The Moment of Decay or Rebirth in Fighting - Not the Moment of the Clash

[Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu]

For me one of the most interesting dimensions of fighter photography is found in all the in-between moments. So much is focus on The Clash. These for me, even when executed beautifully, are boring. I've read some photographers feel that when they are photographing a fight they really want to capture that decisive moment, the clash that tips the scales. These are Sweat Spray moments, often. The gunned shutter that blurs through an action peak, and then is edited out. Hey, these can be cool, very cool, but...when taken as a whole, as a genre, they are numbing, at least to me. I'm really interested in the human feeling within fighting, those fallen moments, those re-gathering moments, when duress strips away the pretense, and the fighter calculates up. These compass headings are spiritual. The above really is on reflection on this "Ripley" photo I took last week of Sylvie between rounds going up against the impossible hill of Yodkhunpon:

Which called to mind my photo of Sawsing Sor Sopit between rounds in a fight (you can find that photo here: https://www.muaynoir.com/Prints/i-2Nn5Svg/A ):

 

Why are these photos so satisfying? At least to me. They reach into what really matters in fighting, and therefore of fighter photography. I see so much difference in the humanity of these two legendary fighting women, the ways in which they summon themselves, a great reserve truly more beautiful than a perfectly landed cross or head kick. This is what is spectacular in fighting.

[ShaneDeacon]

I love this approach to fighting photography!

Do you think you would be able to compose a series of photos of these in-between moments to tell the story of the fight too?

[Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu]

On 9/9/2021 at 9:37 PM, ShaneDeacon said:

Do you think you would be able to compose a series of photos of these in-between moments to tell the story of the fight too?

I would really think so. I don't get to shoot fights very often, because I'm usually filming them. But I do think so.