El Chefe Barbosa

[hokies2379]

Professional Wrestler - Barbosa

The story with the kids belt is, he has to carry it around as an insult until he can win a match. He’s had it since December and “defended” it monthly.

We tried to do some more serious shots, but it’s tough to escape the hopeless loser storyline

he’s in right now.


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[Jeff1547 47]

he don't look very happy....

 

[terri33 4]

That's pretty funny! Nice work particularly, on the last shot - he's allowing some whimsy to show through. It's more humanizing than the sillier ones where he's trying to look ferocious.

 

[Fujidave]

Good shots and like the mono one, he looks a good lad.

 

[DanOstergren25]

How come you feel that you can't portray him as a bad ass rather than a hopeless loser? Also, are you photographing these guys in your own studio, or at the wrestling venue?

I think theres still potential to make him look like a bad ass instead of a hopeless loser, and honestly I personally think you should have gone in that direction instead. Professional wresters are warriors, and to me they're also like cartoon characters. I like that theres some playfulness to these shots, but they don't make him look strong, or like a warrior. I also think you could get away with making his skin a bit shinier. In my experience spray on sunblock works really well, but there are a number of things you could do to make his skin look shiny.

Your style looks like you're still really developing a trademark look for your photos. Have you seen the way that David Lachapelle photographs men? I think his style of photographing male celebrities in the late 90's and early 2000's would really work well for pro wrestlers, and I'm not saying you should emulate his style but instead take a look at his work for some inspiration. I'd recommend taking a look at his photo book "Heaven to Hell".

 

[hokies2379]

How come you feel that you can't portray him as a bad ass rather than a hopeless loser? Also, are you photographing these guys in your own studio, or at the wrestling venue?

I think theres still potential to make him look like a bad ass instead of a hopeless loser, and honestly I personally think you should have gone in that direction instead. Professional wresters are warriors, and to me they're also like cartoon characters. I like that theres some playfulness to these shots, but they don't make him look strong, or like a warrior. I also think you could get away with making his skin a bit shinier. In my experience spray on sunblock works really well, but there are a number of things you could do to make his skin look shiny.

Your style looks like you're still really developing a trademark look for your photos. Have you seen the way that David Lachapelle photographs men? I think his style of photographing male celebrities in the late 90's and early 2000's would really work well for pro wrestlers, and I'm not saying you should emulate his style but instead take a look at his work for some inspiration. I'd recommend taking a look at his photo book "Heaven to Hell".

Thank you for the tips Dan they are very much appreciated. I am familiar with David LaChapelle and have found inspiration in his style in the past.

These are all done in between matches at the venue. Most venues I bring a backdrop, some I use the elements provided in the building. This one is a several hour drive away, so I choose to use what’s provided.

The “hopeless loser” is the character that he’s currently playing and what works currently on promotional flyers, posters etc. If/when they change direction on the character, Ryan and I will update his shots if/when that time comes. Currently I’m paid by each individual promotion so therefore I’m at their mercy on the direction of their characters. We will occasionally throw some other things in there, time permitting.

I totally get what you mean about the skin and is something I plan on doing my next shoot.

I can’t thank you enough for taking the time!


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[DanOstergren25]

How come you feel that you can't portray him as a bad ass rather than a hopeless loser? Also, are you photographing these guys in your own studio, or at the wrestling venue?

I think theres still potential to make him look like a bad ass instead of a hopeless loser, and honestly I personally think you should have gone in that direction instead. Professional wresters are warriors, and to me they're also like cartoon characters. I like that theres some playfulness to these shots, but they don't make him look strong, or like a warrior. I also think you could get away with making his skin a bit shinier. In my experience spray on sunblock works really well, but there are a number of things you could do to make his skin look shiny.

Your style looks like you're still really developing a trademark look for your photos. Have you seen the way that David Lachapelle photographs men? I think his style of photographing male celebrities in the late 90's and early 2000's would really work well for pro wrestlers, and I'm not saying you should emulate his style but instead take a look at his work for some inspiration. I'd recommend taking a look at his photo book "Heaven to Hell".

Thank you for the tips Dan they are very much appreciated. I am familiar with David LaChapelle and have found inspiration in his style in the past.

These are all done in between matches at the venue. Most venues I bring a backdrop, some I use the elements provided in the building. This one is a several hour drive away, so I choose to use what’s provided.

The “hopeless loser” is the character that he’s currently playing and what works currently on promotional flyers, posters etc. If/when they change direction on the character, Ryan and I will update his shots if/when that time comes. Currently I’m paid by each individual promotion so therefore I’m at their mercy on the direction of their characters. We will occasionally throw some other things in there, time permitting.

I totally get what you mean about the skin and is something I plan on doing my next shoot.

I can’t thank you enough for taking the time!


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I totally get what you mean, you can’t really argue with the client about what they want conceptually.

Do you ever work with these guys to build your portfolio?


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