American Combat Sports MMA

First time even going to this type of event. Was just a local event, nothing like UFC, but still was a lot of fun. I was shooting with a Digital Rebel and 50mm 1.8. I tried using the flash, but those didnt come out at all. Most were shot at a 160/sec aperture, f/1.8, and ISO800. The building it was in was pretty small so this was as far back as I could be on this side of the ring. I think getting further from the fence would help blur out the fence, no? Anyway, here are a couple that came out ok.

1.

Sethmo. You use the local shows to learn on and then you are ready for the big shows with the 3ft platform between you and the cage. LOL. I shoot boxing/MMA and have put some things up so feel free to look at my posts. If I may offer some feedback, here goes. I use a 70-200 f.28 and I press the lens right up against the cage to get rid of the cage. I don't know if you have other lenses, but you may want to try that with what you have or rent a lens for your next fight. As far as flash goes, flash is not allowed in boxing at all except at the end of fight. I don't use a flash at MMA because I feel it is a distraction and sooner or later, there will be a complaint from a corner. Your shutter speed could be improved by using 1/500 to stop the action. I use an ISO of 1000 or 1250 since the 30D can handle it but your around the ballpark with the 800 ISO. I use AI Servo and use AWB (auto white balance) which usually works well if the lighting is good. If you see TV cameras, usually the lighting is fine, but it's good to get into the habit of doing a customer whitebalance.

Looks like you got some good action shots for a first time out. MMA is fun when the fight is in a boxing ring, then it's easier to shoot through ropes.

Thanks for the tips, I really wanted to go up to the fence and shoot through it, but wasnt sure if I was allowed. The lighting was really poor, the only lights on were the lights in the ring, I probably could have used a 1/250 aperture or so, maybe more with ISO1600, but the XT has too much noise at that ISO and lower light. I really want to try to pick up a used 20d or something that can do higher ISOs without the noise.

Next time I will try to get up next to the ring, see how that works out. I also just picked up a Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 for cheap, might try that as well. I will have to check out your photos, see what kind of angles work.

Thanks again!

Sethmo, Sometimes help to check with promoter when you first get that for permission to shoot on the fence. I stood on my trusty pelican case (I'm 5'4) and used my 24-70 and sometimes the 70-200 and got pretty good results.

Actually the 3 foot platform is called a catwalk and we have one. This venue was too small to use it. We also use man lifts for our photographers. sethmo, e-mail me and we will get you a press pass for the next event. cj@americancombatsport​s.com

wow I really really like the first one. Honestly when I saw it my mouth opened. I'm not sure why but it just really appeals to me.

pxranger wrote in post #5282086
Actually the 3 foot platform is called a catwalk and we have one. This venue was too small to use it. We also use man lifts for our photographers. sethmo, e-mail me and we will get you a press pass for the next event. j@americancombatsports​.com

Thanks for the clarification. I didn't think it was up high enough to be considered a catwalk. I always associate catwalk to the ones that are above a stage.

Sethmo, I also own the production company that does the sound and lights. We could do a 24K light rig to improve the lighting. Also, I would not be opposed to buying some photo gear to help you get good quality shots at our shows. Call or E-mail me and we can work out the details. We will have HDNET at the next show, so I need good photos of the next event.

Charles Craft
CEO
American Combat Sports
319-931-4315
cj@americancombatsport​s.com

I've shot a few events. Here's some of my pics:

http://snaplocally.com​/favs/

thanks snap...next time let me post first then you can blow me out of the water with your pics...lol

You have some really good action shots. Nice job.

I had to shoot a MMA event --through the cage.......I am not happy with the results. Tough to get the right focus as things move around. The promoter was happy enough with the shots to hire me for 3 more events---but I really HATE the results.