Something different.
This was my first proper BJJ event. I've the the occasional grading/training day photos at my gym and one grappling comp. While looking for more disciplines to photograph, I decide to ask for work at BJJ comps and tournaments but was turned down and so I stuck with ring sports. However that changed when Sy decided he would run the first BJJ fight night. I begun watching more grappling matches and photographs to analyse the key points of art. Leading up to the show I was quite nervous because I thought that I might not be used to the composition, timing, be at a wrong positing and mission a submission, etc. I came a little over prepared and ended up just using my regular pack. I was lucky to have chosen the right spot and got all the prime shots of the night! Side note, I always tend to be a bit rushed as I enter a show. I want to secure prime location to set up for the night and I would scout the ring and look for possible room. This could involve asking the video guys if i could set up next to them (video guys usually get proper spots over the photographers - well at least in my opinion), asking people to help move over a larger table for me to squeeze in or barely get comfortable (I usually don't ask officials or doctors to help because those guys might not want to give up their side of the table) or ask for a chair (life saver! I can't believe I stood for my early shoes - well that might be where all my back issues came from). Back to BOA! At the show I was lucky enough to meet Elvis Sinosic taking photos and he was a real cool dude. While processing the photos I realised that in BJJ photography, the lighting is very generous, it's all about getting that perfect technique shot, it's all about the composition, the light really is generous and the background gives a lot to play with! I was really humbled by the feedback received from the competitors and fans, this let me knew I got the shots right. (This was way more than what I first got and opposite of what I heard said about someone who did a show that took my place). I'm really keen on the next show! It was a great new experience and atmosphere! (Side note, the atmosphere was awesome and different. In situations like the 'weighin' and the back room there was no tension between camps/fighters, there was no worry about weight - except the American, everyone warmed up together and there was no psych of your opponent seeing you prepare. The spectators actually came half an hour before the doors open! And it was packed! You'll be lucky to get less than half 30mins before a ring show and at least another 1hour after the suggested time.There was no loudmouth bogan insults or bottles into the ring, just smartarsed witty response. I have my first ring show tomorrow and I hope this fight night won't affect me too much.