Notes from the Field

I have read a ton of books, and blogs, gone to many seminars and workshops. So much information and good advice has been passed down to me from instructors and other photographers. But one piece of advice has been more useful than all of the information combined. To be a better photographer; you need to put yourself in front of more interesting things or people. It really is that simple. There are many variations of this advice, like you need to become a more interesting person to become a better photographer, but the idea is still the same. If you shoot interesting things, people or places, your work will standout. You are not going to standout and do great work shooting the girl next door in the local park, on a regular basis.

Over four years ago, after coming back from a workshop, I started searching for more interesting things and people to photograph. Now if you live in LA, New York City, or any other major city, you have no trouble finding interesting. Hell, interesting just finds you in most cities. But I live in a smaller town, with less people, and that can make it tougher to find interesting. That does not mean you cannot find anything interesting to shoot, in fact, you will find very interesting people and things all over, it just takes a bit more work, but you will learn more search for subject rather than just tripping over something in the big city.

Derby Girls as a chain gang. Just a little slice of heaven

My personal quest lead me to a simple headline on a local events web site, “Women’s Roller Derby”. The idea was like pure sugar to a small child, I was bouncing off of the walls. I contacted the team to inquire if I could photograph the upcoming match, technically called a bout. The team was very excited to have a photograher at the bout and it has been a great relationship ever since. I went from being a photographer at the bouts, to taking team photos, to becoming the team photographer. While I have worked with amazing people on other projects, I can say that no other thing has improved my skills and mentality as photographer as being so lucky to be the photographer for the team.

The team, by the way, is called the Battle Born Derby Demons. The name comes from Nevada’s state motto, Battle Born. The Demons, or BBDD, compete in flat track women’s roller derby, and while it looks similar to those banks tracks of the 1970s, this is much more real sport. This type of derby is for real, there are no staged moves or planned events; and many members of the team face injury during the season. The hits are real and every team wants to win more than anything. I honestly think some of the women would eat their own young for a win.

Bucky Nasty shows you how to do derby and get a penalty!

And have no doubt that their ladies are athletes, just like any other playing sports today. Do not be fooled by the names, face paint or tattoos. I have seen these skaters take monster hits on concrete that would make fight fans cringe, and stop and go moves that would make football fans jump out of their seats.

The pain and injuries are just as real. I have seen a few skaters taken off on backboards, a couple of broken noses, and a whole bunch of bruises. These women take a ton of risks and they get no pay what so ever, as BBDD is a non-profit organization that donates a part of the gate to local charities.

Short Fuse down, but not out. She suffered a pretty serious concussion and was taken off the track on a back board. Luckily no serious injuries.

As team photographer, I photograph the team’s bouts, events, team photos and bout artwork for advertising of upcoming matches. Each project brings new levels of complexity and challenges for myself. I also get to try out new techniques and ideas, as well as have the team think of some great and very crazy concepts for me to shoot.

Short Fuse (left) and Cracka Dawn (right)

But what has surprised me the most, as being team photographer, is the complexity and eclectic backgrounds of the members of the league. From teachers and nurses; to mothers and artists, each lady brings a different personality, story and skills to the track. And while they are very different off of the track, on the track they are one unit, with a simple goal of winning.

And did I mention their derby names? If you are totally new to the idea of Roller Derby, you may not know that each member of the team takes a derby name, a new persona, which they take on when they skate on the track. You have your fun names like Fitts and Giggles and Steam Boat Lilly. Some players have names that describe their temperament and skills on the track like Short Fuse, Irma Gedon and Red Rock It. And then there are the more, shall we say, colorful names, like Buck Nasty and Ginger Snatch. You know you are covering a totally different sport when you can ask a group of women if they have seen Snatch, and not get kicked in the groin.

BackAli Brawler (left) and co-captain, Eden Brains (right)

I also have a derby name, because I just can’t go by my real name, that would be silly and out of place. The Demons anointed me Papa Ratzi, number 35mm. I wish my skills as a photographer where as cool as my derby name.

A unique part of BBDD is that they are one of few derby teams that bouts outside, which can make for some interesting lighting and challenges. I am forced to go between using available light and Speedlights to try make the best image possible. I am always trying new ideas on how to freeze action, or add motion to the action of roller derby. The only downside is that we are subjected to the elements and have faced a rain out or two, but that even makes for a great image.

Ginger Snatch and Short Fuse take it to an Angel. Just another fine example of bout poster artwork collaboration between myself and BBDD.

If you are a photographer that is need of a subject matter that will make you skills shine, I urge you to look up your local derby team and see if there is a spot for you in the chaos of the track. Most teams need to have someone working for them with proper skills and gear, and it will give you, the photographer, all sorts of creative outlets to try new ideas on a group of people that are not shy in front of the camera.

BBDD has two more home bouts left in the 2010 season. If you have haven’t had a chance to see the fun, skills and mayhem, I invite you to come down and attend a bout. An experience you will not soon forget. More information of dates and times of bouts can be found here.

Sweet Ruin, founder of BBDD (left) and Fitts N Giggles current GM of the league.

If you are looking to find a team in your area, I invite you to visit the WFTDA, the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association’s web site.

I want to thank the Demon’s for letting me take part in their sport and lives. It has been an honor and pleasure to capture the last four seasons, and I look forward to many more.

You ladies are an remarkable group of women that are so amazing to watch and root for. You are most certainly an interesting subject and I hope it has made me a more interesting person, I certainly know it has made me a better one.

The 2010 Battle Born Derby Demons!