There has been few sports with a faster growing viewer audience than the sport of Mixed Martial Arts.

The public have been in awe at the strength, guts and determination displayed by these fighters and there has been a hunger for more coverage on television and in the printed media.

We decided to share a conversation with mixed martial arts photographer Ruby Wolff and his love for capturing the action inside the ring:

 

How long have you been in the photography industry?

I have been shooting with serious intentions for about 3-4 Years now.

When did your love of capturing Mixed Martial Arts start?

It started about 2 Years ago..I shot an event by chance at Standard Bank Arena…a lot smaller than what EFC is.

Is Mixed Martial Arts the same as what is generally referred to as “Cage Fighting” and should we help sports fans to be aware of the correct terminology?

They are completely different..when I hear cage fighting I think…fight to the death..warrior style…and when i hear mixed martial arts I know this is a “Sport” done by guys who train 3-4 times a day to be the athletes that they are.

Is there a specific moment you can recall when you decided “this is what I would like to do professionally?”

It will more than likely be around EFC 3 / 4…when I saw the growth in the crowd and the support behind athletes like “Costa” and “Soldier Boy”

Which sports or events do you prefer capturing?

EFC is by far the leading MMA event to shoot on the African Continent. Rugby has a huge place in my heart, it’s where I started my journey into Sports Photography…I have now started shooting CrossFit which is a new challenge and a new sport.

Can you describe/ provide your favourite photo?

Darren Daniels In Mount – Ground and Pound…because he is one of Africa’s most talented guys and we just do not see enough of him.
This was also EFC 2 , so I was still a newbie!

Is there a specific photo you feel “I wish I had taken that one?”

When Wentzel Nel Knocked out King Leo Gloss…I wish I nailed the shutter on the knockout, simply because it was the First Title Fight for EFC Africa!

If in an emergency you are able to save only one piece of equipment, what would that be?

My Memory Card..

What would your best piece of advice be to young aspiring photographers wishing to capture mixed martial arts?

Find out about local Amateur events and get yourself an Accreditation to shoot those events. Shooting MMA is fast, you need an understanding of the sport and most of all you need to practice shooting in low light conditions.

Do you have a blog/ website where people can view images captured by you?

Check out www.rubywolffphoto.com

 

What do you regards as the best magazines to read to sharpen your skills in photography?

Google …google..and more Google..

What do you regards as the best websites to browse to sharpen your skills in photography?

I check out the UFC and ESPN but a lot of inspirational stuff comes from 500px.com

If money is no issue – and you can go any place in the world to take as many photos as You wish to – what place would that be?

Thats easy…Shoot a UFC in Las Vegas!

What is your favourite software for retouching?

There is only one piece of software I use… Lightroom 4 …I swear by it!

If you could buy any camera and lens, which would it be?

I really want a D800 now…just for the Wide angel stuff at events.