Pick of the Pix Series, #2 Houston Car Park

This image was taken during the lead up to the 2006 Junior World Champs. We were staying at a hotel in Houston for a few days, to get settled into the time zone, and as a base prior to flying into Honduras itself.

The temperature and especially humidity was high and one of the days the team trained outside, out of the sun, in the car park under the hotel.

For me this environment was stunning photographically. Grey concrete floor, walls and ceiling, bright lights and the sun shining into the car park in the distance. It was very contrasty, sweaty and hot.

The scene…

I got a few nice shots but whish I’d spent longer there and got some more “stunners”. I don’t think I’ve since experienced seeing training in an environment that was as photographically appealing (to me) as this.

I was on a roll and then it was over before I knew it. I asked a few to stay behind for some posed shots but they weren’t very good. My preference is to always work with what’s happening naturally – setting up shots doesn’t work for me yet – something maybe for the future.

However, while packing up and milling around at the end I took a few shots of Jeremy Hanna in his hoodie. He had been wearing it to help loose weight, was tired and dripping with sweat.
Once I got back to my computer and looked through them I realised I had what to me was a great image… in fact my all time favourite. It helps that he’s my son too of course!

It was featured on the front of the next issue of Taekwon-do Talk.

Specs: 1/640s 50.0mm f/1.8 ISO:1600

At the end of the session I also took what I reckon was a great shot of Mr Richard Burr. It’s had a bit of dodging and burning to add contrast, but I like it. Mr Burr didn’t!

Specs: 1/800s 50.0mm f/1.8 ISO:1600