Highlighting body by kariim fitness
A bit of background: In 2023, Kariim from Body By Kariim Fitness hired Lola Land Photography for a combined fitness and branding photoshoot. After a detailed consultation where we discussed his vision and priorities, we settled on two locations to meet his needs: his gym and a nearby boutique coffee shop, Star Provisions. The session was designed to highlight three key aspects of his brand: his role as a coach and business owner, proof of BBK methodology via his own impressive physique, and his real life fashion-forward personality.
For the first part of the shoot, we incorporated a box jump right in the center of the gym and styled Kariim in sweats, a workout t-shirt, crisp sneakers, and his signature clear-rimmed glasses. This look was smart yet practical, emphasizing his role as a leader and certified personal trainer—the person who guides and tracks the progress of his personal training clients in their journey of building strength, losing weight, increasing athleticism and improving general well-being .
The second set focused on showcasing Kariim’s hard-earned physique, the proof that the BBK team’s methodology reaps incredible results. Dressed simply in workout spats and an Garmin Watch, we let his physique take center stage, with his logo prominently displayed on the wall behind him.
The real fun began when we completely switched up the vibe for the third set. Kariim dressed in a sharp blazer, designer jeans, shades, and loafers, posing him in front of a display of dumbbells. This look brought his personality into focus, blending his cool, confident demeanor with an air of leadership.
Fun fact: The first image with sunglasses was published in Modern Luxury Magazine here!
We continued this blend of fitness, fashion and lifestyle as we moved to Star Provisions, capturing shots in the cafe as well as the upscale lounge attached to the cafe, Bacchanalia. Call it good timing or great luck, but management let us have free reign of the space where we photographed at the bar, in the booth and in their comfortable outdoor seating yet to begin bussling with guests that evening. I’ve since returned many times over for roasted oysters and probably about 10,000 chai tea latees and Nitro cold brew coffees!
Getting back on point, I tell my clients often: there’s a million and one personal trainers just like there’s a million and one photographers here in Atlanta. What elements of you as a person can we bring into this so that when your ideal client sees your business’ platform, they know you’re the right fit?
There’s a saying in business that people buy from those they like, know and trust - and it’s true. That’s why no matter if I’m photographing a personal trainer or a start-up in nutrition, I dig a bit deeper to find out how we can develop that brand voice with those elements that are already there to tap into. The doors are wide open on this, so it can be anything from being family oriented, an international traveler, having deep roots in your culture, being a foster parent, a cat lady, a survivor of domestic violence, a girly girl, a hiker - whatever! People just want to connect with the person they are trusting with their investment. So, that’s what we did.
Other Fitness Photoshoots at Body by Kariim Fitness
Since then I’ve had the pleasure of returning to Kariim’s gym for fitness photoshoots with other clients that worked as fitness influencers, personal trainers and bikini competitors The two ladies in the gallery below are from my 2024 photo sessions with the wildly popular, Isabelle Rinker, the NPC bikini athlete and Bles Shaka, the c-section mom of 3 who transforms women and moms looking to get snatched and grow their glutes.
About Body By Kariim’s Space
This family-owned gym is run by fitness power couple Kariim and Laquisha Smith. Their space is a clean, minimalist layout with high ceilings and white brick walls. The color palette is primarily black and gray, ensuring that your brand styling takes center stage. Located next to the Westview Reservoir Park in West Midtown, the spacious 1,500 sq. ft. facility features floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides, filling the area with natural light.
The gym is fully equipped with everything you need for a complete workout: a full range of dumbbells and kettlebells, box jumps, rowing machines, medicine balls, a leg press, bands, battle ropes, pull-up bar, and all the essentials for compound movements like bench presses and squats—plus much more.
Body By Kariim Fitness is featured in our Are There Rental Spots for Fitness Photoshoots in Atlanta? article.
UPDATE: After connecting with Kariim this afternoon, I learned some renovations are being completed on the gym at the end of March, so updates coming soon!
As usual, if you have any questions, feel free to text us at 404-465-3889.
