A Golden Hour Bodybuilding Competition Session in Villefranche-sur-Mer¶
A Competition Prep Shoot on the Riviera¶
In late August, we photographed A during his summer holiday in the South of France. The session ran from 18:30 to 20:30 and was planned around sunset in Villefranche-sur-Mer. A is a professional bodybuilder preparing for an upcoming competition, and his manager arranged this shoot to create strong, polished images to support his entry.
After months of disciplined training, strict dieting, and intense preparation, he arrived in exceptional shape. He brought several outfit changes, including swimwear and more styled looks, allowing us to create a versatile gallery that highlighted both his physique and personality.
Sunset at Plage des Marinières¶
We began at Plage des Marinières in Villefranche-sur-Mer. The beach sits within a curved bay, which means the sun dips behind the surrounding hills two before the sun sets. For this reason, the ideal time to begin a shoot here for soft lighting is roughly two hours before sunset, ensuring enough direct golden light before it disappears behind the mountains.
That evening, the conditions were perfect. The golden light wrapped beautifully around A, enhancing definition and creating a warm glow against the water. He moved confidently between poses, first in swimwear along the shoreline and then stepping into the sea for a series of striking images in the water. The reflections and soft ripples added movement and texture to the photographs.
Afterward, he changed into a more styled outfit, giving the session a different mood while still maintaining a strong, editorial feel. We continued along the waterfront for more pictures with the town in the background.
Finishing Above the Coast¶
To conclude the shoot, we drove up to the viewpoint along Boulevard Napoléon III, located about ten minutes above the town. From there, the panoramic views stretch across the coastline, offering an elevated perspective of the sunset.
The sky deepened into warm tones of purple and soft pink as we captured the final series of portraits. The higher vantage point added drama and scale, perfectly closing a dynamic and visually powerful evening session.