My first boxing night photography assignment. Gulp.

Posted by: Tony Lockhart on 25 May 2012

 

A young lad I work with is fighting tonight in Ipswich, and has asked me if I'd like to take some photographs. I've accepted and I'm taking both my digital and 35mm SLRs. My 35mm will be loaded with Ilford Delta 3200 and probably my 50mm f1.8, while my 40D will have either my 17-85mm or 11-16mm, not sure yet. 

I'll take my big flashgun just in case I need it AND I'm allowed to use it. 

 

Has anyone else ever done this?

 

Wish me luck, and I hope I get at least one decent shot lol. 

 

 

Tony

Posted on: 25 May 2012 by Steve J

Hi Tony,

 

I used to be a doctor with the BBBC. I've never done a photo shoot but I'm surprised you're being allowed to use a flash. How close are you being allowed to the ring? Is it a pro fight? The lighting at pro events is usually very good so you should get away with high ASA/ISO and a fast lens. If you're not sure where you will be in relation to the ring then a longer lens might be more useful on one of your cameras. Remember also you will likely be below the ring level which is usually elevated about 4 feet.

 

Good luck and please post some photos.

 

ATB

 

Steve

Posted on: 25 May 2012 by Tony Lockhart

Thanks Steve,

 

I read a lot of info on the net, and flash is sometimes allowed.  I've decided to leave it at home though, as it's extra baggage. It's just a semi-pro meet in a scruffy labour club, so I'll have to wait and see what the lighting is like. 

 

If there's a decent pic, I'll post it. If not, this thread will wither and die.......

 

Tony

Posted on: 25 May 2012 by Tony Lockhart

Oh, and I brought my 70-200 as well ☺

Posted on: 25 May 2012 by JamieWednesday

Ooooooh tricky!

 

Need fast shutter speed, 1/250 or 1/500? So, you'll be thinking of using large aperture but that will give you very narrow depth of field. I hope the lighting is good, otherwise I guess whack up the ISO as much as you dare on the D40 (I don't know where its comfort zone is)  and shoot RAW, then if they come out a bit dark you can adjust more effectively in PP

 

If you're close to the ring, take a cloth for your lens..!

Posted on: 26 May 2012 by Tony Lockhart

Well, that was a great night. Unfortunately, for photography it wasn't so good, as the light was very poor. The photo below was taken with my Tokina 11-16mm, at 16mm, f2.8, iso3200, and only 1/16th second..... With my 50mm at f1.8, I could stretch it to 1/150 to 1/200th, but the lens was just too long. 

 

 

The organisers did try switching some small spotlights on during one bout, but the flashing,rotating disco lights also came on! 

 

Anyway, Tieran on the right in this pic won on points. It was the best fight of the night, and had the noisiest support from the crowd. 

 

 

Posted on: 26 May 2012 by Steve J

Tony,

 

Don't be disappointed. At least you had a good time. You can see now why sports photography is probably the most expensive branch of pro photography. 

 

ATB

 

Steve

 

Posted on: 26 May 2012 by Tony Lockhart
I've covered plenty of motorsport in the past, and some football, but this was probably the most unpredictable. Together with half a lumen of brown light it was a challenge!

Anyway, Brands Hatch in bright sunlight tomorrow and some ol mates as company.


Tony
Posted on: 26 May 2012 by Steve J

Enjoy.