Second Shoot - Bristol Boxing Gym - 11/11/14

On Remembrance Day I headed back to the gym for a second shoot, There were a few new faces to photograph which was nice. Lee Haskins was there again which was great so I could get more shots of his preparations for his fight on the 5th December.

It was good to photograph some of the other items being used around the gym, Now I need to edit down both shoots together.

First Shoot - Bristol Boxing Gym - 24/10/14

On Friday 24th October 2014 I headed down to Bristol for the first shoot at the boxing gym, when I arrived Lee Haskins was sparring in the ring with Duane Winters, the son of Chris Winters, who was leading the session.

Overall I think I did okay, I was worried about lighting before I got there but it worked out fine. During my next visit to the gym I'll attempt to better my positioning in relation to the subjects, maybe try and capture the athletes using other apparatus, I'd like to get some portraits also using some flash to catch light in the eyes. When I capture the next images I'll feel more prepared to narrow down an edit.

Onto Bristol

I have attempted and tried to get in contact to many boxing gyms within Cardiff both on the phone and through email, even had a chat with the chairman of the Welsh Amateur boxing association, but got nowhere in terms of arranging a shoot so I decided to change my idea to a boxing gym within Bristol. I chose Bristol after watching a boxing match on Sky Sports (11/10/14), Lee Selby, a welsh boxer was fighting and since I was struggling to contact gyms I wanted to research more. After a Google search I discovered that he trains at 'Bristol Boxing Gym' along with several other professional boxers based in the south west region. I received a reply quickly to my introduction email and arranged for a shoot later that week.

Bristol Boxing Gym

40 Thomas Street St Agnes Bristol BS2 9LL, UK www.westcountryboxing.com/ contact@westcountryboxing.com +44(0)117 9496699

Research - Larry Fink / Neil Leifer / Al Satterwhite

Looking through the black & white images within Larry Fink's 'boxing' book, showcasing the emotions that surrounds a potentially glamorous sport when it come to fight night, I'd like to be able to replicate his images of preparation & hardships that these athletes have to endure as they aspire for the spotlight.

Neil Leifer's photographs of Muhammad Ali in the ring are world renown and some of the most famous sporting images of all time. I take great inspiration from his work, wanting to try my hand at boxing images after viewing the intense moments of Ali/Liston & Ali/Williams with such rich & vivid colours. For this assignment I'm not expecting access to actual fights so I'd like to capture the candid moments he has also shot during training, again documenting the endurance required for training.

  

I also have enjoyed viewing Al Satterwhite's images of Ali training.

Replies

It has been a week since my first & only reply for interest in this project.

I have turned to Terry again for more help in coverage for my project. I have also identified a boxing gym within Bristol that I have contacted in case I require a change in city for this project, otherwise I could use the Cardiff City 'Bluebirds' project.

I have now been in touch with David Francis (WABA Chairman) over the phone (07973307882) and he has recommended to contact Robin Powell on 02920309785. (20/10/14) 

Making Contacts

I have decided to do my assignment on a boxing club in Cardiff, now just to find a club that will grant me access for some photos! After a quick Google search I have round these resources:

• Welsh Boxing

• Yellow Pages

Highfields Boxing Club

Plymouthwood Road, Cardiff

Mobile - 07854663376

Email - terrysmithboxing@gmail.com

Llanrunmey Pheonix

Ball Lane, Llanrumney, Cardiff

Mon 4:30-8:00pm

Wed 4:30-8:00pm

Thursday 4:30-8:00pm

Phone - 02920215680

Mobile - 07899712561

Email - tony.07@ntlworld.com

Grange Catholic

Corperation Road, Grangetown, Cardiff

Phone - 02920253307

Mobile - 07790551974

Email - dtkitchen23@yahoo.co.uk

Prince of Wales 

Grange Council School, St. Fagans Street, Grangetown, Cardiff

Mobile - 07853831963

Email - ku.oc.oohay@1laefeoj

St Josephs ABC

Viriama Jones School, Mynachdy, Cardiff

Training Nights & Times:

Mon 6:00-7:00pm

Wed  6:00-7:00pm

Fri  6:00-7:00pm

Mobile - 07734819976

Email - ku.oc.secivresngisedffidrac@llewop.nibor

Steve Robinson Boxing Gym
98 Portmanmoor Road Industrial Estate, East Moors, Cardiff, CF24 5HB
Mon 09:00-19:00pm
Tues 07:30-19:30pm
Wed 07:30-19:00pm
Thurs 07:30-19:30pm
Fri 09:00-18:00pm
Sat 09:00-13:00pm
Mobile - 07771951200
Email - info@steverobinsonsboxinggym.com

Train Station 2 Fight Club

Units 14 – 15

Curran Road

Cardiff CF10 5NE

Mobile - 07977106213

Email - jasonorchardfitness@hotmail.co.uk