My time here in Mexico City has been full of events, such was the case last night when we are asked to shoot the C.M.L.L. Heavyweight NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Lucha Match at the Arena Mexico on Dr. Lavista Street in Colonia Doctores in Mexico City D.F.
FLYING JR. or Volador (CHAMPION) VS ATLANTIS (CHALLENGER)
Lucha libre has crossed over into popular culture, especially in Mexico where it is the second most popular sport after Football, Lucha libre performers are known as luchadores and they are quite the celebrities here in Mexico. I have to say I have shot a lot of events in my time doing photography but this was going to be a new experience for me. I was a little bit intimidated by men on steroids, in tights flinging their bodies in and out of the ring with no regard for them selves or the expensive ticket holders in the first row around the famous wrestling ring.
The 1st Match got started with ROBIN AND PRINCIPE VS INQUISITOR AND CHOLO I stood back and watched the other photographers do what they do and I kept a close eye, where the best angle was, how to not get in the way of the National Televised event, or best of all not to get kicked in the face while looking for the shot.
The 2nd Fight was about to begin and it was time for me to get in the middle of it all. ANGEL OF GOLD, SILVER ANGEL AZTEC AND ANGEL VS ARCHANGEL, MAD MAX AND SKANDAL are all names in a dark ally would make you think twice about getting to close. Am I ever glad I took my own spot in stead of staying on the heels of the Pro looking photographers that were there, because sure enough I see a photographer 6 feet away take half the fall of a 240 pound man flying from the ring 10 feet above. His camera was O.K. but he went and sat down for the rest of the night. 🙂
There was another mach between SILVER ARM, THE SON AND HOLY GHOST VS RAY MENDOZA JR., OLYMPIC AND ALEBRIJE. After this I was feeling comfortable and ready for the big match, I don’t the exact number of people in the building last night but a few thousand to say the least, Each wrestler (luchador) seems to come with their own cheering squads and were they ever loud when the Champ and The Challenger came out, it was time for the big match I picked my corner and shot the heck out of it not knowing when I was going to get the magic moment.
I have included some photos of the night, I am awaiting to here from the league as to what photos they want for Publishing but I will be sure to update the post when I have the tear sheets.
What a fun night
Lucha RingThe Ring
Title FightLucha Championship Fight
FlyingLucha Flying
The Champion VoladorVolador tries to get up in a championship match
The Champ VoladorThe Champ
Hit the floorOuch
NanoNano Lucha
Anabel JaimesSmile
M82AP7F5ANTC
I am not usually one to be in to “fights”, but the costumes from this one are terribly intriguing! Love it!
What kind of camera do you use? Lenses?
I shoot with a D90, and a bunch of different lens.
On this night I know I had my, 18-70, 50mm, 80-200 with me.
Hope that helps
https://www.photosincancun.com
I have always been tempted to buy a D90, but haven’t just yet. For the moment being, I have found a credit card sized point and shoot that does the job. I imagine in the next year or so, an SLR will be in dire need!