I like the poses, but your flash is too bright on 3, 4 and 5 and you've got some vignetting - was it possible to shoot from further back or were you forced in close?
John, that is how I set up the shot. I wanted it to really pop. I added more highlights to these in post. And the vignetting is also done in post. I did this with one flash on a high stand with a flash bender reflector. This is shooting over my head right down the middle. This adds nice directional light to help make the guys look more ripped. And is very directional when they are on the scale. I also have a flash on camera as used as fill. This is a tough setup because this is also the official weigh in. The same light also needs to be lighting the scale.
It goes like this. One guy weighs in, then goes to the side and waits. The next guy weighs in. Then they do the face off. Everyone is humoring us at this point too. These guys haven't eaten anything all day, or days to make weight. And they have to face their opponent. Getting them close is challenging. I "try" to get 3 shots. Everyone is nervous tired and hungry. They just want a sandwich at this point.
I set the fighters away from the backdrop about 6 ft or so. I did this to help control the wicked reflection on the banner. At the last one of these I shot, the banner was a problem with glare. This time was better. But still apparent.
John, that is how I set up the shot. I wanted it to really pop. I added more highlights to these in post. And the vignetting is also done in post. I did this with one flash on a high stand with a flash bender reflector. This is shooting over my head right down the middle. This adds nice directional light to help make the guys look more ripped. And is very directional when they are on the scale. I also have a flash on camera as used as fill. This is a tough setup because this is also the official weigh in. The same light also needs to be lighting the scale.
It goes like this. One guy weighs in, then goes to the side and waits. The next guy weighs in. Then they do the face off. Everyone is humoring us at this point too. These guys haven't eaten anything all day, or days to make weight. And they have to face their opponent. Getting them close is challenging. I "try" to get 3 shots. Everyone is nervous tired and hungry. They just want a sandwich at this point.
I set the fighters away from the backdrop about 6 ft or so. I did this to help control the wicked reflection on the banner. At the last one of these I shot, the banner was a problem with glare. This time was better. But still apparent.
Finally, I had a spare minute to upload some shots.
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7. This fight went a little over 1 minute. Ended to a wicked neck kick. I missed it..... It happened very fast.
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9. Ouch! My fricken neck! This dude took it like a champ. And had a great attitude about getting worked over. Kasheem Peterson is a guy you need to watch for in the UFC. He is rising fast.
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Shooting an event tonight here in Jacksonville. In the middle of moving into a house as well. Whew!
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My favs #2 & #4
Are you the official photographer for MMA?
Take Care,
Charles
Aperture Focus Photography
http://aperturefocus.com
I'm a huge MMA fan, PM me if you want to check out my site - would be great to showcase your photography on there.
What camera do you use? I'm looking to buy an entry level DSLR and want something that takes the best shots for the price.
Any idea's?
It goes like this. One guy weighs in, then goes to the side and waits. The next guy weighs in. Then they do the face off. Everyone is humoring us at this point too. These guys haven't eaten anything all day, or days to make weight. And they have to face their opponent. Getting them close is challenging. I "try" to get 3 shots. Everyone is nervous tired and hungry. They just want a sandwich at this point.
I set the fighters away from the backdrop about 6 ft or so. I did this to help control the wicked reflection on the banner. At the last one of these I shot, the banner was a problem with glare. This time was better. But still apparent.
What MMA promotion is this?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7. This fight went a little over 1 minute. Ended to a wicked neck kick. I missed it..... It happened very fast.
8.
9. Ouch! My fricken neck! This dude took it like a champ. And had a great attitude about getting worked over. Kasheem Peterson is a guy you need to watch for in the UFC. He is rising fast.
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Blog