Mark Ruddick 2025-08-01

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.

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

Mark Ruddick 2025-07-22 Mark Ruddick 2025-07-22

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.

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

Mark Ruddick 2025-07-18 Mark Ruddick 2025-07-18

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?