Toughman contest

Deanna Alko

A few weeks ago, two colleagues of mine participated in a toughman competition (boxing extremely amateur). Overall the participants are not specimens of fitness...

It was well attended by our dept. (there were enough medical personnel there to run a small community hospital operating room) and fun was had by all. Two of us were photographing the event and currently the gallery is a combined effort for ease of viewing by our co-workers.

Never shot anything like this before C&C appreciated...cause there's always next year






















Thanks for looking...

Take care,
- Deanna

winger

Deanna Alko wrote:

These are great, did you have strobes to use. If not how did you get such great lighting in what I am sure was a very dark arena?

I love the above shot I dont know if it was intentionaly to put the ropes lined up with her naughty bits (even as covered) but I think it adds an additional sense of "oh what is behind that"

Deanna Alko

Thanks, Karen.

I took a few lens and a strobe not knowing what I was going to encounter but found I did not use the strobe - the lights in the ring were quite bright. And also gave enough light on the crowd where we were seated.

I used mostly ISO 1600 or 800 and 24mm f1.4, 85mm f1.2, and 200mm f2.8; shutter speed from 1/80th to 1/500th (I don't have a steady hand and wanted something to be in focus - would consider a monopod next time for sure!)

I got to observe the ring girls a bit, each had their own behavior with mild variations so they were pretty predictable and positioned myself to capture this particular girl (thought she had the most interesting presence of them)



- Deanna

Seneca

No Kicking
No Bitting
No Crying

Bleeding Permitted...

I love that shirt he has on...hahaha. Great series...

Deanna Alko

Thanks, Seneca. I found the shirt quite amusing as well!

Take care,
- Deanna

W.W. Webster

Deanna Alko wrote:

Overall the participates (sic) are not specimens of fitness...

That would be an understatement! He'd be a 'tough man' if he could get up from the stool unaided. I hope he didn't kick the bucket. I like the inclusion of the guy in the ringside seat who realises he doesn't measure up, and is already bulking up for next year's event.

I'd crop some of the negative space from the top to complete this one, then offer it to Weight Watchers for their next campaign. An interesting set of images in 'tough' lighting conditions! Thanks for posting them.

Seefutlung

Deanna,

The number one thing that will/would have improved your shots is to get rid of the ropes. Next time get permission to shoot like a press photog ... then, when you're on the canvas ... use a medium tele to get tight and expressive shots of the faces.

Gary

digitalpins

wow great shots I really enjoyed them and I loved the lighting also

Deanna Alko

W.W. Webster wrote:

I like the inclusion of the guy in the ringside seat who realises he doesn't measure up, and is already bulking up for next year's event.

When I was shooting it, I wanted to include the spectators but when I got home and saw that the spectator behind the "toughman" was stuffing himself I nearly fell off my seat laughing!!

Thanks for the crop advice and for catching the need for a noun, Ross.

Take care,
- Deanna

Deanna Alko

Seefutlung wrote:

The number one thing that will/would have improved your shots is to get rid of the ropes. Next time get permission to shoot like a press photog ... then, when you're on the canvas ... use a medium tele to get tight and expressive shots of the faces.

Gary

This year was a last minute decision to attend and required special staffing allowances, so we were extremely excited that we got the seats we did. Next year, I believe I'll attend and purchase tickets in advance (and ideally) with photog permission.... but how does one obtain that permission when not a professional photog???

Thanks,
- Deanna

Deanna Alko

digitalpins wrote:

wow great shots I really enjoyed them and I loved the lighting also

Thanks, Ryan. This was a learning experience in adjusting white balance in ACR. All the people looked like they were victims of fake bake (tanning) gone wrong then lathered themselves up in yellow mustard and orange juice

Take care,
- Deanna

Seefutlung

Don't know much about the organization and there isn't any particular way to get a "press pass" for one who isn't "press".

I would offer the group your photos with a request to shot from the canvas. Start now or a few months before the event ... see if they need any promo photos.

Were there any press there? If there were then it will probably be harder to get credentials. Just open up a dialogue and work with them. Tell them what you want. The organization probably has an outside PR firm handling promotion and press relations.

If you can't get on the canvas I strongly suggest a longer lens so you can shot through and around those ropes.

Gary