Paintball and photography go together like lamb and tuna fish...wait, spaghetti and meatballs? Well they go together real well. Like, paintball, photography is a skill of angles, focus, and shooting people. This gentleman has been getting his chops shooting at the team PR1ME training facility and has recently stepped into the regional tournament circuit (CFOA for one). We have a ton of respect for Michael; internally motivated and always seeking improvement. He has a thoughtful, cerebral mindset to capturing paintball players in the heat of action or emotion. We felt compelled to ask him what makes him tick (or, click?) and maybe get a little insight into the photography realm. But without further or do, let's debut some interview!Who are you and and what do you do?
My name is Michael Day, I'm 21, I shoot people's faces, steal their souls, and collect their photons. You know...photography stuff.
When and how'd you get into photography?I'd filmed paintball a few times using borrowed gear in high school and my first year of college, and a guy on the team I'd been going out to shoot was going to SCAD [Savannah College of Art & Design] hands be a one of the "pro" cameras and tells me I could use it. I liked it a lot better than doing video, but couldn't afford one of my own, so I had to let it go. About six months ago, I decided to treat myself and risk some money on a hobby I'd been wanting to try. I haven't looked back since and I don't plan on quitting any time soon.
When and how'd you get into paintball?In seventh grade, a friend invited me to his birthday party at a paintball field near my house. I showed up in shorts and a tshirt and had a blast. My mother didn't like the welts, so it was a while before I was allowed to play again. I played as often as my allowance or paycheck allowed. I played for Georgia Tech for a while, but now I just play recreationally. I thought photography would be less expensive, but it seems I was wrong. Still, every once in a while it's nice to be behind a gun instead of the camera.
What are the most difficult things about shooting paintball?Learning the layout. I have to know how the field plays just like the players do, just for different reasons. Where my shots are, where I'll get shot from, where I'll move as the game progresses, and how I can get the results I want. I think having played paintball helps me predict how a game will go and where I should be to get good pictures of it happening. I do my best to keep from affecting the game by giving away player positions, looking too much like a player, or blocking referees from seeing the game. Everyone on the field has a job to do and there's some mutual respect between all of us in the sense that we all do our best to stay out of each others ways; part of my job involves becoming part of the scenery like I'm not even there.
What equipment are your using?A Canon Rebel XS DSLR camera body with a Canon 70-200mm f4L lens. That's the bread and butter, but I often have some new gadget or technique I'm trying out. As with most photographers, I have a wishlist that far exceeds my bank account, but those two main pieces of gear will probably be with me a while longer. Better gear in the right hands can mean better pictures, but the reality is that sport photography is mostly about technique, skill/experience, and luck. Having the most expensive toys on the field doesn't mean anything if you don't know how to use them.
What distinguishes your work from the numerous other photo-takers out there?I put a lot of care into every photo I release. Some people seem to have this idea in their head that digital photography is push the shutter then go home and hit a magic "publish" button and everything looks great. It's not that easy. All of my photos get the attention they deserve because any single one could be the only one somebody sees. Even my worst photo needs to be a shining example of what I'm capable of.
What are usually their pitfalls (too much photoshop maybe)?Resting on their laurels. I've not yet gone through a days pictures and thought that I did everything exactly right; there is always something to improve upon, something new to try, or a mistake to correct. Someone who can't find something they could do better, he or she isn't looking hard enough. I'm always looking to refine my style or methods to advance as a photographer.
Anyone's work you admire (paintball or otherwise)?I read a lot of blogs, tutorials, forum posts, and websites soaking up as much as I can about all sorts of photography, so listing every sources of inspiration or admiration would be difficult when I can't even remember most of the origins. That said, Jimmy Hickey was an early admiration and still is someone I look up to for paintball and portrait work. I also have to mention the PhotoMOB, a great group of photographers dedicated to shooting paintball; they're very helpful and friendly and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any one of them to a team looking to hire a photographer (if I can't make it, that is).
Have paintball leagues been inviting for a new media guy on the block? How have the various leagues treated you? It can be difficult getting on to the field for some leagues, but once on the field I haven't had any trouble at all. Every league has different rules, and most require approval before you can get on the field. There are hoops to jump through for every league, and some are more worth it than others, but I still have fun while I'm taking pictures and can forget the majority of the complications.
Making a living with photography: Dream come true or something on the side?As cool as it might be, I highly doubt I'll ever make the majority or my income through photography so long as I have a regular job. Professional pictures are honestly a luxury and the work is inconsistent at best. I hope I never have to quit, but there may be times in my life that the camera gets put on the shelf while I get other things back in order.
So how can we see your work and acquire your services?
I can be found at www.michael-day.net and contacted via email: michael@michael-day.net
Thanks Michael!
[All photos have been used with permission from Michael Day Photography]
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