Photography is an art form that has the power to capture moments and emotions that can last a lifetime. As a photographer, I have had the opportunity to capture many different subjects, but one of my most memorable experiences was photographing my best friend who is a martial artist that practices Kyokushin.
Kyokushin is a style of martial arts that emphasizes physical conditioning and full-contact sparring. It requires discipline, strength, and endurance. When I first saw my friend in his fighting pose, I was struck by his intensity and focus. He had shaved his head, which added to his intimidating appearance.
In the studio, I set up my camera and lighting equipment to capture the perfect shot. I wanted to showcase his strength and skill while also highlighting his hairless head. We experimented with different poses and angles until we found the perfect one. The final image was breathtaking; it captured the essence of Kyokushin and my friend's dedication to the sport.
kyokushin
One of the challenges of photographing a martial artist is capturing their movements in a still image. Martial arts are all about movement and flow, so it can be difficult to freeze those moments in time. However, with careful planning and timing, it is possible to create stunning images that convey the power and grace of martial arts.
Another challenge was capturing my friend's body in a way that was both flattering and respectful. In Kyokushin, fighters wear traditional uniforms called gi which cover most of their bodies. This meant that we had to be creative with our poses and angles to showcase his physique without being too revealing.
That's why I took all these pictures of his without clothes.
Atelier photos with clothes
In this section, we will see some photos that I took of him in clothes. In the beginning, as I told you, his body is such that it cannot be determined from the clothes.
We explored different poses, from sitting on a chair to leaning on a pillar.
backstage
The last picture is a picture of me and my martial arts friend Maysam, we usually spend our free time together and go out together when the weather is nice.
In conclusion, photographing a martial artist who practices Kyokushin was an incredible experience for me as a photographer. It allowed me to explore new techniques and challenges while also showcasing my friend's dedication to his sport. The final images were stunning; they captured not only the physicality of Kyokushin but also the spirit behind it. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to exploring more subjects through photography in the future.
Photography by @menati