Unite and Fight - Boxing Benefit for St Paul, MN Firefighters
I have not stopped talking about Unite and Fight since I got home from it 4 nights ago. Kirsten at KME Photography was looking for a second shooter to help her photograph a boxing benefit for St. Paul Firefighters. Proceeds from the event went towards medical bills for firefighters with cancer. All Kirsten had to say was "firefighters" and I knew I had to be a part of this awesome event! The boxers participating were all local police, firefighters, ER and EMS personnel. These guys and girls were tough!
I had never seen boxing in person, only in movies so I really had no idea what to expect. I have to say it was more awesome that I ever could have expected! I was right up against the action. Literally. I was leaning up against the ring for the majority of the event. I even had to back up on occasion to make sure my camera (and my face!) didn't get smashed. Very exciting. In fact WAY more exciting than my usual shoots. While I enjoy my usual work (photographing real estate virtual tours, portraits and weddings) houses don't move and normal every day people don't move very fast. Unite and Fight was a whole new experience and test of my abilities. I think I passed the test and am definitely interested in photographing more sporting events.
Esera Tuaolo, former Vikings player, KILLED the national anthem. He was one of the first people I noticed when arriving at the gym. I think he was the biggest guy in the whole crowd. Below is a selection of my favorite shots from Unite and Fight, which by the way will be an annual event! So keep your eyes open for next year's details at Uppercut Boxing Gym in NE Minneapolis.
Want to see more? Well you are in luck! Kirsten compiled our best images (over 700 in all!) and they can all be viewed and ordered on her website. So pop on over to KME Photography for awesome boxing photos. Kirsten got a great shot of the punch that caused the above two photos. Yikes!
Katie Mueller is a senior portrait photographer based out of Albertville, MN.
Katie is also the owner of Boulevard Real Estate Photography - Minneapolis Real Estate Photography.
Comments
-Jesse
get to shoot boxing once or so a year in Minneapolis. However I am from the old school and
still blow up in black & white. Time is closeing in on me as I have been at it for sixty years.
Good luck to you and maybe I will get to meet you at the fights.