i shoot muscles *** bodybuilding photography

I Shoot Muscles Calendar 2012

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 03:53:00 +0000

Get the "I Shoot Muscles - Calendar 2012" for your PC or print.

I Shoot Muscles - Calendar 2012

I finally put together some of my favorite photographs I took over the years, to create a calendar. The "I Shoot Muscles - Calendar 2012" includes stunning images, and graphics of male and female bodybuilders I shot with my camera.

Download the zipped pdf file absolutely free, and enjoy muscles and beauty all year long.
You need to have a Facebook or Twitter account to download.

In order to make this calendar an annual celebration of power, strength, muscles, firmness, charm, and elegance, I need as many people as possible to be part of it. So, please swap this download with a post on your Facebook or Twitter wall.

Click on the button below, and follow the instructions to download the zip folder which includes the "I Shoot Muscles - Calendar 2012" pdf file. Feel free to view it on your computer, print it, or email it to a friend.

Thank you, and have a happy 2012.

Made in Spain!

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:12:00 +0000

Buenos dias! This is a very well known bodybuilder from Spain. I took this picture a few years ago, during an international bodybuilding contest. Today, he is 44 years old, still competing in major contests around the world. His height is 1.58m (5ft 2in), and weight 72kg (159lbs). He is into bodybuilding for more than 15 years.

Quiz: Who is he?

Italy's finest

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:29:00 +0000

This shot is from NABBA's International Championship, which was held late 90's at the beautiful island of Syros, in Greece. More than one hundred bodybuilders from around the world were there. This beauty is from Italy.

Smoking Muscles

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 17:37:00 +0000

We all know by now that cigarette smoking is very bad for your health. Even so, many great bodybuilders, and athletes in general, still perform this deadly habit.

I took this picture 17 years ago. Since then, I hope he quit.

IFBB Pro Michael Kefalianos reveals the secrets of his success

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 20:31:00 +0000

A few days before the 2011 Mr. Olympia, at Las Vegas

IFBB Pro MIchael Kefalianis was born and raised in the Dodecanese, Greece, on the small island of Kos. Born on August 16, 1970 into a family of 13 siblings, he finished school and started working at a young age. Stone masonry was his main job, which helped his build, especially his now massive quads. Lifting 50+kilo slabs up 4 or 5 flights of stairs every day.

After the completion of his military duties, he joined a gym to lose some weight he had gained. He noticed some of the men lifting weights. He studied their routines, and decided to try it out. He loved it! He became very addicted, not missing a workout. The following year he met Helen, a Greek Australian that was holidaying in Kos. They fell in love and got married in 1991. Soon after they moved to Adelaide Australia for 4 years where they had 2 children, and he became an Australian citizen.

Moving back to Kos, they had two more children. He became a taxi driver for living. Meeting up with an old friend and gym owner David Balasas, they discussed Michael competing in the local competitions. On his first try he was placed second. Excited and ready, he then went onto compete in WABBA Mr.Hellas, which he won numerous times. Playing as a pro in WABBA in the European competitions was challenging, but something was missing. His all time dream was to step onto the Mr.Olympia stage.

He took some time off, after leaving WABBA, to build up good quality mass on his frame. He was given the opportunity to play in Germany, where he won local and over all competitions and was offered the chance to fulfill his dream. To become an IFBB Pro. Through the Australians he started his journey of competing with other bodybuilders which he once looked up to and admired.

Since becoming a Pro in 2008, he has slowly but surely risen in ranking. He is currently ranked 17th, competing in his second Mr.Olympia, September 15, at Las Vegas. Sponsored by American supplements MHP, and placing better than ever in competitions, Michael has been given the name of «Mr. Conditioning» due to the fact he’s the most ripped, shredded and always in better condition than his previous competition.


IFBB Pro Michael Kefalianos

So, how much are you dedicated to the sport?
Micheal Kefalianos: I have been pumping iron for almost 21 years now, loving it and never miss a workout. I have been married for 19 years to Australian Helen and we have 4 wonderful children ranging in age from 10 to 18.

I guess, having a family of 6 needs dedication and it takes a lot of your time. How do you handle it?
M.K: I drive a taxi for a living. Helen takes care of my meals. 6 meals a day of mainly egg whites, chicken, potatoes, fish, and rice. A bit boring to some people but it has become a way of life for me.

What's your daily schedule?
M.K.: My day is basically the same everyday, I work up to 12 hours during the summer. Living in a tourist island, we have an amazing amount of people here everyday. I keep my meals with me. Then, when I finish work, I go to the gym, train for about one and a half hours. Then home to have my last meal of the day. In winter I do less hours in the taxi because of no tourists, and spend more time at home.To be honest, we are a very normal family.

