Luke Ackroyd - courageous story

[MRA]

I did a feature today with a rugby league player for the Port City Breakers by the name of Luke Ackroyd. His story is sickening to say the least, with a good outcome.

Back in 2009, Luke played for Balmain in the NSW Cup and during a tackle he snapped his tibia and shattered his fibular so the point where the bone penetrated 2 inches out of his skin and they were picking chunks of bone out of his sock.

He was told he would probably never be able to run or play sport again yet he is currently the star of the group 3 outfit, topping the try scoring ranks and carving them up. You can read the full story when it gets published this Friday on www.portnews.com.au

Now onto the pics. I wanted a typical editorial image that had a darkish feel, yet still showed some strong colours and contrast from the location (in the stadium tunnel leading out onto the field) and Luke in his footy gear.

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/3/ackroyd1.jpg
Two strobes used. One to the left of camera, right in line with the wall shooting directly on the subject. One to camera right, aimed at the roof to bounce back and eliminate any nasty shadows that were getting cast on the wall and foreground.


http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/7176/ackroyd2.jpg
Two strobes used. One to the right of camera, about 120 degrees of subject as main light and also to cast the shadow on the wall. One fired from behind subject aimed at the wall to the left of the picture just in front of the shadow on low power to eliminate other nasty shadows that I was casting and also to add a bit of rim.

All C+C much appreciated.

[k8*]

Great images with a gritty feel. I hate reading stories like that - glad he is ok.

[loose cannon]

Great images Matt.

I prefer the first one, just looks a more relaxed pose maybe. The strong shadow leading my eye out to the playing field is fantastic. I know nothing about using strobes but to my untrained eye the lighting and exposure look perfect. I do know a bit about having bones poking out though, good on him for getting back out there, lots of mental hoops to jump through long after the physical pain is gone. Courage is required, sounds like he's got some.

[Ageless1]

Nice set Matt and I agree pretty much with what Mick said.

The thing about medical opinions is that they are given by doctors and they look at your injuries and judge your recovery by their own ability to deal with pain. Rugby league players are a bit tougher both mentally and physically than your average Orthopedic surgeon, they have to be to play that great game in the first place. So good on you Luke for getting back out there and I hope you stay injury free for a while.

[MRA]

Thanks for the comments guys, I was really happy with these as well. I'll post some more soon.

[MRA]

Here's a couple more :)

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/4076/luke1.jpg
http://img862.imageshack.us/img862/6670/luke2.jpg

[Cookster670]

From sports tog to strobist Matt.....didn't take you long :)

Last 2 images are my favourite

[dannog]

I really like the last shot of Luke. The rim light behind him pulls him out of the shadows, also like that hes smiling.

Not that there was anything wrong with the others, you definately achieved the darkish feel that you were after, great work.

Cheers
Daniel

[ScottH]

Last one is the winner for me.
#3 his hair blends in with the dark.
#2 has a bright spot on the left, which draws the eyes away from the focus of teh image.
#1 the concrete join on the left is a distraction.

Good to see you trying nerw things Matt.
Terrible story.
That sort of thing has ended the career of a few AFL players.
Anyone remember Sean Charles for Carlton. Being aboriginal, and the bone being white, I don't think I need to say anymore. :sick:

[khoavu85]

i like them.

[MRA]

Thanks for the comments guys :)