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.

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Mark Ruddick Mark Ruddick

Crushing a Fitness Photoshoot with Roch

Every now and then, a shoot comes together that just clicks—great energy, strong visuals, and a client who knows exactly how to bring it. My recent fitness session with Roch, a personal trainer, was one of those perfect storms. From the moment he stepped in front of the camera, I knew we were about to create something intense, bold, and badass.

Roch came in lean, the result of some serious prep and discipline. It’s one thing to train hard, but showing up photo-ready with the right mindset is a whole other level. He nailed both. The shoot took place in my studio where we leaned heavily into a gritty, high-contrast aesthetic—lots of shadow play and sharp lighting to really show off muscle definition and form.

What I appreciate most about working with clients like Roch is the trust. He gave me room to experiment with lighting and angles, and because of that, we got some killer shots that feel authentic—not over-posed, not forced, just powerful. We focused on capturing not only the physique, but the mindset behind the training. Confidence. Determination. That unspoken “I earned this” energy.

Fitness photography is all about timing. You have to capture the tension in the muscles, the breath between reps, the quiet moments that tell the story of hard work. This session checked all the boxes. If you're looking for inspiration or considering your own fitness shoot, take a look at Roch’s gallery. It's proof that when you show up ready, the results speak for themselves.

Until next time—stay strong.

- 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

Photoshoot with Martial Artist Jordan

Last year I had the opportunity to work with martial artist and performer Jordan. We got some very cool action shots.

- 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

Window Frame Portraits

Rebecca Nash and I decided to team up again for some fun portraits. We used a couple of backdrops and a frame to add more dimension to the 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.

Read More
Mark Ruddick Mark Ruddick

Rain Shoot - Fitness

We had a nice summer rain shoot with some fitness people. It’s always a good time on the rain set.

- 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

Cosplay at the Beach

Stepahine made and Arwen (elf) cosplay for her friend. We went out to Lake Erie for the shoot and Stephanie brought her mermaid tail too for some fun pics in the lake.

- 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

Trailer Dogs

Every year I photograph some of the dogs at my trailer park. Here are some of my favourites from the shoot. If you’re looking for pictures of your dog, let me know.

- 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

Dance Photoshoot

I had a dance photoshoot with a great local dancer. We played with lots of poses and motion.

- 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

Mermaid Photoshoot on Location

Stephanie and I took a road tip to Studio Ethereal in Hamilton to try out their mermaid set. We got lots of pictures and played with gels and props.

- 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

Beach Photoshoot with Fitness Trainer Brandon

Brandon came down to Port Stanley with his pups for a shoot on the beach. His was solidly in bulking season but we got some great pics.

- 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

Pole Photoshoot with Beth

We had a great pole fitness photoshoot on the studio’s new X-pole with Beth. Beth also brought along a couple of friends for some fun doubles and triples tricks.

- 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

Medusa Cosplay Photoshoot

Stephanie’s Medusa cosplay creation took months of work and it turned out great. We even got to borrow a boa constrictor to complete the outfit. Stephaine made the costume by hand and did all of the makeup.

Medusa with Snake

- 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

Cherry Blossom Fairy Photoshoot

I did a Cherry Blossom fairy photoshoot with Stephanie while the blossoms were in bloom for a short time. Unfortunately the sun only lasted for a couple of minutes.

- 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

Spring Rain Shoot

A fun indoor rain photoshoot with a variety of models, fighters, fitness, aerialists and a dancer.

- 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

Pole Shoot with Chelsey

Chelsey was back for a pole shoot in the studio. We have a ceiling mount X-pole for use on photoshoots now.

- 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