There is always a particular itch that is scratched when I shoot fitness like this. Unrehearsed real workouts. Nothing staged. Just as a fly on the wall waiting for things to unfold. While looking at these images months after the shoot I realized that neither of them was sweating, which is very strange. Then I realized how hot it was that day and that their sweat was just instantly evaporating. They didn’t complain.
Not every fitness shoot needs to be light and sunny. Sometimes, what tells the real story is darkness. Sweat. Steel. The sound of a barbell hitting the floor.
This gallery is a look into the grittier side of my fitness photography—shot in Denver gyms, CrossFit boxes, and industrial spaces where intensity lives. These aren’t posed lifestyle images or clean studio headshots. These are raw, high-contrast photos that show real strength, real effort, and real people pushing themselves further than most ever will.
I use studio strobes to carve out contrast, shadows, and shape—so every image feels bold, sharp, and charged with energy. It's the kind of visual work that feels serious, because it is. Whether it's a personal trainer who wants to reflect the edge of their brand, or a gym that’s built its name on hustle, this style is about owning the grind.
That said, the process is always collaborative. I work closely with each client to create images that feel authentic—not staged. Every athlete, every coach, every gym owner I’ve worked with brings their own energy, and my job is to capture that energy in a way that aligns with their brand.
If you’re a Denver-based trainer, athlete, or gym looking for visuals that reflect the grit behind the work—you’re in the right place.
Let’s make something powerful.
Fitness photograph of athletes doing handstand walks at a gritty gym in Denver, CO
Black and white photograph of a girl and guy doing toes to bar at a Crossfit gym.
Photograph of an athlete preparing to deadlift
Fitness photograph of a guy and girl overhead pressing at a gritty gym in Denver, CO
Photograph of a male athlete deadlifting in a warehouse gym
Portrait of a Crossfit athlete at a gym
Two friends laughing after a workout in a CrossFit gym
3 people doing handstand walks in a warehouse gym
Black and white portrait of a Crossfit athlete
Photograph of an athlete pumping himself up to do squats at a Crossfit gym
Photograph of a girl doing ring dips at a gritty gym
Two Crossfit athletes warming up with a jog on a city street
A girl and guy embracing each other after a workout
An athlete overhead pressing at a warehouse gym
An athletic girl doing clean n jerks at a gritty gym in Denver, CO
Photograph of a male athlete straining while deadlifting at a warehouse gym in Denver, CO
Photograph of a guy doing ring dips as he friends watch
Black and white photograph of a girl rope climbing at a gritty gym
Two girls pound fists after an intense workout.
Photograph of exhausted athletes after an intense workout at a gritty Denver gym
When it comes to CrossFit, every rep, every lift, and every drop of sweat tells a story of dedication and grit. For CrossFit athletes in Boulder, Colorado, the gym is more than just a training ground; it’s a stage where personal bests are shattered and camaraderie thrives. Capturing these moments through photography not only celebrates the athlete’s journey but also highlights the raw beauty of strength and determination.
Nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder offers a unique blend of natural beauty and a fitness-focused community. The city boasts several top-tier CrossFit gyms, or "boxes," that cater to everyone from beginners to seasoned athletes. Gyms like CrossFit Sanitas, Roots, and Left Hand CrossFit are hubs of activity, attracting individuals committed to pushing their physical and mental boundaries.
This dynamic environment makes Boulder an ideal location for CrossFit photography. Whether it’s a sunrise workout in an open-air setting or an intense WOD (Workout of the Day) inside a gym, the opportunities for capturing striking visuals are endless.
Fitness photography thrives in environments where raw energy meets unfiltered determination. A commercial fitness photo shoot at a gritty gym offers the perfect backdrop to capture authenticity and resilience. From the textured walls to the sweat-streaked equipment, every element tells a story of hard work and perseverance.Unlike pristine fitness centers, gritty gyms exude character. These spaces are often adorned with worn weights, exposed brick walls, and industrial lighting, creating a rugged atmosphere that enhances the narrative of strength. For a commercial shoot, this environment provides depth and texture, making every image feel grounded and impactful.
Click here to see more of my advertising fitness photography
Really fun fitness shoot on the beach in Lajolla. Timing wasn't perfect, as we were fighting the tide, which just made it that much more fun.
I've been shooting Crossfit for a few years now, and love it. There is a certain element that is missing in regular gyms. Most people in regular gyms get dressed up to "workout", but really they just stare in the mirror for an hour. Crossfitters want it to hurt. They are authentic. They want to be in pain by the end of their workout. This is a small collection of images I made over the past month, of that pain.
All images were shot on a Nikon D810/D4 and lit with Broncolor strobes.
Had some more fun in the water a few weeks ago with my Aquatech Water Housing and Broncolor Strobes. Was originally hoping for some early morning light to shoot Carter Graves doing some stand up paddle boarding on Mission Bay. We didn't get the sun, but I'm thankful for that now. Think the clouds provide a more dramatic look and add a lot to these images.
Photographs of an athletic girl paddle boarding in San Diego, Ca
Advertising photographs of a competitive Stand Up Paddle Boarder in San Diego, Ca
Photographs of a female professional long distance paddle boarder
Gritty photographs of a female professional long distance paddle boarder
Advertising photographs of a professional long distance paddle boarder by adventure photographer Rob Hammer
