a few recent MMA pics

I took these on Thursday in St. Cloud, MN:

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I really like the way you have these lit - especially the posed shots like the first and last.

Thanks. But, to perfectly honest, I had nothing to do with the lighting, I just used what was available in the arena ie no flash.

SnapLocally.com wrote in post #5366607
I just used what was available in the arena ie no flash.

Yes I could see that after reading your exif. That makes it even better. How many shots of a guy in a cap (without flash) do you actually get to see eyes as clearly as these?

Well done.

Cool shots. This is supposed to be the fastest growing sport right now. They were in Montreal Canada on the weekend...Insanity. I wonder if these guys are well paid for this foolishness?

They are very well paid if you are a bigger name.

Even some of the smaller shows pay well.

Snap-
I really enjoy looking at your work... The colors are spot on.

Excellent job as always.

John

Thanks guys. The feedback is appreciated as always.

Great action shots, and at 35mm you must've been pretty close to the action! Any close calls?

No, because I'm shooting from the outside of the cage. I've been sprayed with sweat and blood before; that's pretty much the extent of the occupational hazzards.

What kind of lens were you using?

I like the one of the guy with the Ring Girls the best ... neat suit! Wish I could get as close to the cage as you can, sigh. Good job as always.

I think I have literally the same image of number 6, with the same fighter from a TFA fight in january. I'll see if I can dig it up!

Thanks, Dwight.

Unfortunately for me, the ability to get as close to the action as I do is also an indicator that I'm shooting small-time events for less than stellar pay days. This particular event for example, I not only didn't get paid, I lost money on travel expenses. I stupidly accepted "sponsor" status, which was little more than having a large, interpolated version of my logo afixed to a large banner included with other sponsors, flown above a beer tub.

ph0ngtran wrote in post #5531586
What kind of lens were you using?

A used prime.