Although most of my time is dedicated to serving bride and grooms as a wedding photographer in Boston. I often love to branch out and take on personal projects. Recently, I sought to photograph a personal project on “Strong women”. I found Allison Kemon, a female boxer that was training for Haymakers for Hope’s “Belles of the Brawl,” an all-female competitive boxing fundraiser. The event’s goal is to raise money for cancer research and treatment.
Passion oozes out of both Allison and her trainer, Edwin, as they train relentlessly at Every Body Fights in Boston, MA. For Allison, it’s not just about fitness; it’s a dedication to every female who is fighting a war against breast cancer – the most commonly diagnosed cancer in woman. Twice a day, she trains. Through this journey of patience, practice, and frustration, Allison has raised $15k thus far for the cause and says, “I fight for those who never give up.” Allison, kudos to you. You are an inspiration to me, and it was a privilege to create a portrait of you.
On the morning of the shoot, we walked into an already very active gym. Athletes were training for fights, marathons, triathlons and more. It would’ve been fantastic to bring in studio strobes, but I didn’t for two reasons. One, I wanted to be unobtrusive. Secondly, I wanted to travel light because I wanted to create 3-4 different images around the gym. Setting up and moving my lights quick and easy was a priority for me. I have go-to camera bag Think Tank Airport Navigator that is always packed with my front line gear – 2 camera bodies, three lenses, three flashes, a tiny video light, and three astonishingly portable MagMod sets – MagGrids, MagGels, and MagSphere.
The MagMod modular magnetic system packs a big punch! My top two favorite modifiers for the MagMods are the grids and the gels. For this image of Allison, I used a four light setup. Three out of the four lights utilized MagMods.
Light #1: Main light from camera left –
Lighting up the subject’s right part of her face. Speed light with a 1 MagGrid, 1 MagSphere, and a 1/4 CTO gel.
Light #2: Fill light from camera right –
Providing some fun color on subject’s left part of her face and punching bag on the right. Speed light with 1 MagGrid, and one magenta gel.
Light #3: Itty bit of light from camera right –
Bring in some light on the punching bag closest to the camera. Speed light with 2 MagGrids and 1/2 CTO gel.
Light #4: Video light on the ground from camera left –
Provide some light on the weight on the ground and her sneakers.