one fall.

And just for fun, yours truly in the ring and as craft services during the filming for Kickstarter.

 

Two of my favorite things about being a photographer is one, the people I get to meet and two, the wide range of experiences I wouldn’t otherwise have if it weren’t for my camera in hand. From new life, to roaming the streets at night, from weddings to well, wrestling. That’s right – wrestling. For those of you who know me well, you know that wrestling is not my preferred cup of tea. But, when the man you love is chasing down a dream, you take his hand and jump in, even if that water is teeming with sweaty men in spandex, the permeating smell of smoke and fried food, and a crowd of hecklers. (Not my top pick for Saturday date night). 

For the past two years, I’ve learned a lot about wrestling – as my husband, Carl, has been working on a documentary titled One Fall. And to my own surprise, during my first experience at a match, found myself getting out of my steel folding chair and cheering them on.  Maybe, just maybe, I even heckled a bit. And I must admit – the dance background in me enjoyed the athleticism and choreography during the matches.  But, this documentary goes beyond the sport of wrestling. The roots of it describe those who dare to dream. I’ve learned to love these characters, and I think it comes down to what we share – that passion to follow what makes you feel like you are really living. They put themselves out on a ledge – to pursue their loves. That kind of risk is what makes us all feel more full of color – pushing beyond just going through the motions even if it feels uncomfortable at times. There is immense power in embracing that vulnerability.

Carl, along with dear friends and producers, Ann & Russ McGarry (pictured above) and yours truly, all have been working diligently on this project. In jest, I have been labeled craft services, still photographer or public relations. That sounds fancy, doesn’t it? But mainly, I am in the wings as wife and friend, to champion the project that has been held close to the vest – until recently with the help of Kickstarter.

Self-described as “a new way to fund and follow creativity,” Kickstarter has been an incredible resource for us and fellow dreamers. Through this powerhouse, and the amazing support of our friends and family, we have pushed the halfway mark in raising the funds to be able to complete the film. Admirably, Kickstarter has brought the creative community together and miraculously, put projects seemingly out of reach within our fingertips. We are now in our last month to reach our fundraising goal, and are very excited to share more of the project with you. We are asking for your help in spreading the word to anyone that might be interested in contributing to the film. If not for One Fall, please head on over to the site to peruse all of the artists, designers, filmmakers, writers, and creators alike diving in, believing in something that they hold dear. I promise you’ll leave inspired by their endeavors. Carl isn’t a big fan of being in the spotlight, but after seeing all of the blood, sweat and tears during this process, I’m happy to be the one to shine the light. If you'd like to learn more about the project, please feel free to visit www.onefallthemovie.com. A huge thank you to all of the friends, family and supporters who have already spread the word or contributed to One Fall. We are forever grateful and wouldn’t be able to do it without you.

Please click on the photos to view larger. I think they look nicer that way.

Polaroids courtesy of Ann McGarry.