From BCT1 to BCT3: One Year Later Photographing BCT3 Fight Events in Palmetto, FL

I'm going back to where it all started almost one year ago.

To BCT: Bite Down, Chin Down, Throw Down Championship.

To Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto, FL.

I've documented 8 fight events since the first BCT. And it's a strange feeling returning to a place while no longer being the same photographer.

From Cropped Sensor to Full Frame

I've come a long way from using an older Canon 60D DSLR at BCT1. Pushing the 15 year old camera to its limits, while still capturing some great shots.

Shot with Canon 60D

But I knew the days were numbered for this camera.

After BCT1 I went to Best Buy and upgraded to Canon R6 Mark II that I've been using ever since.

The new camera allowed me to get more consistent and precise fight shots at BCT2 in April and now at BCT3.

Hayden Kelly vs Joe Sutton

Capturing the Fight's Story

Most think if you have a decent camera, zoom lens and get close enough to ring side, you'll capture good fight photos.

And they are not wrong.

You set high shutter speed, low aperture, auto ISO, point the camera towards the fight then you'll capture great shots no problem.

Emmanuel Reckly vs Rayjohn Story

But I there is a lot more to it than that.

There is a story to be told and emotion to be captured.

Alfie McHugh vs Riley Boyer

The camera has to become an extension of your life experience, your view of the world and your love of the fight game.

Emiliano Margarita vs Alejo Lopez

Having fight experience, it changes how I capture each shot. I see things during the fight most don't and I feel things during the fight most haven't. I understand what the fighters are going through each second of the fight.

Emiliano Margarita vs Alejo Lopez

This is the edge in my documentary fight photography.

Jaquez Murray vs Jakquan Jackson

You Are Not Close Enough

Famous war photographer Robert Capa once said, "If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough."

If I was allowed to document fights inside the ring, then I'd be in there in the fight. But that's not allowed, so I do the next best thing. I get as close as I can.

Hayden Kelly vs Joe Sutton

Being ringside gets me close, especially when the action is right next to me.

Joe Sutton

Otherwise I'm zooming in, getting close with the lens.

Enrique Hernandez vs Ian Norwood

One thing often missing in fight photography is context. The background of the audience watching the fight. I love including the reactions and the participation of the crowd. Otherwise it looks like a sparring match.

Alfie McHugh vs Riley Boyer

Visual Layering

When documenting any fight, I aim to vary my shots.

Above the ropes, through the ropes, changing the angle and zooming in.

Emiliano Margarita

Sometimes the ref steps into the shot and other times I frame so the ref is part of the action.

Emiliano Margarita vs Alejo Lopez

All help add depth and interest into each photo.

Capturing the Entire Event

I always capture the entire event, not just the fights.

And it all starts from the day before at the weigh-ins. They set the stage and the anticipation for each fight.

Alfie McHugh vs Riley Boyer

Then on fight day there are more shots to be captured before the doors open and before the event starts.

And then during each fight, there are important pivotal moments I must capture:

• The walk in
• One minute between rounds
• Winner with hand raised
• Winner with coaches

Ian Norwood with his fight team

And of course documenting all the action from every fight.

Enrique Hernandez vs Ian Norwood

Jaquez Murray vs Jakquan Jackson

James Troy vs Luan Odinhousen

On to the Next

With BCT3, I continue to gain more experience in becoming the best fight combat sports photographer.

Can't wait to document the next fight event.

DPS are photos that are in partnership with Diamond Point Sports Network.