Cub Clip

"Cub Swanson punches Frankie Edgar in their featherweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at the Boardwalk Hall on April 21, 2018 in Atlantic City, New Jersey."

There is a lot of excitement when documenting any style of human-to-human combat - and it's one of the most challenging sports to photograph.

When given the opportunity to be so close to something most have been brought up to avoid - fighting - it's a real adrenaline boost. Every punch, kick and choke in mixed martial arts feels like it  could end the fight.

That makes it a frustrating. One thinks any contact will be a great picture, and the reality is, it's a fundamental skill of timing the strike that makes the frame.

Every time I shoot any fight - be it boxing, UFC or even at a hockey game - I try to be extra patient. Take a lot of deep breaths and try to relax because I know I can easily overshoot every second of the fight.

This go round I was able to stay focused and calm and walk away with a few different yet classic images from a handful of UFC fights in Atlantic City.

Bacon Blur

"Dwayne Bacon #7 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots in front of Ian Mahinmi #28 of the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2018 in Washington, DC."

Every once in a while a photographer will think, "Why haven't I shot this image in the past?"

Sports photographers can go years shooting in the venues season after season. While there are variables that change those environments, for the most part they remain the same.

So when they decide to shoot differently, it becomes fresh.

But in that same moment, they can also ponder, "How can I make this image better?"

The above is a photograph I shoot at least once a game of recent. A slow shutter speed that tries to grab the strobe lights of other photographers shooting the same moment.

I'm always trying to better the already graphically compelling frame. Whether it's a slower shutter speed, working with different jersey colors, players, or moments.

Sooner than later it will become perfect for an instant, then I'll go back to trying to better it.

Orange Sweep

"A member of the Baltimore Orioles grounds crew cleans an orange carpet before the Baltimore Orioles are introduced before they play against the Minnesota Twins in their Opening Day game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 29, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland."

Photography can often mean a lot of sitting around and waiting.

Whether it's in a holding room, sitting in a photo position or even standing on a concourse - it pays to be early.

The above was no different as photographers waiting for the Opening Day introductions of the Baltimore Orioles.

It's easy to simply chat among the competition or relax, but I always stay focused on the scene in front of my lens as you never know would could make an interesting picture.