Help: Pre-event MMA activities

[klynam]

A client is arranging for me to cover various activities (weigh-in, interviews, etc.) a couple of days prior to the upcoming StrikeForce MMA event here in Dallas. An official UFC fighter will be accompanying me at all/most times, helping me identify who and what to shoot.

I anticipate mostly candid/casual, grab-n-go shooting.

I'm bringing two cameras, one w/ a fast prime (50mm/85mm) for ambient light, and one with a 17-40mm for on-camera flash (bounced off walls/ceilings.)

I'd also like to get a little different look than the standard party-pic, so I'm considering bringing my trained assistant (i.e. no.1 son) for off-camera "light-on-a-pole" strobist shots.

Two questions:

1. What am I missing that I should be aware of?
2. Should I even attempt off-camera strobist lighting?

I've shot MMA fights, but this is the first time I've been asked to cover pre-event PR activities.

Thank you in advance...

[crbeveri]

if you have it take a 70-200. There is usually good light in the ring but if you are doing candids a 70-200 2.8 makes for a good snipping lens. The 17-40 will be good for wides but for the most part your main focus will be on the fighters. I would recomend also taking a step back and look at what is not being shot. Some times the best shot is one you dont normally see (towels, hands, gloves) MMA has a story behind it and you're in a position to tell that story from the beginning.

It's been a long while since I have fought but what I remember is it's mostly bring the fighter in weigh him do some poses for the cams and move on. as interviews go, look for facial expressions.... it is as you anticipate grab and go. Also talk to the UFC fighter that will be with you... see if you can get int he dressing rooms, get them alone away form the main press if you can. Little things like that outside the typical media can make great pictures and ones others might not have been able to get. Good luck and congrats.

[Abel]

moving thread to appropriate section... this section is for showcasing photos only.

[klynam]

Thanks Abel - I really wasn't sure where this goes...

And thanks crbeveri for the tips!

[khatley]

It depends how you are being paid, are paid by the hour to just cover the event, are you selling the photos or just giving a disk or what? I wouldn't mess with off camera flash. What you have is fine or go with a 24-105 for a little more flexibility.

[klynam]

Actually just covering it: (a) for a couple of website clients; (b) for the experience; (c) for the contacts. :-)

Wish I had a 24-105, especially if there was a f2.8 version...

[crbeveri]

Originally Posted by klynam

Actually just covering it: (a) for a couple of website clients; (b) for the experience; (c) for the contacts. :-)

Wish I had a 24-105, especially if there was a f2.8 version...

if you or the event were in Houston i'd say I'd let you barrow mine but ya... I think you have it covered okay. Just be sure to get the main "media" shots and then look for those ones that no one else sees... It's hard but to stand out from the others there that's what you have to do. Throw a little artistic style shots in there for yourself or even the client... I used like a towel on the cage or spit bucket or anything extra as examples. During the weigh in or pre match being in the dressing room or getting the fighter alone and I think you be good.

personal note: I'd love to go up against a feather weight (I fought 155lb class) and see if I still got it lol.