Hi all,

when I posted a link to a small selection of images I shot at Taupo I didn't realise the effect it was going to have!

I've been a full time media/sports photographer for nearly 15 years, I enjoy shooting a variety of sport, kickboxing being one of many! The gallery I posted was a small selection, mainly of Hawkes Bay fighters because I was making them available to the local paper (they used a pic of Leighann on page one).

Yes, most of the posted pics where shot from a balcony, for several reasons, one I was transmitting images from a laptop between fights (trying for space in the Sunday papers), because I shoot for mainly media (and not the fighters) I tend to shoot bold faces...papers like faces..expressions make pics!! and finally, there were already several photogs shooting the ropes, and because I wasn't there to shoot it as a commercial event I'd rather give them the space!!

It has been an interesting exercise watching the posts....thanks for the great comments! I agree that any sport has to support its core people, image girl obviously shoots a lot of the events for you guys..and does a good job...I was a little embarrassed to see the comparison being made between our work, we are doing two very different jobs..her pics are for the promoter and the fighters and mine are for media use....different markets equals different styles!!

It was great to see so many photogs at the event, there was even a polytech student doing a project on the sport...the more coverage the sport gets the better! The more welcoming the environment at these events the more likely you are to attract media, not trying to tell you guys (promoters) how to suck eggs, but my door (email or phone) is always open if you want/need anything media related!!

I look forward to the next kickboxing event, hopefully I can help generate more media coverage of a great, action packed sport!!

Cheers

John C

heres my website...the gallery is on my events site..... www.alphapix.co.nz

PS: sorry this post is so bloody long!!