So, Helen takes care of your meals. What about your training?
M.K.: I train with my friend David Balasas, which I owe much of my success. With out him and my wife Helen I would not of reached my goals.

How do you split your daily training schedule at the gym?
M.K.: We train a different part of the body everyday, My split goes like this:
Monday: Shoulders
Tuesday: Quads
Wednesday: Back
Thursday: Hams/Calves
Friday: Chest
Saturday: Bis & Tris
Sunday: Off

Will you reveal your sets and reps for our readers?
M.K.: Off course, I will. There is nothing to hide.

My sets and reps are:

Shoulders: Behind neck press: 4 x 8-12 reps
Front neck press or dumbbells: 3 x 8-12
Side Raises: 3 x 8-12
Front Dumbbell Raises: 3 x 8-12
Reverse Machine Flies (rear delts): 3 x 8-12
Shrugs: 3 x 8-12

Quads:Hack Squat: 4 x 8-15 reps
Leg Press: 3 x 8-15 reps
Leg Extensions: 3 x 8-15 reps
Adductor machine: 3 x 8-15 reps
Abductor Machine: 3 x 8-15 reps
Sissy Squats: 3 x 8-15 reps

Back: Front Pulldown or Chins: 4 x 8-12
Behind Neck Pulldown: 3 x 8-12
Close grip pulldown: 3 x 8-12
Dumbell Rows: 3 x 8-12
Low back pulls: 3 x 8-12
Hyperextentions: 3 x 8-12

Hams/Calves: Lying leg curls: 4 x 8-12
Standing leg curls (alternating): 3 x 8-12
Stiff Leg Deadlift: 3 x 8-12
Lunges: 3 x 8-12
45 degree leg press machine for calves: 3 x 15-20
Standing calf raises: 3 x 15-20 reps.

Chest: Incline Smith Machine: 4 x 8-12
Decline smith press: 3 x 8-12
Incline Dumbbell Press: 3 x 8-12
Incline Dumbbell Flys: 3 x 8-12
Peck Deck Machine: 3 x 8-12
Cable Cross Over: 3 x 8-12
Pullovers or dips: 3 x 8-12

Biceps & Triceps: Barbell Curls: 4 x 8-12
Preacher Curls: 3 x 8-12
Dumbbell Curls: 3 x 8-12
Hammer Curls: 3 x 8-12

Tricep Pushdown: 4 x 8-12
Cable Pushdown: 3 x 8-12
Flat bench dumbbell French press: 3 x 8-12
Kickbacks: 3 x 8-12

Who else is there to support your dreams?
M.K.: Last year I was lucky enough to be signed up by a great company MHP, that has helped me to reach the Mr.Olympia stage in 2011. They have a wide range of products from proteins to vitamins. Great tasting proteins, and I have seen wonderful results with the products. Their web page is www.maxperformance.com/mhp/myweb.php?hls=1

The MHP products

My major sponsor here in Greece is Alex Siatravani of healthy2day. He was kind enough to take on the MHP brand also for distribution in Greece, and it is going very well. He has been a sponsor and father figure for over 10 years. I owe him at least this recognition.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank my family and friends that have supported me and been patient when I had it rough, my trainer David and my fans, for their kind words, their love, and I hope to make them proud once again in the Mr.O.

What advice would you like to offer to all the new athletes?
M.K.: To all the new athletes I want to mention, if they love the sport enough and want to further their dreams outside of the regular workouts at the gym, anything is possible, with the right support of family and friends. If you put your mind to it, you can achieve whatever your heart desires. Don’t listen to the negatives that people offer, there might be another reason for it.

When I met my wife in 1991, I was just 21 at that time, and had been in the gym for only 1 year, I told her: "One day I want to step on the Mr.O stage". She believed in me enough to help make that dream come true, not once, but twice and hopefully many more to come.

Mediterranean Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:04:00 +0000

This shot, back from 1999, during NABBA's World Bodybuilding & Fitness Championships, held at the Greek island of Syros.

Pastel femuscles

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 20:33:00 +0000

Pastel painting from an older image.

Color muscle painting

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 15:03:00 +0000

The following days I will present some paintings I did on pictures. I hope you like them.

Tasos Minidis, Winner -90kg, at the IFBB Pro Elite

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 17:22:00 +0000

Tasos Minidis, one of my favorite athletes I've worked with, won the -90kg category, and the overall at the IFBB Pro Elite, which was held in Thessaloniki, Greece, on Saturday, June 4, 2011.

Here is his posing routine. Congratulations Tasos!

