Now that the buzz of photographing the Arnold Classic 2021 is quietening down for me, I’ve had time to reflect on what an epic weekend it truly was! 

It’s always a pleasure to see amateurs making their debut and long-time friends like Ryan Terry back up on the big stage, but the Arnold 2021 really did have me feeling extra grateful this year - it was just so good to be back shooting stage athletes! It’s astounding to think there were over 500 competitors at the Arnold across this October weekend - many of which I had the pleasure of working with. 

Not only is it fantastic to be feeling like things are slowly returning to normal, but it was like a dream for me to be back working in a professional setting, beyond my Nottingham Bailey Studio and London The Vault studio. I love the Arnold environment and shooting shows in general because of those irresistible lighting setups that really do bring out the best in the competitor’s physiques, but there’s nothing else quite like feeling the thrill of a proper crowd too.

I’ve put together some of my standout moments from the Arnold Classic 2021 and my favourite images, showing a mix of the best from the Arnold Amateur show and the Arnold Pro show featuring: Fitness, Bikini, Men’s Physique, Classic and Open Bodybuilding. Scroll straight to the bottom if you want the full gallery.

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What Was on at the Arnold Classic 2021?

The Women’s Amateur categories were on the Friday, Men’s Amateur categories were on the Saturday morning and the Pro show was on the Saturday evening. 

It was a bit of a shame for the crowd to not be as full on the Saturday evening for the Pro show as it was for the amateur card in the morning, but it was nice to hear it had actually been a sellout. 

What is There to do at the Arnold Classic?

What you can get up to at the Arnold Classic is probably vastly different to what I’m able to get up to whilst there photographing competitors for the weekend. Even taking a team with me, it’s still a ridiculously busy event so I’m very much in work-mode when I’m there. A friend was actually asking me the other day if I had any cool behind the scenes shots of the EXPO, other stages and the Arnold setup in general but I didn’t even get chance to take a single one! 

The things that interested me most at the Arnold in Birmingham this year - away from the main stage - was the huge, CrossFit area, the Strongman area and the MMA area. If you follow on social media what I get up to when I’m not shooting, you’ll know that I recently joined UFC in Nottingham, so it was good to have a quick look at the martial arts area. 

The Arnold Classic is a really cool event to attend, regardless of whether you’re competing, there to support a competitor, are a bodybuilder yourself or someone just generally interested in fitness. There’s nothing quite like the empowering feeling of being surrounded by fellow fitness enthusiasts, plus the EXPO is massive so you’re guaranteed to come away with some training clothes or interesting nutritional finds - you’ll probably be able to meet a couple of your heroes too. The EXPO continued too on the Sunday after the main shows had finished, along with other events. 

For me though, it’s obviously all about having the privilege to shoot world class athletes. Of course, it’s usually for brands and the competitors themselves that I’m there at bodybuilding events like this to shoot for, but I do genuinely cherish stage photos from top class events like this eternally. I do wish I could split myself in two so I could enjoy the show as a spectator as well but I think I’d always be wanting to take photos!

Who Won the Arnold Classic 2021?

Nathan De Asha took the Arnold crown this year, with Samson Dauda coming in second place. I’m really happy for Nathan and especially looking forward to seeing what he’ll bring to the Olympia 2022 - just look at his confidence in the photos!

Arnold Classic 2021 Athlete Standouts

My personal highlights of the Birmingham Arnold Classic are a handful of special moments form the weekend really overall. I’ll list a few:

- I was psyched to see my friend Sara Harley finally get her Pro card in Wellness. Congratulations chuck x

- Clients of mine Greg Taylor and Andy Scott got called out and put centre-stage together, securing first and second place in super heavies. Greg missed out on his Pro card, but I think he deserved to win it. Again, if you follow me on Instagram (@baileyimage), you’ll doubtless remember these guys because they’re both absolutely incredible at posing. I’d champion specific muscle groups that they’re the best at highlighting but they really are all-round pros in my eyes at their shapes. 

- IFBB Figure Pro KD (Kristie Sanderson) won her Figure category; this was no surprise to me as I’d already predicted that she would take first place. 

- Despite Arnold Schwarzenegger himself not being able to physically make the show this year, the crowd seemed buzzed enough that duo Sylvester Stallone and Dolph Lundgren were together again

- Olympia Head Judge Steve Weinberger - a man who’s renowned for not travelling for events - was Head Judge at the UK’s Arnold Classic 2021, which I thought was pretty epic and made it all the more special for the athletes.

- I always love shooting athletes who’ve become my close friends after so many years of working together, but I really wasn’t expecting Ryan Terry to tell me that one of the photos I took of him at the Arnold this year was his all time favourite stage shot!

- Last but not least, it was great seeing Eddie Hall too. We’ve shot together countless times now and after shooting him in action at his home boxing ring, I’m even more looking forward to the fight in March! Read more about my time with Eddie Hall here.

When is the Arnold Classic 2022?

The next Arnold Classic will take place in the UK at the NEC in Birmingham from 22-25 September 2022. I’ll see you there!