When I got a phone call from an ex-colleague and friend of mine – Col Greenway – asking me if I wanted to photograph the Mundine fight in Brisbane last week I jumped at the chance and said yes….. it wasn’t til after I got off the phone that I realised what I’d said yes to!
It’s not that I don’t like boxing or sweaty, beefy blokes… I just hadn’t been to a boxing match before, let alone photograph behind the scenes or get up close and personal with some big sporting heroes. On top of this, I didn’t know how I was going to react… I knew it was going to be exciting… but I wondered if I would get excited by it.
Just before my flight a local barista told me that being at a boxing match is electric…. and that the electricity runs through your body and is inescapable. He wasn’t wrong. It was ELECTRIC… and I didn’t just enjoy it, I LOVED it. By the end of the night I was shouting as much as the fans were, and feeling every blow (a little tricky when you’re holding the camera). And I couldn’t help but reflect on how photographing the fight left me feeling the same way I do when I shoot a wedding or any other event for that matter… emotional, fully charged, hyped, exhilarated, part of the bigger picture… Hard to explain – but setting out to capture human emotion and the relationship between people is high on my list of priorities when I pick up my camera. It’s why I do what I do and it was nice to reaffirm this, even if the subject matter was a little different this time.
Oh, and why did Col ask me along do you ask? Well that’s easy. It was all for the kids
Col is President of the Violet Foundation. The Foundation is made up of people who have been either directly or indirectly affected by Meningococcal Disease and exists to provide support and raise awareness. The Foundation took along two kids and their families to the fight last Wednesday night, both of whom contracted Meningococcal at an early age and have had to live with ongoing problems and scarring as a result. Michael and Robert got to meet their superheroes and were ringside for the action on the night. The photographs will be auctioned later this year as part of fund raising for the Foundation. It was a real privilege to be asked to take part in this event, and to meet Michael and Robert. I hope you enjoy the images.
Warming up… One of the earlier bouts…
The Heavyweight fight between Alex Leapai and Travis Walker was an amazing show of power and strength…
Ringside, ready for the action…
Garth Woods preparing for his bout against Ryan Coppick. Garth won The Contender earlier this year and trains with Billy Hussein (also pictured). I learned later that we live in the same Sydney Suburb!
I like this next photo mostly because of way Garth’s big brother Nathan is looking on with such pride and admiration…
Garth didn’t waste much time letting his opponent know he meant business…
Sonny Bill Williams received a supportive visit from Anthony Mundine before his fight…
Now, I’m no expert but I think I would’ve been a little worried if I was this guy…
And it took all of 2 mins 35 secs for Sonny Bill to put him away…
Meanwhile Anthony Mundine was cool as a cucumber looking super fit, if a little lighter, given his step down to Light Middleweight…
During the break Col managed to find some Bronco’s in the crowd who were more than happy to meet the kids and have a photo taken…
Even Brendan Fevola stopped by for a chat and a quick photo…
Then it was time for the main event, and the crowd were treated to a full 12 rounds of Mundine magic… even Garth made it back out to watch the fight…
Victory…
And finally, how can a guy look this good AFTER a boxing match? Sonny Bill is an ambassador for the Violet Foundation and they’re very grateful for his support.
So, there you have it. My experience at the Fights in QLD last week.
Enjoy!
by admin
Kim Selby - Melanie!! Wow!! These are fabulous,(not that I have ever been to a fight) but you have captured the atmosphere and tension perfectly. These are brilliant – change in focus of photography for you my dear if you wanted it!
Kristy Bradford - Melanie what an awesome job you have done! Definitely a change of scenery but it’s great to do something outside your comfort zone. Fantastic work!
Marieke B - Whoa, you must have been close enough to have camera and lens doused in sweat coming off the fighters! Wow, wow, wow, what an awesome job you’ve done. I reckon you’ve just found your calling. You are really good at this!
Lea - Wow.
I would never have known you were not a sports-tog if you presented them to me as your only sports-tof portfolio.
Very VERY well done!! All the emotion, all the punches, all the sweat, and all the wow.
Wow.
x
Alicia Kennison - Simply brilliant. I can feel the power in every one of those shots. You nailed it. Well done.
Dani - FAR OUT! You have totally rocked this Mel, definitely your calling! I love every photo…the details are amazing, you must have been so close! Well done…
bec - Wow, great action shots! You’ve done a fantastic job.
Jayne - LOVE these Mel! Just amazing. You did a fantastic job!
Walu - Well Mel, First Rolla derby then boxing. Both sports come out looking a picture
I look forward to your images from the next WWE tour:)
Zan - Mel, is there no end to your talents? From beautiful child/family/wedding shots to the power and pain of a boxing match. These are seriously good photos.
Lauren - Awesome work! Love that last image too
Zelky - Today anyone can aim a camera, take a photo and get “good” results. But these beautiful images prove it takes real talent, experience and dedication to take such timeless photos, that truly capture the strength and emotion of their subjects. Absolutely awesome work.
Josephine - What amazing pics Mel – they are brilliant! I’m loving your new website / blog. Jo xx
Giulio - I love the fact that in your ‘Categories’ section you have the likes of ‘Children’, ‘Family’ and ‘Maternity’…then there’s ‘Boxing’! The photo of Mundine talking to Sonny Bill Williams is a lovely moment and I’m glad you made it B&W – colour would have been too distracting.
Taking a Blow for Moe » Melanie Birt | Photography - [...] So, if you’re at a loose end on Friday night, come on down and join me ringside… oh and if you’re wondering why I like boxing… read this. [...]