Derby Ink Invitational
Here are a few shots from a recent tattoo convention I attended called Derby Ink Invitational.
If you would like to see more images from the event including shots from the Roller Derby Tournament, head over to https://www.facebook.com/ChrisSpanoPhotography and Like the page.
Chasing the Striper (Photo Project) Day 1
My co-worker and friend Rob Warkala is a fisherman. He literally would fish everyday if he could. Over the winter months we have discussed starting a photo blogging project on his journey to catch the Striper. Rob told me he would be going to Riverwinds in West Deptford NJ after work. After sitting at home for an hour I decided to give him a call to see if he wanted me to join in taking some photos. When I arrived the lighting was perfect. The sun was to our backs and the clouds in front of us provided nice diffused light. This was one of the first photos I took…..
It wasn’t long before Rob had a bite. He reeled the line in probably for at least a minute (or at least it seemed that long). When the fish was pulled to shore, we quickly realized it wasn’t the one we were after, it was a Catfish.
The striper lives to see another day. Please check back from time to time, to follow Rob’s journey in catching the Striper. Until then head over to facebook and click like to see the rest of the shots from our evening…….. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.537301589655744.1073741831.314468401939065&type=3
Fatherhood with a Camera (Blog SeriesTwo) Easter Traditions
It was the night before Easter and time to dye the eggs. Me-Mom and Grandpop stopped by to share in the festivities.
It’s still hard to believe my little girl will be two in a little over a month from now. As she gets older, she is starting to show more interest in the holidays. Well this year she wanted to help put the eggs in the food coloring. It was a lot of fun and even though we had a no spill egg dying kit, Teaghan still managed to get the dye all over her.
Here are some of the eggs minus the ones Teaghan broke dropping them into the colored dye.
The Easter Bunny stopped by while Teaghan was asleep and dropped off some of her favorite things.
Th Easter Bunny was very good to Teaghan this year. She received light up ball balls, Sesame Street book for her Tag Jr, Thomas the Train figurine, Bubbles, outfits for summer and 5 dollars.
Seeing the expressions on Teaghan’s face brought back fond memories of when I was younger.
This is the aftermath…..
Fatherhood with a Camera (Blog Series)
While searching the web for inspiration I stumbled upon a Blog called Motherhood with a Camera. I got lost in the wonderful images of Amy Grace and her beautiful children that it inspired this very post. I love taking pictures of my daughter Teaghan in fact when she was born almost two years ago, I attempted a project where I would take a picture of Teaghan everyday for 365 days. The project was a huge failure but it helped me to achieve really nice photos of my daughter that my family can treasure for a lifetime. With Spring right around the corner I feel its a good time for me to start my own series showcasing some of the photos I take of my Fatherhood with a Camera. Working a full time job and being a part time photographer on the side has made juggling my time hard. I Cherish ever moment I get to spend with my family and I believe you will see that through my images as the series grows. To all you fathers with camera’s out there I applaud you.
Roller Derby Family Fun Day 3-3-13
Earlier this month I was approached to come out and photograph the first ever Family Fun Day presented by South Jersey Derby Girls and Love City Roller Derby. I was honored to cover such an event. The event was held at Derby Ink Gardens on Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia PA. This location is very familiar to me as I have photographed some of SJDG Professional Bouts. If you haven’t attended a bout I highly suggest that you attend. They are full of energy, hard hitting and a damn good time. For the Family Fun Day it is a lot more relaxed as the game is basically a scrimage match to showcase Roller Derby as a sport.
There is fun for the adults as well as the children. The children get to have their photo taken by me with a Roller Derby skater and the adults get photos with their children. The kids also can get their face painted or get a fake tattoo. There are activities like Hula Hoops and they can draw on the floor with sidewalk chalk. If you get thirsty or hungry their is a consesion stand for those needs as well.
The first Family Fun Day was such a success that South Jersey Derby Girls and Love City Roller Derby want to have a fun day on the first Sunday of every month. The next Family Fun Day will be on April 7th 2013. Make sure to head over to http://www.sjderbygirls.com/ and sign up for their newsletter to stay informed.
Doomsday Dolls vs Dishonor Roll (Roller Derby)
On Saturday February 9th 2013, I attended the Doomsday Dolls vs Dishonor Roll bout. This was my second time going to the Bank Track and the first time I was able to photograph in the center of the rink. After climbing under the guard rails and onto the rink I realized that I was not the only photographer. This is Kyle William, a fellow hobbyist that was shooting for the opposing team.
Being in the center of the action was intense. There were skaters flying around on the track in front of me, refs skating behind me and at the same time I had to keep an eye out for skaters being knocked off the track. For me this was an adrenaline rush that I will want to recreate over and over again.
After capturing some of the action it was time to stick around the teams bench area and capture emotion from the skaters.
I must say that shooting from inside the track was a very fun experience and I would love to do it again. Until then head over to Facebook , click the like button and check out the rest of my images from this bout.
Philly’s Bettie Rages vs Penn Jersey’s Sadistic Sweethearts 1/12/13 (Roller Derby)
The winter months can get very boring, especially for photography hobbyist like myself who tend to photograph outside. I have had an interest in roller derby since I first watched it on tv years ago. Recently I learned that Roller Derby exists in our area. As soon as I found this out I contacted South Jersey Roller Girls and asked how I could get involved. The next thing I know I get an invite from MOE to come out to their Banked Track / Bout in Philly. I excepted. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived. I knew that I was entering into a whole new world and I wanted to respect the sport. As soon as I stepped foot into the arena I was greeted with open arms. Everyone was so nice. In fact they almost seemed like a big family.
MOE wanted me to arrive early to get some pre game shots. While walking around the arena I spotted a Derby Girl who had on these really cool looking skates. I asked her to pose as if she was hitting the breaks and the photo came out like this…..
From there, I walked around around some more and spotted a guy who’s face was painted red to match his tie. I had to go see what he was all about. Come to find out he was the announcer and a fellow Derby Racer himself.
While we were conversing it was mentioned that his lady friend had just walked in the door. I offered to take a photo of the two of them together.
Then, I was off to talk to the ref. I wanted to let him know of my purpose for being there and see if there were any rules for me to follow. I was free to photograph around the entire track, I just had to keep an eye out for Derby Racers going over the guard rail.
Before the races began I spotted another photographer getting his gear out. We quickly became acquainted and before I knew it we were swapping lenses. Jeremy had a few lenses that were on my list to rent and he just offered for me to try them out. Really nice dude! I’m sure any photographer will tell you, if your shooting an event it is a lot funner if you have a buddy to shoot with.
Roller Derby is an intense sport with screaming fans. I suggest everyone go at least once to see for yourself. You will not be disappointed.
If you want to see the rest of my coverage, head over to Facebook and click the like button…..http://www.facebook.com/ChrisSpanoPhotography
Rachl Joss Ellen _ Toni Aleman
I met Rachl and Toni at Recher Theatre in Towson MD during The Fallen Blue’s Rock Harvest 2012 benefit concert. Toni is a guitarist for one of the bands who were performing called The Mandy Lion Band. Rachl was there in support of her boyfriend Toni. Rachl is a singer in her own band however she was not scheduled to perform that night. We were all hanging out backstage when I asked the couple to step up for a few photos. Here are the results…..
