Just Crashing Workouts On A Monday Afternoon.

At the beginning of November, I reached out to a few local businesses to see if they needed any photography work. I was looking to gain experience photographing in different atmospheres and to challenge myself to shoot different types of sessions. On a Monday afternoon, I drove up to a warehouse with two large garage doors. I had been excited at work because I knew when I drove out of the parking lot that afternoon I would be heading to photograph something different. I made my way through traffic and parked outside a warehouse. I was here to photograph a Monday night workout at Red Stick CrossFit South in Baton Rouge.

As soon as I turned my engine off I could hear the beat from the music coming through the garage doors. In all honesty, I was a little nervous. I mean me in a CrossFit gym… That is just funny. I am all for healthy living, and healthy living looks different on every person. For me, it is yoga class. Breathing. Quiet. Soft music. For others, it is weights and sweating and workouts that build endurance. To each their own.

I grabbed my purse, whispered a tiny prayer before shutting the car door, and made my way to the opening. I walked up and smiled. From the atmosphere in the building, I knew this was going to be a fun session. They had two individuals who were finishing up the first workout for the afternoon. Chris, the owner of Red Stick CrossFit South, was extremely inviting and made me feel at home from the moment I walked in. I placed my bag on the ground, checked out the board with the workout of the day, and made my way to a group of individuals who were lifting weights. I kneeled to the ground and got eye level with my subject.

Next, I made my way to the opposite side of the gym where another class began. They had about six people participating in a warm-up. I stood to the side and began shooting. I noticed the details in their demeanor as they rowed, did a few pull-ups, and lifted weights. Side Note: Nothing like seeing a few exercising photographs after Thanksgiving, right?! Maybe I planned this post strategically or maybe I just wanted to inspire you (or myself) to move a little more today. Either way… my intentions were good.   As I spent my afternoon there, one of the things I liked best about this session was the attitude of the coaches. They all had smiles on their faces and were completely enjoying their Monday night. I loved that! And I’m so happy I was able to capture a piece of that in this photograph.

I am in a learning phase with my photography. Figuring out what I enjoy shooting. Challenging myself to try different things. And with that comes learning experiences like these. I am so excited with what I captured that night, and happy I had the opportunity to do this! A big THANK YOU to Red Stick CrossFit South for letting me crash their workout. If you are in the Baton Rouge area, check out their website here for more information.

Enjoy you day, everyone!

XOXO – Ashley