Models in Movement: Aydin Arjomand’s Fitness Images for Metropolis Sport
New York City-based photographer Aydin Arjomand’s images for Metropolis Sport showcase Wilhelmina models and athletes’ movement with style and grace. As a result of a collaboration between the photographer, magazine, and modeling agency, the editorial images showcase Aydin’s expertise in fashion and lifestyle photography while bringing a fresh new take on the fitness category.
Aydin captures editorial photography regularly for Man of Metropolis Magazine, so when they launched their new health and wellness title, Metropolis Sport, they reached out to Aydin, and it all came together quickly.
For this shoot, they were partnered with Wilhelmina, a global modeling and talent agency, and were given access to all the models in their fitness division. One of the models, Nastasya Generalova, is a rhythmic gymnast who appears in Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” music video.
Wilhelmina was super supportive, and it felt very special to have been given carte blanche access to an entire division.
They selected the models and shot the photographs at Go studios in midtown Manhattan. Aydin encouraged the models to move freely in the space and keep active during the shoot. This was to create visual interest and emphasize each model’s physical abilities,
They had a small editorial budget, so there was no set. Still, we didn’t want the usual white backdrop studio look. We had to develop something more interesting that could be adapted to very different models/athletes quickly while remaining fun. What we did ultimately allowed the models to play and show off.
The setup was simple, but the focus on movement meant that Aydin had to be moving around as well to get the angle just right. He worked quickly and shot each subject within a 30-minute window of time. Later Aydin did some touch-ups in post to clean up the backgrounds.
I did some retouching of skin, but mostly it was taking out pipes and some background items that found their way into shots because I was moving so much.
The resulting images feature interesting poses and movement as well as sharp and playful lighting choices. That gave the subjects a soft but triumphant glow and, in some instances, carefully composed sharp shadows that give the appearance of grandeur.
While the shoot came together quickly, it sticks out in his mind as a fun experience and a great reminder to trust his instincts.
Our Creative Director didn’t show up, so I did the art direction myself. I was a bit frazzled not having that eye on the monitor while I was shooting. However, it made me remember I always know when I have the shot.
Credits:
Stylist: Kim Mesches
Digital Technician: Nick Rapaz
Lighting Design: Henry Lopez
Retouching Prep: Roy Beeson
Hair and Makeup: Bryan Zaragoza
Grooming: Clelias
Editor: Seth Travis
See more of Aydin’s work at aydinarjomand.com
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