Behind The Camera II: Working Wrestlemania 33 Weekend
Apr 13, 2017 0:07:47 GMT -5
Patriot174, Chicago, and 9 more like this
Post by HHH316 on Apr 13, 2017 0:07:47 GMT -5
I received great feedback for doing one of these for WM32 weekend, so I decided to create another one this year. I had press credentials for all of the Wrestlemania week events. It is so much more physically and mentally draining than anyone realizes, but its absolutely worth it.
Thursday: Axxess
I know there are mixed reviews, but personally, I love Axxess. I look at it like a WWE theme park. Live matches, meet and greets, etc. Other than shorter lines, you really can't ask for much more. I was tipped off a few days in advance about details regarding the Flair statue, so that was my main assignment. Everything else was just bonus.
Friday: Media Day and the Hall of Fame
On only 3 hours of sleep, it was time to wake up early. But media day is usually my favorite day of the WM week. What I didn't realize was that it was going to be a 21 hour work day (that's right, 21 straight hours of WORKING) so it was going to be a test. This is the opportunity to get personable with the talent in a much more relaxed environment.
Up next was what I was most looking forward to, a trip to the Performance Center. We saw multiple levels of talent being trained (from beginners to NXT) and were treated to a surprise appearance from Triple H.
After driving back to the hotel, a few hours of editing, a shower, and dinner in the car, it was time for the Hall of Fame. The red carpet is fun to shoot because it's something different, and it's fun to see the talent mingle with each other. I typically love the HOF, but I was running on fumes before it was even close to being over. Add in the drive back to the hotel and a few hours of working, then it was time for bed.
Saturday: NXT
I was lucky enough to get a whopping 4 hours of sleep. I bounced back and forth between WrestleCon and Axxess during the day, but for the most part, Saturday was my day to do what I wanted. I think on paper, there was less excitement for NXT, but I think it turned out to be a fun show.
Sunday: Wrestlemania
10 minutes before the main card started, I was hit on the arm with 2 rain drops. Fear began to set in inside of the camera pit, but we lucked out, and had a very cool, pleasant evening. I loved this years' stage, and felt like it added a lot to my photos. If that was Taker's last match (and it should be) then it was an honor and privilege to shoot it. I love these 3 Taker photos. Together, I feel like they tell a great story.
Monday: Raw
Of course I didn't sleep in and recover, I went to Disney World! My plan to take a nap before Raw went out the window. But at this point, the biggest projects were behind me. I always like the Raw after Mania. Sure, I felt bad for the Cruiserweight match, but the crowd was a lot of fun.
This trip probably takes weeks off of my life, but I love what I do, and can't wait until New Orleans.
If you would like to see full galleries from each show, you can view them at slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/
Feedback is always welcome!
Thursday: Axxess
I know there are mixed reviews, but personally, I love Axxess. I look at it like a WWE theme park. Live matches, meet and greets, etc. Other than shorter lines, you really can't ask for much more. I was tipped off a few days in advance about details regarding the Flair statue, so that was my main assignment. Everything else was just bonus.
Friday: Media Day and the Hall of Fame
On only 3 hours of sleep, it was time to wake up early. But media day is usually my favorite day of the WM week. What I didn't realize was that it was going to be a 21 hour work day (that's right, 21 straight hours of WORKING) so it was going to be a test. This is the opportunity to get personable with the talent in a much more relaxed environment.
Up next was what I was most looking forward to, a trip to the Performance Center. We saw multiple levels of talent being trained (from beginners to NXT) and were treated to a surprise appearance from Triple H.
After driving back to the hotel, a few hours of editing, a shower, and dinner in the car, it was time for the Hall of Fame. The red carpet is fun to shoot because it's something different, and it's fun to see the talent mingle with each other. I typically love the HOF, but I was running on fumes before it was even close to being over. Add in the drive back to the hotel and a few hours of working, then it was time for bed.
Saturday: NXT
I was lucky enough to get a whopping 4 hours of sleep. I bounced back and forth between WrestleCon and Axxess during the day, but for the most part, Saturday was my day to do what I wanted. I think on paper, there was less excitement for NXT, but I think it turned out to be a fun show.
Sunday: Wrestlemania
10 minutes before the main card started, I was hit on the arm with 2 rain drops. Fear began to set in inside of the camera pit, but we lucked out, and had a very cool, pleasant evening. I loved this years' stage, and felt like it added a lot to my photos. If that was Taker's last match (and it should be) then it was an honor and privilege to shoot it. I love these 3 Taker photos. Together, I feel like they tell a great story.
Monday: Raw
Of course I didn't sleep in and recover, I went to Disney World! My plan to take a nap before Raw went out the window. But at this point, the biggest projects were behind me. I always like the Raw after Mania. Sure, I felt bad for the Cruiserweight match, but the crowd was a lot of fun.
This trip probably takes weeks off of my life, but I love what I do, and can't wait until New Orleans.
If you would like to see full galleries from each show, you can view them at slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/
Feedback is always welcome!