#wrestling photography

[supakixbabe]

📸Money shots by Scott Lesh

[spinebuster]

intricate rituals, etc

[dtan0914]

I started the year in Japan and finishing the year in California. I was able to transform my hobby into a side gig. In the second half of 2023, I started shooting officially. Indies, major promotions, joshi, deathmatch, you name it — I did it.

Thank you to all the promotions that took a chance on me this year. I have gained experience and learned so much in 2023. Here are some “new to everyone else” photos that haven’t been posted.

For those of you that are interested in pursuing pro wrestling photography, here are the things I wish people told me:

1. Invest in more expensive camera lenses. You can upgrade your body, but the lenses are going to stick with you for a minimum of a decade. Make sure they have low aperture to maximize potential for photos.

2. Learn to shoot from your seat and shoot it well. Fast shutter (my minimum is around 1/800), lowest ISO possible (I try not to go past ISO 7500), and low aperture (f/2.8 or higher if you have more subjects).

3. If you are shooting from your seat, respect the assigned videographers, photographers, and crew. I have worked shows where I’ve had interference in my shots. Probably the worst was when a guest told me to fuck off. That’s the type of behavior that will get you kicked out of a show.

4. Find a workflow that works the best for you. I use an iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil for my mass edits in Lightroom.

Made it to ringside? Here’s some additional tips:

5. Invest in a speedlight and learn what the settings mean. Even if you don’t shoot with one at ringside, keep one around for fast portraits on the fly or if the lighting is awful in a venue.

6. Ask the promoter what they want. You can enjoy the show still, but remember you are working.

7. It is a lot of cardio. Not for the faint of heart, wrestlers only are out for one match. Remember you are there for ALL OF THEM.

8. Knee pads. Your knees will thank you.

[maria-the-ghoul]

I feel like I'm getting a bit better with every show that I shoot.

I'm getting more comfortable being ringside and dodging wrestlers.

[caninegoodnight]

me when i fucking get you

(https://getlostphotography.smugmug.com/2015-09-04-Chikara-King-of/i-pKMnHhC)

[timbowmanmedia]

Game Changer Wrestling put on a great show in Chicago a couple months ago for its Live Fast, Die Young event. Check out my live impressions and full photo gallery of the show.

[sevenalexander]

TPW: Tough Love 2023 Teacher Vs Student Sinn Bodhi Vs Kris Brady reaching for the ropes.

[mypastnow]

[cat-cosplay]

Malakai Cat

[heishook]

📸: Photo by Ryan Loco

🎰AEW Double or Nothing 2024🎰

[spinebuster]

credit: theloutheszpress

[michalucz]

Portuguese boys wrestling / Porto, 2023 IG

[thrdnarrative]

"Every Senegalese — mothers and fathers, even the president of the republic — they love Senegalese wrestling." - Khadim Gadiaga, president of the Senegalese Wrestlers Association

The interlocked hands of a wrestler after losing a stadium match. © Nico Therin

[heelrollins]

📸 by infamous.photos

[timbowmanmedia]

AEW held Collision and Battle of the Belts XI in Arlington, Texas last Saturday night. Check out a full photo gallery of both shows and my live impressions.

[theocassidy]