Details

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 20:18:00 +0000

Two snapshots, converted in black & white, detailing muscularity and symmetry.

Relaxed Bodybuilders

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 06:59:00 +0000

Soon, I will compile an album with snapshots I took with men, and women, all bodybuilders, in a relaxing mood.

Exclusive for Facebook and Twitter users:
If you have a Facebook or Twitter account, you can swap a download sample of the forthcoming album "Relaxed Bodybuilders" with a post on your wall or a tweet.

Just click the button below, and follow the instructions, to download and unzip.

Michael Kefalianos, Greek Titan at Mr. Olympia

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:34:00 +0000

Micheal is by far the greatest Greek bodybuilder, and the first ever to appear at the Mr. Olympia IFBB Pro Bodybuilding contest.

Michael is a role model for athletes, with great muscularity, exceptional lines, power, and guts. We worked together a few years ago on a video clip we made for his guest appearance at a bodybuilding contest in Greece.

This weekend he will battle with the other world Titans at Las Vegas, where the Mr. Olympia 2009 contest is held.

Mr. Olympia 2009 live webcast, and details here: Mr. Olympia 2009 Live Webcast

Photo courtesy of Bodybuilders.gr

I Shoot Muscles TV on YouTube

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:45:00 +0000

I invite you to view a few of the videos I produced through the years on I Shoot Muscles TV channel, on YouTube.

Meanwhile, I am in touch with Canadian athletes in order to develop a new muslce photography concept, and a website. Details, coming up.

Stay tuned. Thank you for your support.

Bonjour Canada!

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:30:00 +0000

Business obligations brought me to Canada. I moved to one of the most beautiful cities in the world: Montreal.

Scheduling to work with local athletes, soon.

Tips on Canada's bodybuilding scene, thoughts, ideas, and advice are always welcome. Feel free to write me at ishootmuscles@gmail.com

Tattoo Muscles - 2

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 11:17:00 +0000

During NAC's World Championships in Athens, I had the chance to shoot some very impressive tattoos. Most of these images are snapshots. In this case, art are the tattoos. (Part 1, below).

Happy holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 17:14:00 +0000

I wish to all of you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I'll be back soon with more original photography. Thank you for stopping by.

Female muscle, backstage

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:31:00 +0000

Some backstage snapshots. Besides "pumping" and "body painting" female bodybuilders handle their make-up, hair, jewels etc. Above all, they are women.

Tattoo Muscles -1

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 11:11:00 +0000

During NAC's World Championships in Athens, I had the chance to shoot some very impressive tattoos. Most of these images are snapshots. In this case, art are the tattoos.

Body to go!

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:08:00 +0000

Originally, this is from a color picture I shot back in 2003. I transformed it to black & white, modified the tones to low key, and added some color. Edited with Nikon's Capture NX2.

History: Reg Park

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 09:06:00 +0000

Mr Universe 1951, 1958, 1965 Reg Park
Tribute to a legend.
I found this rare video on You Tube. Some bodybuilding history.

I feel blue!

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:15:00 +0000

Greek bodybuilder Yiannis Grimmis at the NAC World Championships 2008, in Athens. A color version of this photograph can be found below.

A few more photos...

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 13:16:00 +0000

...from NAC's World Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships, in Athens, Greece.

A Great Event

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 21:06:00 +0000

NAC's World Bodybuilding & Fitness Championships 2008, Athens - Greece, was a great event. Great athletes from all over the world got together to celebrate health, beauty, and power.

To start with, here are just a few of the pictures I made with them.

NAC World Championships 2008, in Athens

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:24:00 +0000

NAC's World Bodybuilding & Fitness Championships 2008, will be held in Athens, Greece, on June 7, at Peace & Friendship Stadium. 180 bodybuilders from 45 countries will compete. This is the official poster and magazine advertising I created for the event. Pictured athletes are: Charalambos Sarakinis, 48 years old (!), Mister Universe Master over 40 2007, and Katerina Megalou (see below). If you want additional information about the event, send me an email. Larger .pdf version of the poster is available.

Katerina the Great

noreply@blogger.com (VS) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:50:00 +0000

Her name is Katerina Megalou. In Greek, "Megalo" means great, big, huge. Besides being a great athlete, Katerina, in her mid 20s, is also the winner of the Ms Universe 2006 Championships.

She is a moving beauty, talented, smart, and very feminine. Fans adore her. She is a regular on top national television shows.

We made this shot at NAC's Athens Grand Prix, last November, where she guest-posed. You'll have the chance to meet Katerina at the 2008 World Championships, next summer in Athens.

Comment on Katerina, by clicking the "comments" link, below.
For additional information or business contact, please email me.