MMA Photo Shoot

I have been wanting to do an MMA shoot for a while now. Back in UK the sport is growing rapidly and our fighters are some of the most fearsome in the sport of MMA. I was hoping to shoot the likes of Dan Hardy or John Hathaway but alas with time not on my side before moving to Sri Lanka it had to go on that 'back burner' for a while. When I moved to Sri Lanka I really didn't expect to find an MMA gym. Not only that but this small band of pugilists take it very seriously and hold regular fight nights. Just like the early days of the UFC the fights take place between different disciplines in Sri Lanka. They have had matches against the Army, Navy, Judo and karate and so far come out with the overall wins. These guys are the real deal who train with dedication and commitment and within conditions that can only be described as raw. Anyone can train in a deluxe, air conditioned gym but it's the real fighters who will train regardless of conditions or equipment. So what if they haven't got state of art facilities and haven't got all the luxuries of a spa. They can't relax and unwind in sauna or steam room after a gruelling workout in what can only be described as, a very hot garage. You can tell it's not about working out and just feeling good it is most definitely about learning the craft of MMA and competing. The shoot took place in warehouse in Colombo and the fighters turned up, as promised. I had 3 fighters to shoot Dulshan, Chama and Madura 'The Destroyer'. I don't need to point out who is 'The Destroyer'. They were all in good spirits and up for getting some moody shots. Having a subject who isn't afraid of the lens is half the battle of getting a great portrait. I think you'll agree that if you can stare in an opponents eyes and beat him senseless then a camera is nothing. Here are some of the shots.

Had a great shoot and already have ideas for the next one.

Aspire Training

About 6 months ago I entered a photography competition on the Professional Photographers website. I then received an e mail from the Annabel Williams informing me that I had been selected as one of the 6 finalists. My first thought was that it was a phishing e mail but I eventually looked into it and it was true. I traveled to Cumbria for what I thought was a very informal interview. I was placed in front of a panel of experts and answered a few questions. A week later I was told that it was very close and I was eventually chosen runner up. So, no cigar this time but I was invited on a 4 day course at the photography training school.

Fast forward 6 months and hear I am in Cumbria on my 2nd day on the course.

Day 1

Marketing and Branding

Day 2

Photographing Pre Wedding shoot and Wedding Shots

Day 3

Post Processing and Lightroom

Day 4

Sales and Album Design

It's a great course and learning so much. I will be uploading the shots here shortly.

Dick and Dorothy Golden Anniversary

Had a great time shooting a Golden Anniversary at the weekend. I had 3 generations of family and everyone looked great in front of the camera and had no problem relaxing for the shots. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves as much as I enjoyed taking the photographs.

Oliver Goldstein Party

This was a Bar Mitzvar for Oliver Goldstein. I hadn't covered a Bar Mitzvah before so didn't quite know what to expect and was a little nervous as his father was a good friend of a work colleague. I had no need to worry as they treated me very well and trusted me to tell story of the night through my pictures. There were so many character and the Father and Oliver was the biggest.

Sara and Jess Wedding

These are for Sara and Jess and all their family and friends to take a quick look at some of the shots I took at their wedding. Just wanted you both to know that we had a great time and everyone was so relaxed and friendly. Everyone thought it was a beautiful wedding. Hope you like these shots and loads more to come.



Most of these shots were reportage so I hope it was what you expected?










I loved the colours of this room. The ceiling made a fantastic backdrop.






That's your lot for now.

Polly and Simon's Wedding

Had another wedding to shoot and this time it was in a small unknown location called, 'Westminster'. What a backdrop for a great day? The wedding went smoothly and the shoot went well. Everyone who participated were great fun and I think enjoyed being photographed. Here is a selection of some of my favourite pics of the day. Any of the family and friends reading this will be glad to know that I have nearly finished the editing and will soon be putting all the guest shots on a website for all to view and purchase should you want to?

Thanks again to Polly, Simon and all of their family and friends for being so patient. I hope you will think that the shots were worth it?

Also, a big thank you to James for adding his own flavour and style as my 2nd Photographer.

CASS: The Movie

Towards the end of last year I got the opportunity to work on a film as the stills photographer. The film was the life story of, 'Cass Pennant'. If you are into football you may have heard of him? He was one of the main members of the notorious ICF and considered one of the hardest men in Britain. The film charters his early childhood struggles to his extremely violent adulthood. When I read the script I knew it was going to be very photogenic. I was also asked to shoot the cover of the book. Both are to be released in mid 2008.