It’s no secret that nature, particularly wildlife, is my niche. I love the search for animals or beautiful places, and then coaxing out that perfect image to be taken away. Working with people is a whole different game, and not one that has often piqued my interest when there is still so much to learn outside; yet this sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that reeled me in as a practitioner has now done so as a photographer as well.
I had a great time photographing the tournament that led to the Featured People: Jiujiteiras post and its enormous set of photos at the end of February, but I wanted to dial in some of my camera settings after reviewing discarded images. Some people in BJJ tend toward methodical and crushing in their game plan, but others are maddeningly fast and explosive, and quickly shifting positions mean wildly variable shadows. Lighting is artificial and uncontrolled, yet flash causes distraction, and there’s no asking to hold a pose to get the right angle. In short, it’s a totally different set of conditions than I would generally find, creating a fun challenge. I won’t dwell too much on the technicalities of the photography craft here, but if you’re interested in that, stay tuned to the Patreon, which has big updates this month that will include a technique section.
I had originally planned to compete in this tournament, held by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, but a minor injury made me hold off so I showed up with my camera instead. I missed the first of the tournament’s two days (I was at Red River Gorge looking at this Rosebay from Above) but I caught several white- and blue-belt gi competitors on the second day, and I’ve compiled a few dozen of my favorites into the Indy Open Gallery. Check it out!
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