‘Before and After’: problematising ‘transformation’ photography with specific reference to health and fitness by Gayle Letherby (University of Plymouth) and Andrew Clarkson (Foxcoat Studio, Cornwall)
A BSA Auto/Biography Study Group Event
4 March 2026 (17:00-18:00 GMT)
Online
About the Event
‘Before and After’: problematising ‘transformation’ photography with specific reference to health and fitness by Gayle Letherby (University of Plymouth) and Andrew Clarkson (Foxcoat Studio, Cornwall)
Abstract
‘Before and After’ photography, showing, for example, transformative weight loss, extensive hair re-growth, the return of ‘youthful looks’, muscular development, is very much in fashion. Personal achievement and inspiration for others are amongst the reasons cited for its popularity. Our focus is with transformation photos specifically related to physical fitness training, ‘fitspiration’, and the dynamic auto/biographical, trainer/client relationship. Based on narrow definitions of what it is to be healthy, what it is to be fit, a cursory look at the plethora of befores and afters posted on social media as individual selfies (‘healthies’) or as part of fitness studios/gyms promotional materials highlights how these representations align with the neoliberal focus on personal responsibility/accountability, surveillance culture and the reframing of social ills as individual problems: ‘you just need to… and you too can look like…’
The physical fitness trainer’s role fits with the neoliberal imperative to take personal responsibility for one’s own health and fitness, while simultaneously offering opportunities to challenge dominant bodily expectations. The latter includes helping clients resist unrealistic goals and (hopefully) desist from dangerous practices. On occasion this may clash with the economic needs of the trainer (to recruit and retain clients) and with client desires and requests. Our critique reflects on the significance and problem of ‘Before and After’ photographs in this context with reference not least to the potentially negative impacts on mental and physical health for those who never achieve an ‘after’ identity and those who do but later return to their ‘before’ self.
Registration
- Auto/biography Study Group Member/BSA Member: FREE
- Non-Member: £10
Zoom joining instructions will be sent approximately 24 hours in advance of the event. We hope you can join us.
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