Videographer Turned Photographer, Claims “PhotBod” As His New “Best Body Yet”
Derek Vansen’s incredible transformation
LOS ANGELES, CA — Derek Vansen used to be a walking advertisement for the cardiovascular benefits of carrying a Ronin 2 up a flight of stairs. Today, he carries one small bag with one mirrorless camera, 2 fixed lenses, and a speedlight.
The physical transition has been nothing short of a biological collapse, but Vansen isn't calling it a crisis—he’s calling it a rebrand. In a move that has left his former gym partners in a state of clinical confusion, the local creative has officially retired his six-pack in favor of what he calls the “PhotBod,” a physique he insists is “ergonomically optimized” for the grueling demands of a sedentary post-production lifestyle.
The Aerodynamics of the Edit
“When I was shooting video, my body was essentially a structural support beam,” Vansen remarked, his voice now possessing the weary rasp of a man who hasn't seen a vegetable that wasn't on a catering tray in months. “But muscles are heavy. They require oxygen. They require maintenance. By shedding 30 pounds of 'vanity muscle,' I’ve lowered my center of gravity, making me much more stable during low-light handheld shots. I’m not 'out of shape'; I’m streamlined.”
Vansen’s transformation highlights a growing phenomenon in the industry: the Metadata Metabolism. According to Vansen, the act of culling 4,000 raw files from a single Saturday wedding burns more mental calories than a deadlift session ever could.
The Ergonomic Midsection
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of Vansen’s "Best Body Yet" is his new midsection, which he has begun treating as a piece of professional equipment.
“People see a belly; I see a built-in lens shelf,” Vansen explained, demonstrating how his torso now perfectly supports the weight of a 70-200mm lens during long speeches. “If I were still ripped, the camera would just be bouncing off my abs. Now? It’s like I’m carrying a beanbag tripod everywhere I go. They don’t sell these at B&H, I tell you that,” Vansen said with a smile, while rubbing his belly.
The Rapid Export of Youth
While Vansen claims to feel "lighter than ever," the visual evidence suggests he has aged a full decade since trading frame rates for f-stops. Experts suggest that the stress of "getting it right in-camera" as opposed to "fixing it in post" creates a specific type of creative cortisol that targets the hairline and the under-eye area.
“In video, you have 24 chances every second to look good,” said local industry analyst Sarah Miller. “In photography, you have one. That kind of high-stakes pressure doesn't just build character; it builds crows' feet. Derek didn't just change his career; he fast-forwarded his biological clock to the ‘Seasoned Veteran’ setting.”
A New Standard of Fitness
Despite the thousand-yard stare and the slouch that would make a chiropractor weep, Vansen remains steadfast. He has since unsubscribed from his gym’s newsletter and replaced it with a subscription to a local artisanal doughnut delivery service.
“I’m finally at my peak,” Vansen said, adjusting his glasses. “Being a videographer was about how much I could carry. Being a photographer is about how long I can stand, and right now, as we speak, let’s just say I have to take ‘soda breaks’ every few minutes.”
The Tog TimesThe PhotBod: Because a six-pack is just extra weight you don't need in your bag.
