Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Kaplan.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Amy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I always loved photography and was shooting bands every weekend and really not getting anywhere in my career. On a whim, I covered an MMA event in San Diego and brought my camera along. I shot a few of the fights and shared them on social media and overnight my Instagram blew up. The promotion and fighters began emailing me to cover more fights and I realized I was pretty good at shooting fights.
From there, I started shooting fights, portraits and training sessions and am now considered one of the top photographers in the sport.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was not a smooth road, especially as a woman. It’s a male-dominated sport and it can sometimes be hard to be taken seriously, especially by fans who feel like women can’t possibly know anything about fighting. Luckily as my popularity grew, my respect did too. I still struggle daily with the fans, but the other media members, fighters and promoters understand that I am knowledgeable and they trust me at their events.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Amy Kaplan Photography – what should we know?
I work as both a photographer and journalist for MMA events. In regards to my photography, I shoot events, portraits and training sessions (pretty much whatever is needed). I have photographed events all over the world and have shot portraits of some of the biggest names in the sport including Cris Cyborg, Michael Bisping, and Anderson Silva.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I would love to give respect to some of the MMA photographers that I look up Esther Lin, Hans Gutknecht, Eric Coleman, and Scott Hirano. Without these wonderful photographers to admire I would be wandering through this industry blind. They all have unique styles that I love and respect.
I also have to give a thank you to MMA Uncaged magazine who was the first to publish my images and really put their faith in me. Without them, I would be nowhere.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: photoamy33
- Twitter: photoamy33
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