I’ve jokingly said sometimes that photography is an upper-body business. But, some days, you’re going to be on your feet all day long. You’d better have good shoes, drink water, and remember to eat. I always have a bottle of water at ringside, but there was one show when it was already too late for that.
Spring SLAM!, May 2025, Vantaa, Finland. Lots to do throughout the day, preparing, taking care of errands, building stuff, etc. The show starts, and all is going well. Until the main event, of course.
It was a TLC match with 6 participants. A special night, a match for the ages. A few minutes into the match, the muscles in my right leg started cramping up and not letting go. There I was at ringside, trying to shake it off, walk it off, stretch my leg, but nothing helps.
I briefly limp back behind the curtain, and “The Rebel” StarBuck hands me a bottle of water. I was losing valuable time, the match was going on, and I knew we really needed those pictures. I head back out to ringside, muscles cramping, biting my teeth.
A couple of minutes later, the situation takes a turn for the worse – the muscles in my left leg start cramping up as well. Holy crap, I never knew something like this was even possible. This was turning out to be a ‘special night’ for sure.
Now, with both legs cramping, I desperately try to focus on the in-ring action and getting the shots. One of our referees at ringside said I was trembling. In my mind, I figured there might be ten more minutes to go. I decided to gut it out and do what I can. I was leaning against the apron, with hopes of relaxing the muscles and stretching a bit.
Dylan Broda finally climbs the ladder, gets the briefcase, and the bell rings. I limp back to the locker room in a hurry and find a seat. I was handed a bottle of Gatorade, for which I’m very grateful. People also brought me water and potato chips for more salt. Slowly, the muscles start relaxing again. For 30-40 minutes, I was afraid to get up from the chair.
I knew I missed some shots due to this bullshit, but I also figured I got most of the important ones. In the end, things like this should absolutely be prevented. Wear comfy shoes, and no matter how busy you might feel, don’t forget to eat and drink plenty of water. And, carry some snacks in your bag.
Take care of yourself.
