Behind the Camera: My Wrestlemania 32 Experience
Apr 6, 2016 23:07:49 GMT -5
BOOKER_T, Death From Above, and 13 more like this
Post by HHH316 on Apr 6, 2016 23:07:49 GMT -5
While this would be the 4th Wrestlemania I've attended, this would be my first that I would be working as a photographer for all WWE events. I knew it was a huge responsibility, which would mean minimal to no sleep and long hours, but I was more than willing to take on the task. While a lot of my work is already online, I thought I would share a few unposted images and stories.
Axxess:
I few into Dallas in the morning and knew I'd be shooting Axxess that evening. I know Axxess sometimes gets a bad wrap, but I enjoy it. I was tipped off early about the Dusty statue, so I got in early for that. I randomly struck up a conversation with Mick Foley behind the curtain about his Stone Cold podcast that night. I didn't think it would be in front of the live crowd, but he told me it would be. I ended up at Axxess Thursday morning, Saturday morning, and Sunday. I could knock out all of my photos pretty quickly, so that gives me the chance to just walk around a lot and enjoy myself.
Media Day:
This was probably my favorite part of the entire weekend. Part one of media day started at Axxess, where one by one, they'd give each media company about 5 minutes with each superstar. The New Day and Paul Heyman stole the show here. More specifically Heyman. I listened to him cut 3 entirely different promos with 3 different media outlets on the fly. It was unreal. Everyone was so laid back and relaxed. It was nice to see the superstars in this light. Part two was at a different hotel, and this was where we got the main event talent. I was given the chance to just roam around and get my shots.
Red Carpet/Hall of Fame:
I finally got the opportunity to meet the famous wrestling photographer George Napolitano, and I hung around him all night. He's a very nice guy, and EVERYONE knew him. We were stationed right in front of the front row of where the superstars sat, and Big Show came up to his seat and just started catching up with George, and they welcomed me into the conversation. Show was sitting in his seat, and with me standing, we were eye to eye. That was kinda crazy. My phone started blowing up when Ryback came out on the red carpet. I was right behind him and a lot of my friends saw me on TV. The HOF was enjoyable and pretty straight forward.
Wrestlemania:
I will not hesitate in saying this was the biggest opportunity of my life. For me, knowing the earliest memory in my life revolves around wrestling, and knowing I've reached the biggest goal I've ever set for myself, it was a little emotional. A lot of people don't ever get the slightest chance to pursue their dreams, and I'm living mine. It was validation that everything I had sacrificed to this point for my passion was worth it. George Napolitano was again, very helpful in giving me advice, even when he didn't need to. It's always refreshing to meet people you looked up to and they turn out to be exactly how you hoped. People can say whatever they want about the show, but the experience was incredible. That stadium? Wow. I ran my ass up to the 300 level from the photo pit a few different times to take crowd photos. I'm a runner and can hold my own, but Jesus. That stadium humbled me. If any of you remember me doing panoramic photos from stadium shows in the past, I'm planning on doing one for WM32. Once I get my deadlines for other shows covered, I'll get to work on that.
Raw:
I haven't watched the show back, but the crowd was fun the entire night. But I will say they got a little overboard with the beach balls. I felt pretty bad for Ziggler and Corbin.
Over the 6 days I was there, I never slept more than 4 hours a day, but I had the experience of a lifetime and would do it again in a heartbeat. Before Dallas, I wasn't considering going to Orlando, but the chance to do this again has me seriously considering it now.
To see the rest of my photos from all of the events I covered (including Ring of Honor) just visit: slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Gallery/wm32.html
Feedback is always welcome!
Axxess:
I few into Dallas in the morning and knew I'd be shooting Axxess that evening. I know Axxess sometimes gets a bad wrap, but I enjoy it. I was tipped off early about the Dusty statue, so I got in early for that. I randomly struck up a conversation with Mick Foley behind the curtain about his Stone Cold podcast that night. I didn't think it would be in front of the live crowd, but he told me it would be. I ended up at Axxess Thursday morning, Saturday morning, and Sunday. I could knock out all of my photos pretty quickly, so that gives me the chance to just walk around a lot and enjoy myself.
Media Day:
This was probably my favorite part of the entire weekend. Part one of media day started at Axxess, where one by one, they'd give each media company about 5 minutes with each superstar. The New Day and Paul Heyman stole the show here. More specifically Heyman. I listened to him cut 3 entirely different promos with 3 different media outlets on the fly. It was unreal. Everyone was so laid back and relaxed. It was nice to see the superstars in this light. Part two was at a different hotel, and this was where we got the main event talent. I was given the chance to just roam around and get my shots.
Red Carpet/Hall of Fame:
I finally got the opportunity to meet the famous wrestling photographer George Napolitano, and I hung around him all night. He's a very nice guy, and EVERYONE knew him. We were stationed right in front of the front row of where the superstars sat, and Big Show came up to his seat and just started catching up with George, and they welcomed me into the conversation. Show was sitting in his seat, and with me standing, we were eye to eye. That was kinda crazy. My phone started blowing up when Ryback came out on the red carpet. I was right behind him and a lot of my friends saw me on TV. The HOF was enjoyable and pretty straight forward.
Wrestlemania:
I will not hesitate in saying this was the biggest opportunity of my life. For me, knowing the earliest memory in my life revolves around wrestling, and knowing I've reached the biggest goal I've ever set for myself, it was a little emotional. A lot of people don't ever get the slightest chance to pursue their dreams, and I'm living mine. It was validation that everything I had sacrificed to this point for my passion was worth it. George Napolitano was again, very helpful in giving me advice, even when he didn't need to. It's always refreshing to meet people you looked up to and they turn out to be exactly how you hoped. People can say whatever they want about the show, but the experience was incredible. That stadium? Wow. I ran my ass up to the 300 level from the photo pit a few different times to take crowd photos. I'm a runner and can hold my own, but Jesus. That stadium humbled me. If any of you remember me doing panoramic photos from stadium shows in the past, I'm planning on doing one for WM32. Once I get my deadlines for other shows covered, I'll get to work on that.
Raw:
I haven't watched the show back, but the crowd was fun the entire night. But I will say they got a little overboard with the beach balls. I felt pretty bad for Ziggler and Corbin.
Over the 6 days I was there, I never slept more than 4 hours a day, but I had the experience of a lifetime and would do it again in a heartbeat. Before Dallas, I wasn't considering going to Orlando, but the chance to do this again has me seriously considering it now.
To see the rest of my photos from all of the events I covered (including Ring of Honor) just visit: slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Gallery/wm32.html
Feedback is always welcome!