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 and bodybuilding photography. I primarily service London, Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo, Windsor, Hamilton and Niagara.
I respect the hard work and dedication each athlete brings to their respective sport.
I love to tell stories as anyone who's worked with me can attest. That extends to visual stories through photographs. Let me tell your story and provide high impact images of you to sponsors, agencies, family or just for yourself. You can trust me with your image, I've photographed 100's of fitness sessions and know how to make you look your best.
Athlete and event packages are available.
Select publications and brands I have photographed for:
Oxygen Magazine
D’FYNE Fitness Magazine
Below the Belt Magazine
Athletes and Models Magazine
Natural Bikini Magazine
Supplementaire Art & Fashion Journal
DTK Men's Magazine
VVV Fight Co
Percision Supplements
Canadian Physique Alliance
Money-Back Guarantee
As a self employed photographer, I take great pride in my work, and I want to make sure you’re impressed with the service you get. In fact, absolutely delighted, with the final product. What does that mean? Simply this: If you aren’t happy with my work, I’ll give you a full refund. Many photographers don’t guarantee their work at all! But to me, nothing is more important than your complete and total satisfaction. I stand behind every photo shoot 100%. If you ever have any questions or concerns about my work, please call me right away.
Photo: Howard Adams
FAQ
I’ve never done a photoshoot before. Eeek?
Most of the people I work with have never had a photo shoot done before. That’s no problem, I’m very good at helping people pose and coming up with ideas. I show you the back of the camera a lot and demonstrate how a small positioning change makes a huge difference with the final picture. My favourite thing to hear is “Is that really me in that picture?”
Do I have to shoot in studio?
Not at all. I do have a fully equipped commercial photo studio with lots of fitness equipment but we can do the session outdoors or in a gym. I have access to fight clubs and private gyms all over Ontario so if you have a location idea in mind, let me know and we'll set it up.
I'm in a Different City than you, do you Travel?
Absolutely, I love travelling and shooting on location. Depending on the distance there may be an additional charge, but we would discuss that before we agree to shoot.
What should I wear?
Clothing is important. If you are spending money on a photo shoot, have the right clothes for the pictures you want. It’s great when a model shows up with a big bag of clothes. Too many choices are better than not enough. You’ll get more looks with more clothes. Clean athletic shoes are important. Heels for a woman can work depending on the look desired. Make sure the clothing is clean, not wrinkled and not faded. Have matching or coordinating clothing with minimal logos. The day of the shoot, don't wear any tight clothes as you will be able to see elastic lines on your skin.
Hair and Makeup?
Hair and makeup always looks best when handled by a professional. I have access to some great hair and makeup people. That said I have shot very successfully where models have done their own hair and makeup.
Should I Tan?
A nice base or spray tan will help define your muscles and show off all of your hard work. You don’t need to go as dark as a competition tan. Tanning professional can steer you towards the proper shade. Blotchy self tans or old spray tans look terrible in pictures and require a lot of extra editing. If you are going to tan, use a professional.
Should I be in Great Shape for the Shoot?
Ask your coach about preparing for a photos shoot. Ask yourself how do you want to appear in the pictures. Prepare for the shoot like you would a competition.
Should I Practice my Poses?
Practice the poses you want to photograph. The more you practice the more you’ll see which way your body looks best. The more comfortable you are with your poses the more shots we can take and the more ideas we can explore. If you don’t have any poses, don’t worry I’ve spent the last couple of years pantomiming fitness poses from bikini to bodybuilder. We’ll figure out what looks best for your physique.
I have some Ideas for the Shoot?
If you have ideas for poses or pictures, please send sample photos to me or bring some magazine cut outs on the day of the shoot. Give some thoughts on how you want your pictures to look. (Clean on a white background, edgy, intense gym shots, athletic, sexy, etc.)
I have no ideas for the Shoot?
If you don’t have any ideas, no problem, I’m happy to suggest and discuss ideas with you. We’ll figure out what you want from the shoot and develop our plan from there.
What if I need to Eat During the Shoot?
No problem, I’m used to shooting with athletes on contest prep and know you meal schedule is important. You’ll burn energy posing for the camera and may need to refuel during the shoot. That’s the perfect time for me to change the lights for the next look we’ll be doing.
What if I don’t like a Particular Part of my Body?
Let’s discuss it, if you don’t like part of your body or are uncomfortable with something. We’ll come up with poses and looks to minimize it.
What can I use the images for?
Included in the athlete packages: Personal use (Your website, Facebook, Instagram, other social media.) You can print the photos for personal use. No Third Party or commercial usage permitted without agreement from Mark Ruddick Photography.
Can my sponsor use the images?
Not with a licensing agreement first. Your sponsor is promoting their business and making money and thus the image is used for commercial purposes. The fee for your photo shoot covers your photo shoot, my time, your web-ready proofs and your final edits. Those images are for personal use only.
What Happens if I Need to Cancel?
I don't book multiple sessions for the same time. I'm committed to our date and time and refuse other work that comes up. As I am refusing other work the reservation fee is not refundable. That said in working with athletes I know things like injuries occur, I am happy to reassign the reservation fee to a different session.