AlphaRose Photography

Oh Damn, First big event!

Whereas I’d done events like Comic Con & Megacon before, this was a first for me. As I’d been basing my recent University Project on Harlequins & Magic The Gathering, I was invited up to photograph the CEDH National Qualifiers. This was a major opportunity that I’d never done before. I’d been photographing Harlequins for a few weeks at this point, but nothing on this scale.

A 12 hour day, over 1400 photographs and some insane matches. I know enough about Magic to understand what’s going on but these players were on a whole different level.

I met some wonderful people and had a fantastic time. This was an amazing experience and I cannot wait for the next one. There are always things I can do different and improve on, but for a first attempt at this, I’m Happy!

Technical Bits

As I’m not 100% confident with the Universities Canon (Insert model here), I went up with my Nikon D5300. Probably not my smartest choice however, I knew what I was doing with this. The only other thing I took was my polaroid filter to help with the reflections off the cards. It wasn’t a perfect set up but being of the “Student Variety”, my kit choices are limited.

My focus was on the players. They make up this game. I’ve previously described MTG as Tabletop war meets chess but there is an element of silly with it too. I wanted to grab these moments. But also the heartbreak. This is the national qualifiers, the winner goes on to compete in the Nationals, there’s going to be some heartbreak. or misplays.

I’m so proud of these photographs. However, being a student, I know I have much to learn and so many ways I can improve.

So here’s to getting better for the next one! 🙂

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