ringsidephotos.net Blog

I have added a new gallery to the site:  “Behind the Barrier”.  These are some shots that I have taken (and will take) at shows that I just attended as a fan.  It’s a lot harder to get good shots sitting behind the barrier, but I’ll share a few with you.  I wanted to feature a friend of ours, Alex Avgerinos in the gallery as he has really started branching out in the time that I’ve been retired.  Great talent there, watch for him folks! 

Thank yous to the minor out-pouring of emails, etc I’ve received since stating the possibility of returning in the fall.   I appreciate you all who have passed along encouragement.  We’ll see what happens!

It has been almost six months now since my retirement announcement, and people are still asking “don’t you miss it…will you come and shoot my show…will you sell me your camera…you retired?”  The answers are: yes…for the right kind of money…NO…uhh, yeah. 

Another big question: “Are you coming to the Fanfestthis year?”  Sadly, the answer is again no.  It will feel a little odd that weekend not being there among the super Fanfest Fans, the Legends, the talent and a whole load of friends.  To quash any prattle before it starts – I have no “heat” with the Fanfest or its promoter Greg Price.  I wish him and the Fanfest the best of luck.  Greg was always a gentleman to me and always made sure I was taken care of for the entire weekend, plus he gave me admission to spend time with wrestling stars.  

I have not completely crossed wrestling off my activity lists though.  Since I’ve retiredI’ve been able to just go to shows, buy a ticket and be a fan.  It’s been fun, I’ve been to SWA in Forest City, APW in Spartanburg, HVW in Hendersonville, RCW in Cherokee, FMW in Fairview and shot the Anderson Bros Tag tourney in Monroe back in June.

A couple of days ago, I posted an status update on my Facebook page that said: “What’s that I see in the autumn of 2010? A possible return of ringsidephotos.net?  Hmm, could be….”  It could happen…I haven’t decided yet.  I do realize now though that wrestling has gotten into my blood.  It’s easier to sympathize with these guys who I see return, because I think it may be me.  I’m going to do some housekeeping on the site – and I may add a new gallery of some snaps I’ve taken while retired.  Thanks again to everyone for the emails etc!  Stay tuned!

If you have visited the main site in the past couple of months you have noticed no updates – well that has been changed.  I have posted up the first of my 2010 dates.  You’ll notice they are all in the Queen City, Charlotte.  CLT is a quick jump for me down the road and from the looks of things, these are going to be shows that will be worth the trip.

NWA Pro Wrestling on 23 Januaryat the Metrolina Expo Center, featuring some of our favorite guys to shoot: Phill Shatter, Jimmy Rave, Brody Ray Chase, Jeff Lewis and a couple of our favorite tag teams: New Wave and the Mack Brothers: Kirby & TJ-Team Macktion! 

NWA New Beginnings starts its four show run on 14 February at the Hilton University Place.  Again, some great talent: Phill Shatter, “Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce, Zack Salvation, Jake Manning, Caprice Coleman, Caleb Konley, Josh Magnum and a first for me: NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion Blue Demon Jr!

For the time being I’m planning on doing just one show a month, this is fluid though and could change.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/blakearledge/sets/72157603934778950/

Like the title says…I’m taking a break.  My last show was NWA Anarchy on 19 September.  I think I got some pretty good shots that night, but I could tell I was off my game- my timing wasn’t as good and I just felt really really tired during the entire show.  I took more photos than I usually do at a show that night, and the majority of them were deleted. 

To be honest, I am in a total burnout as far as wrestling is concerned.  It’s no one’s fault, and actually I believe it is natural for most folks.  I went pretty strong for a couple of years (strong for me anyway!) and I’m now catching up on other stuff in my life.  

Someone asked, “so are you done completely with wrestling photos?”  The answer is no…not yet.  Right now I have one show planned for November, and one in December.  Thanks to everybody who has stuck with ringsidephotos.net, and I encourage you to keep checking the site for any updates.  I am working on an idea for next year that I think some folks may like.

…and their convenient cup holder!

Yes, since you are seeing this it means I am working on the pictures from NWA Anarchy on 19 September.  Ringsidephots.net has moved into a new office (and new home) over the past couple of weeks, so the site has suffered a bit.  I’m going through the pics now and hope to have the site updated by tonight or tomorrow.  Thanks to everybody for your patience!