Bright, Natural Fitness Photography for Active Brands

Real Smiles, Real Sweat: Fitness Photography with a Bright Vibe

Not every fitness shoot has to be gritty and intense. Sometimes, what a brand really needs is a visual story that feels approachable, fresh, and full of life.

This blog post is a little collection of recent fitness images that lean into that lighter side—bright colors, natural light, real smiles, and real movement. These sessions are all about capturing people who genuinely love being active, whether that’s a high-energy group workout in the park or a personal trainer laughing between sets with a client.

Most of these images were shot using natural light and strobes to feel natural but polished, and I focused on letting moments unfold rather than forcing poses. When the energy is right, you don't need to fake anything. Real interaction and movement always look better than anything staged.

Whether you're a fitness brand looking to launch your next campaign, a local Denver trainer updating your website, or a gym owner who wants to show the personality behind the brand—this is the kind of work that speaks to people.

Bright. Positive. Real.

If your brand leans toward the uplifting, inclusive, and empowering side of fitness, I’d love to help tell that story with visuals that feel like your community.

Let’s make something that feels good - rob@robhammerphotography.com


Aaron Straker - Nutrition Coach

Aaron Straker - Fitness Photography

My travels have taught me a lot of things about how to live and not to live. It’s all personal opinion of course, but one thing I’ve become very passionate about is living your own life. One that makes you happy. And it always makes me upset seeing people spend their whole lives working a job that they hate. I don’t understand it at all. My buddy Aaron Straker (below images) is doing the opposite of that. For the past 8-ish years he’s been working for a company in San Diego as a senior software engineer. A job that he probably liked ok, but it’s certainly not what he loves to do. Well, last month he quit that job to focus full time on nutrition, and very soon he and his girlfriend (also a nutritionist) are moving to Vietnam to start their own business over there. At some point they will move back to the states, at which point they plan on pimping out a sprinter van and literally taking their show on the road. These type of decisions are ones that 99% of people can make but never do. I applaud him for it and hope that his decisions inspire other people to do something with their own lives.

Follow him on Instagram @aaron_straker and his girlfriend @jennythenutritionist

Click here to see more of my fitness photography

Trail Running - San Diego

Trail Running - San Diego - Photography

Had a great time last month shooting some trail running for San Diego Magazine. Besides being in beautiful locations, it was interesting talking to the guys who are both ultra-runners. Hearing about their experiences, techniques, and eating habits was very eye opening. Looking at these images again really makes me appreciate living in San Diego.

Bonus on this shoot was needing a last minute stand in runner for the 3rd location because of a cancelation, I was able to use Emily (wife). Eagle Rock is a very cool place that we were pumped to check out.

To see more athletic imagery click here.

Colorado Fitness Photographer

Health and Fitness Lifestyle Photography

Denver, Colorado

Been a long time since I’ve posted some commercial work, but here are a couple outtakes from a shoot I did for UK based fitness apparel company Gym Shark. They make really nice stuff and gave me a lot of freedom to shoot pretty much on my own, which I always love. The athlete just did his thing and I did mine. No real staging of any kind. Good times.

To see more of my fitness images click HERE.


Boulder, CO Fitness Photography

Boulder Fitness Photo Shoot

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 and dry it was that day and that their sweat was just instantly evaporating. They didn’t complain.

If you’re in looking for a fitness photographer in Boulder, Colorado, please feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to discuss your ideas and goals - rob@robhammerphotography.com

To see more of my fitness images click here.

Gym Photographer - Denver, Colorado

Own Your Grind: Gym Photography in Denver for Trainers, Influencers & Serious Lifters

If you spend hours a week in the gym chasing progress, setting goals, and pushing your limits—you deserve photos that show that story. Not the posed, overly polished kind. Real ones. The kind that reflect the grit, the sweat, and the hard-earned strength that lives under the surface.

That’s what I shoot.

I work with personal trainers, fitness influencers, and gym-goers here in Denver who want to level up their presence with powerful, cinematic gym photography. Whether you're building your brand, launching a training program, or just want something that captures the intensity of your fitness journey, this is for you.

I shoot in both private and public gyms across the city and surrounding areas. The vibe? Think moody lighting, sharp contrast, and real action—photos that feel as intense as the workout itself. These aren’t stock-looking fitness pics. They’re personalized, badass, and built around you.

Each shoot is tailored to highlight what you do best—whether that’s heavy lifts, calisthenics, mobility work, or coaching your clients. I bring in studio strobes to control the lighting and create that bold, gritty look that cuts through the noise online.

You don’t need to be a model. You just need to show up and do your thing. I’ll take care of the rest. So scroll through and if the photographs speaks to you, let’s talk. I’d love to help you create something you’re proud to share - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Click here to see more of my fitness photography

Fitness Photoshoot

Denver Fitness Photoshoot

Commercial Photography

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