Photography is one of those professions you do not expect to be physically demanding, but it definitely can be. Of course, it depends on your niche, but most types of photography demand a solid level of physical stamina.
When I first started as a professional event and street photographer, I did not think about my physical or mental fitness at all. I assumed that carrying a camera and walking around a venue or through the streets of Antwerp would not be too much.
But I was wrong. At the end of the day, I would be entirely drained. I was on my feet throughout, thinking about my shots and client satisfaction, and carrying two heavy DSLRs with lenses. I was exhausted. Even after moving to mirrorless, which made my camera a bit lighter, the gear still weighs a lot.
Photography is physically and mentally draining
Often in photography, the days are very long. You have to carry heavy equipment around. Cameras, lenses, lights, and stands all add up. You usually do not sit down until you are in the car on the way back home, which is a short drive if you are lucky.
Sometimes, you go without food because the schedule is tightly planned. And you do it all while smiling, being polite, and staying upbeat for your clients.
Handling lenses, cameras, tripods, and lights is basically weightlifting. Taking shots from lower angles requires lunges or squats. And the shots from higher angles are essentially calf raises for photographers. This just goes to show that photography is a physical activity. Being fit is not an unnecessary luxury.
The best exercises for photographers
So, if an event shoot is already draining you, it counts as a workout, right? Well, not really. It is best to keep your fitness levels up outside of your working hours. It should not be anything too crazy. Here are a few practical ways to build the stamina you need for long days behind the lens.
Bodyweight exercises and calisthenics
You do not need a gym membership to stay in shape. Practicing calisthenics for photographers is highly effective because you can do it anywhere, even in a hotel room before a destination shoot.
Focus on simple bodyweight exercises for photographers, like push-ups, planks, and squats. Building a strong core is the best way to prevent lower back pain when you are hunched over your camera or editing at your desk for hours.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
As freelancers, our schedules are often packed. We do not always have hours to spend at the gym. This is where HIIT for photographers becomes incredibly useful. A quick fifteen-minute session of high-intensity interval training gets your heart rate up and builds the cardiovascular stamina you need to run around at a wedding or chase the perfect light during a street photography session.
Targeted strength movements
While general cardio is great, certain lifts mimic the movements we perform on the job. Practicing deadlifts for photographers is a fantastic way to learn to safely lift heavy objects from the floor without injuring your back. Think about how often you lift a heavy Pelican case or a heavy camera bag. Proper deadlift form translates directly to safely handling your equipment.
Mental health exercises for photographers
We often focus so much on the physical strain that we forget the mental toll of running a creative business. Working out helps clear your mind. Often, I feel refreshed after a short walk, ready to generate new ideas and reset my focus. This is perfect for starting a long day of photo editing or blog writing.
However, you should also actively practice mental health exercises for photographers. A few things that help me include:
- Mindfulness and breathing: Taking five minutes before a stressful corporate event to focus on your breathing can drastically lower your heart rate.
- Digital detoxing: Step away from your editing software and social media. Taking a walk outside without a camera is a great way to rest your eyes and your mind.
- Group sports: It is well-documented that being part of a group helps regulate your mood. Doing a group sport is a great stress reliever. Sweating out the stress during an intense group session helps you relax those tense muscles.
Find a routine that works for you
Sporting can help you maintain energy levels throughout a strenuous shooting day. It also helps with a shorter recovery time, so you do not need to edit the photos in your bed the next day with aching muscles.
For me, it is a light running schedule and some free weights at home. But it could be anything if you enjoy it as part of your routine. Here are some quick tips to keep your physical health up:
- Find a rhythm: Work out as often and as intensely as you can handle and enjoy.
- Keep it simple: Do not go overboard. Light exercise is plenty to keep you healthy.
- Find a buddy: Get a workout partner for accountability and consistency.
Feel free to share the routines you use to maintain your physical health as a photographer in the comments.
One thought on “The importance of physical fitness for photographers”