Muay Thai : Deadly Debut 16
So, of all the strange places I've found myself of late... probably the strangest for me, was in an ethnic religious hall in Kilbirnie, to watch a Muay Thai fight event on a Saturday night.
A friend bought me tickets as a bribe to come along and take some photos, as well as help him learn to take photos at these events, as he's very into it and loves the sport.
And of course, who am I to turn down a chance to play with some rather fascinating lighting situations and some exciting action shots.
I was armed with my camera and I did take lighting along with me, as I had no idea what I was walking into, however the situation was rather unexpected. And if I do say so, it was downright complicated!
The lighting was from four spotlights, mounted too close to the fighters for the poor camera to cope with. So I had much fun turning my poor fingers to mush as in the very short rounds (I think they were only a few minutes each fight!) almost every single shot I took I used different settings. So I was on my dials like a crazy woman as for some parts, fighters were hiding in the shadows, then others they were in glaring hot light, then into areas where the light was uneven and shadowy.
I was rather pleased for fast glass, but next time I'll go prepared with a more capable body.
The fights themselves were really interesting. I learnt a lot, enjoyed the women fighting a lot! I also enjoyed watching the higher level fighters and the contortions and moves they were pulling out. It was madness, but they seemed so happy to be up there and it was highly entertaining watching them go from serious... to aggressive... to passive and happy in the space of 5 minutes.
Fights started with a quiet calm, then the aggression hit when the bell went. Only to completely dissipate into hugs and grins when the final bell went. Very very cool atmosphere.
The unusual lighting made for some very cool images I thought - and the fighting was so intense... I personally love the very last image I've posted on the blog here. The intensity was so palpable on his entire body!
Hope you enjoy these, and if you would like to see more then click HERE for the entire album.
