Wrestling and off camera flashes

A couple of years ago, before I knew I was going to make a living with photography, I was shooting for a small wrestling federation in my hometown of Quebec City. At that time, I was shooting with a Rebel with a kit lens, then with a 20D with a Sigma 24-70. With the Rebel, I was using the pop-up flash, and with the 20D I was using an on-camera 420ex speedlight.

Yesterday was a back in time night for me. There was a special wrestling show held by two wrestler I met at that time, and I asked them to take pictures. This time, I was going to do it with professional equipment, Strobist style.

I put 3 550ex speedlight up on the mezzanine, allowing me to have a nice light at 400 ISO, 1/250 at f2.8 (1/250 is the max sync speed for Canon). You can see the lighting diagram here.

You can compare the pictures below with my “best shot” of my early years. I think the difference is pretty obvious!

Scott Matrix gets back to the locker room at the « Night of Excellence » wrestling show held at CEGEP de Limoilou January 18, 2008.

Michael Style (right) team up with Matt Falco to give Antonio Corsi (left) some pain at the « Night of Excellence » wrestling show held at CEGEP de Limoilou January 18, 2008.

Marko Estrada watches his opponent getting back to the locker room at the « Night of Excellence » wrestling show held at CEGEP de Limoilou January 18, 2008

Damian Steel (right) tries to evade a hold from Giovanni at the « Night of Excellence » wrestling show held at CEGEP de Limoilou January 18, 2008

Sunny War Cloud (left) and Jake Matthews fight at the « Night of Excellence » wrestling show held at CEGEP de Limoilou January 18, 2008.

Giovanni (left) looks on his partner Sunny War Cloud (right) at the « Night of Excellence » wrestling show held at CEGEP de Limoilou January 18, 2008.

Franky The Mobster trash talks his opponent before a fight at the « Night of Excellence » wrestling show held at CEGEP de Limoilou January 18, 2008.

Titus applies a hold on Franky The Mobster at the « Night of Excellence » wrestling show held at CEGEP de Limoilou January 18, 2008.

Roderick Strong waits for his opponent at the « Night of Excellence » wrestling show held at CEGEP de Limoilou January 18, 2008.

Roderick Strong gives some pain to Marko Estrada at the « Night of Excellence » wrestling show held at CEGEP de Limoilou January 18, 2008.

Despite loosing his match, Marko Estrada is congratulated by the crowd at the « Night of Excellence » wrestling show held at CEGEP de Limoilou January 18, 2008.

And as a little bonus: a time lapse!