The Fencing Shoots

I think fencers create fantastic shapes when they execute their moves, almost like ballet dancers. Their tight fitting white outfits give them a sleek outline and their opaque face masks stop you seeing their faces and consequently any expressions. They seem almost alien to me, devoid of emotion, executing moves with a weapon so far removed from modern life.

They fascinate me and it's a subject I've wanted to photograph for years. These shoots with the Sheffield Buccaneers & the Nottingham Cavaliers were designed to capture some of the iconic poses I've admired for so long.

A few images below & the shoot video.

Members of the Sheffield Buccaneers

A Shoot with the Sheffield Buccaneers Fencing Club

I’ve wanted to do a shoot with fencers for years… the shapes they throw remind me of ballet. Couple that with their “alien like” outfits and, for me, they make striking images.

It’s taken quite a lot of pulling together (many thanks to Trevor Upton for the initial introduction & help throughout) but last week we completed the first shoot with the Sheffield Buccaneers & next week we are off to photograph the Nottingham Cavaliers.

We’ll be producing a video of the shoots, so more details to follow, but in the meantime here’s one of the images.

The Sheffield Buccaneers