anytips for boxing photography?

[andywatson00]

i may have the chance to take some photos at a few boxing events in the upcoming weeks,ive only really done live music photoraphy before, and wanted to know any tips i.e lens to use and things like that

thanks in advance
andy

[Photo-John]

I haven't shot any boxing but I would think it's pretty similar to shooting live music. You'll want a fast lens and a high ISO setting because the light is gonna be crap. And like any other sport or live music, practice makes perfect. Perhaps you could find a local gym that will let you shoot some guys training so you can get a feel for the timing and learn to predict the important moments better.

There's a photographer who shoots ultimate fighting and posts here periodically. You might look for his stuff and send him a PM. He'll definitely have some more specific tips for you.

[dhyravy]

For the MMA that I've shot, I use a similar setup to the one I use for basketball. A couple of remote flashes fired with wireless triggers up high and cross lighting the ring and a fast lens. Most of the time the light in the ring is decent, but not good enough for action stopping shutter speeds. I also have an advantage in that both my cameras can sync with the flash at any shutter speed which helps alot!

[andywatson00]

have u done any ringside ( under the ropes) photos as this is what i would be doing and i dont think i can use flash for that if so any tip?

[rolledmymazda]

No flash at ringside %100 (anywhere inside commission "technical" zone, usually barrier set up 7-9ft around ring) You MAY get 1 warning before being tossed if a flash goes off.

2nd, bring some pain meds if you have bad knees/back, you'll have to crouch during rounds, you MAY be lucky and get a stool (don't hold you're breath).
Standing during the fight is a big no no, there's a good chance the people sitting down behind you paid 500-2000 for their seat. You will be told to stay low.

Don't leave anything on the apron (eg. lens or 2nd bodies) can easily be kicked, not just by fighters but the ref (moves around wide and fast), also some commissions wont even allow you to put elbows on it.

FYI the Commission is the BOSS at the event, if the promoter says one thing and a Commissioner another, listen to the commissioner!!

fast glass, high iso, and manual on SS. as close to 1/500 as you can get, shouldn't need to be more then 1/640. FYI Noise is better then blurry

50mm 1.4 (1.8) or a 24-70mm 2.8 (in case of close knockouts), both would be better then a 70+ zoom

Go early! There will be other photographers there, talk to them, go to the change rooms and get shots, etc.

Another reason to go early is to make sure you get a spot ringside, the COMMISSION decides who sits where and if they were not informed about "extra" photographers by the promoter, they might not have marked a place for you. Sometimes if you're early enough, you can get some cool shots of the ring being set up, etc.


I work for a Combative Sports Commission, I have tossed for flashes and for elbows on the apron, and have also not allowed "extra" photographers (brought by the promoter) a spot ringside because we were informed after the "technical" area was set up. (1 to 1-1/2hrs before doors open)