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.

Photograph of a person doing kettle bell pushups at a gym in Boulder, Colorado

Black and white photograph of a girl and guy working out together at a gym in Colorado

Boulder, Colorado gym photographer

Photograph of a girl and guy smiling together after a gym workout in Boulder, Colorado

Photograph of a male athlete doing barbell lunges at a gym in Boulder, CO

Photograph of a girl exhausted after a gym workout

Photograph of a girl doing one arm sled pulls at a gym in Boulder

Boulder, Colorado fitness photograph

A male athlete doing core exercises at a gym

Photograph of a girl working out on an exercise bike at a gym

Black and white photograph of a girl and guy working out together at a gym in Colorado

Photograph of a girl doing barbell lunges at a gym

Tired after a gym workout

Bold, Gritty Fitness Photography for Athletes and Gyms

Dark, Bold, and Powerful: Fitness Photography with Edge

Denver, Colorado

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

CrossFit - Boulder, CO

CrossFit Photographer - Boulder, CO

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.

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

Fitness Photography-San Diego

Beach Workout - San Diego, California

Fitness Photography - Weight Sled

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.

Crossfit - San Diego

San Diego Fitness Photography

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.

High-Impact Paddleboard Photos for Editorial & Commercial Use

Stand Up Paddleboarding with Impact: Strobe-Lit Action Photography

There’s a specific kind of energy you get when mixing outdoor sports with studio lighting. This shoot with a competitive stand up paddleboarder was all about that tension and blending the natural flow of water with bold, strobe-lit drama.

We planned it like a commercial shoot: sunrise location, multiple lighting setups on the water, and a focus on strong, clean compositions that would work well in both advertising and editorial contexts. The result? A set of images that feel athletic and raw, but also controlled and brand-ready.

This wasn’t a spontaneous session. It was lit like a campaign, and that’s exactly the kind of work I love doing. Whether you’re looking to license images from this shoot or want to plan your own production, I’m always open to collaborations where sport meets style, so please reach out if you’re ready to plan your next campaign photo shoot - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Photography

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