This shoot was all about strength, discipline, and presence. I worked with Donavon Israel—owner of Body By Donavon, a respected personal trainer in the Baltimore area. Known for his boxing programs, personal training, and group fitness classes, Donavon is a force in the local wellness scene. Our goal for this shoot was to visually showcase the results of his consistent training, clean nutrition, and unmatched discipline.

There’s something inspiring about photographing someone who doesn’t just teach fitness—but lives it. Donavon’s form was textbook, his energy calm but steady. I wanted viewers to feel the strength in stillness, the confidence that comes from doing the work every day, whether people are watching or not.

Gear and Approach

I shot with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, rotating through three reliable lenses: the EF 35mm f/1.4L USM, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM, and the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM. Each lens played a part in capturing the balance between full-body motion and sculpted detail. The 70-200mm helped isolate key movements, adding compression and depth, while the 35mm brought intimacy to portrait-style shots. The 24-105mm gave me flexibility to shoot wide or tight without changing position too often.

Final Thoughts

This shoot was more than a fitness session—it was about telling Donavon’s story through motion and stillness. His brand, Body IsReale, is built on consistency, and that’s exactly what came through in the images. Pure, earned strength—nothing extra needed.