My "best of 2009" boxing shots

[SnapLocally.com]

I created a smallish gallery highlighting my favorite shots I've taken this year:

http://snaplocally.com/best_of_09

C&C welcome.

Thanks.

[Alan Dye]

Very Nice!! You have the knack for these kind of shots! Well Done!!

[actorlife]

Really nice shots.:cool: My fav shot is the 2nd. very powerful. You should be proud!

[SnapLocally.com]

Thank you, thank you.

[RickyH]

I love seeing your work. There is not one bad image in the bunch. I think its safe to say you had a good 2009

[SnapLocally.com]

Thanks Ricky.

Photographically speaking, yeah, I've had some nice opportunities this year. Business wise, it's been non-existent. Just last week within 2 days I had a news paper and casino come to me for shots I've taken, only to lose in interest when it was discovered I like getting paid for my work. I also had a promoter back out on a verbal agreement we made days after the event was over. Needless to say I didn't hand work over to any of the aforementioned, but swear words cannot convey how angry am over these situations. As much as I enjoy shooting these fights, I also need to get paid. I'm pretty close to walking away from this thing altogether. I've got one more event to shoot this year, and then I've got a decision to make.

[Sibil]

Fantastic shots. What body were you using and how did you set up the focus point?

[Cyclop]

Excellent series, well done.

[SnapLocally.com]

Thanks x2.

I shoot with a 40D. Focal points- it depends on who/what I'm aiming for. I never let the camera choose though; that may work with "professional" cameras, but the 40D not so much.

[Sibil]

I shoot with a 40D.
Oh wow, I'm impressed by the sharpness/quality of the images. One last question, do you shoot in JPEG or RAW, and how do you sharpen? Again, the sharpness of the images are amazing to me.

[SnapLocally.com]

Thank you.

Personally, I only shoot jpeg, and I shoot at "normal" quality, not "fine". I find that when I have my color balance and exposure correct, I don't need the latitude RAW provides.

For sharpening, I do a little USM, but I stress little. I shot with primes for most of those shots; a Canon 35 f/2 and a Sigma 30 f/1.4. I bought both of them used, and I don't have it in my budget to afford "L" lenses, so I just make the most with what I've got.

[kMayer]

nice shots!

[ChrisRabior]

Always did get some inspiration of of your fight photos. Some of them I remember from earlier posts. All great shots.

[SnapLocally.com]

Thank you to the two of yous.

[flapsmcgee]

great work mate

[SnapLocally.com]

Thank you. You might be interested in the last event I shot, a ShoBox event, as well:

http://snaplocally.com/121809

[Sibil]

Your timing of shots is really really good.

[RickyH]

Thanks Ricky.

Photographically speaking, yeah, I've had some nice opportunities this year. Business wise, it's been non-existent. Just last week within 2 days I had a news paper and casino come to me for shots I've taken, only to lose in interest when it was discovered I like getting paid for my work. I also had a promoter back out on a verbal agreement we made days after the event was over. Needless to say I didn't hand work over to any of the aforementioned, but swear words cannot convey how angry am over these situations. As much as I enjoy shooting these fights, I also need to get paid. I'm pretty close to walking away from this thing altogether. I've got one more event to shoot this year, and then I've got a decision to make.

I understand where your coming from. Multiple times I've bent over backwards to shoot an event & when it comes down to money, people back away. I lost quite a bit of money over the last 2 years & there have been times where I've questioned if I've chosen the right career path. I know love doesn't pay the rent, but if you truly love what you do, don't stop. Perhaps take a break or not shoot as many shows, but don't stop. Not only do have the talent, you've got the access.

[Bladerunner99]

Wow, those are some great shots, just curious what iso and shutter speeds you typically shoot at for these events?

[SnapLocally.com]

Thanks RickyH.

BR99- The two most common iso's I shoot at are 1600 and 3200 (I'm shooting with a 40D so there's no in between). Shutter speeds can vary as well; I might only be able to get 1/200 and still be underexposing by a full stop; on the other side of the spectrum I might be at one of those rare outside events and get 1/2000.

[Rockney]

All I can say is..YOU DA MAN..

[SnapLocally.com]

I'll take it.