Bodying building photo question

GadgetRick

So I've been asked to shoot an event in PA this weekend. I used to follow body building when I was younger and still lifted but have never shot any competition. Just have some questions:

-Flash or no flash? I'll have full access to everything so should be able to get close enough for one to be effective. I could also set up remotely but not sure where to position flash for these shots.
-Best way to show the competitors? I know I want to get lots of shadows showing the depth of the muscles, veins, etc. Anything else I need to know?
-I'm guessing most photogs shoot with two lenses--one wide angle--to get the posedown? Unfortunately, I don't have a wide angle just yet so will be slumming it with my 28-70.

Any other tips/tricks will be greatly appreciated.

Foques

I am trying to get into this field meself right now.. What I saw one of the photogs do is mount a flash with a remote trigger above the spot when athletes were standing.. so he was shooting natural light, and could generate harsh shadows quickly at the flip of switch.

Never seen the results of his work, though..

GadgetRick

Foques wrote: »

I am trying to get into this field meself right now.. What I saw one of the photogs do is mount a flash with a remote trigger above the spot when athletes were standing.. so he was shooting natural light, and could generate harsh shadows quickly at the flip of switch.

Never seen the results of his work, though..

Hmm, interesting. I don't know how the venue is set up yet so not sure if I could pull that off. Can certainly get something set up somewhere near the stage if I needed to. I'm the official photog for the event so I'll have full access.