For A Moment Photography

Core CrossFit: Best in Phoenix

One of our events

I was so excited ot hear my gym was voted, Best in Phoenix for the Fitness insane.  I think in anything I do it's great when people acknowledge and/or appreciate me/it.  This is why I had to write a post about my "box" (gym)...

So even though the award doesn't grant Core CrossFit anything other than recognition, it stands for much more.  Crossfit is becoming more mainstream, Reebok even has a CrossFit commercial out.  If you haven't heard of it I assume you must be hiding under a rock some where (and not reading this post).  My point being is there are a lot more CrossFit boxes popping up and many more people joining the community.  So for our box to receive this award is saying a lot.  

I love that I can walk into Core, knowing I'm going to be met with a intense workout, coaches to push me, and fellow members to encourage me.  And I can be in and out of the gym in an hour.  It's a bonus that I can grab a piece of fruit after, chat with other members about my diet or recovery techniques...  At this gym you won't see advertisements with "healthy" McDonald choices on the walls.  But you can find information about proper nutrition, how you can be most successful with your goals and people who will hold you accountable.

I'm so happy for Core to receive this award.  Thank you, Kim, Tom, Ali, Santana, D.J., Bryon, Adrian, Preston, Ray and Maya for all your dedication.  Your hard work is appreciated and the community is taking notice...  On a side note, damn you keep the gym clean (I totally appreciate that)!

 

Because we all were kids...

Yoga

This post is purely for me to talk about the great work Core CrossFit and it's nonprofit work in the community.  I don't have a lot of details but I think it is a great story.  With the parents and the gym's consent I stopped in on a class to take some photos for this post.  

At Core we have a kids program several days a week for kids at risk.  The gym had a desire to do something within the community and had done several projects benefiting kids in the area.  This particular program started pretty organically, after school a few kids in the neighborhood would hang around and peek in the windows trying to figure out what was going on in our gym.  

The coaches decided to invite them in, and as the saying goes, the rest is history...  The class is free for the kids that live in the Garfield neighborhood.  It's a neighborhood that can be a bit rough.  The kids come to the gym after school and are given a snack and then do yoga or some other kid friendly workout.  

While I was visiting (photographing) they were doing a yoga class.  As the instructor lead the class she did a nice job of talking to the students about meditation.  She let them know if things around them are too much with school, family or friends they can sit quietly and find the calmness (strength) within...  I guess it sounds pretty basic, I hear that a lot (and I use meditation a lot).  But I have had several teachers, professors that have crossed my path in my youth that made quite an impression on me.  This leads me to believe that maybe it's happening now with at least one of them.  This experience reminded me of being a kid and how good it felt when I found a place to belong to...

If you'd like to hear more about the gym go to www.corecrossfit.com.  If you'd like to contribute to the kids program go to kids@core on Facebook.  Nothing is expected and everything is appreciated.  

 

Buy CrossFit Photos

 

Wow, I have returned home and had to hit the hot Arizona ground running!  This weekend I photographed another CrossFit Event at our gym, it was a 9.11 memorial workout.  It was as usual a lot of fun and I got photos that I enjoyed.  I've gotten a great response to the photos and have had several people ask me for their photos. 

I've tried to figure out what the best way possible for me to make the athletes happy but not create a lot of extra work for myself.  As it is now I spend usually 8-12 hours on any single event.  That is my time at the event then the time editing.  I usually edit most of the photos the same day.  This editing is different then my family sessions because it's not fine touch editing (skin softening and blemishes).  However, every photo posted for these events goes through some editing process.

I originally started photographing the events just to support my brother and Core CrossFit.  I never expected to get such a great response from the people in the photos.  Which is cool and a good problem to have, right?

I've decided to create a SmugMug account on a temporary basis.  This will be a site where people can go to and buy prints.  I'm not sure if people are going to be willing to pay for the photos.  If they are not (which is totally fine) I will close up my virtual shop... Since this is new there will be some adjusting and changes along the way so when you visit the site, bare with me through this growing period.

And how do you get there?!  Click on any of the photos above to be redirected there or copy and paste this www.vikkicolvin.smugmug.com to your browser or click on the link.

 

 

 

 

It's Competition Season for CrossFitters

I'm backkkk!  Yup back at my home gym and it is competition season.  This morning our gym went to a event at Luke Air Force Base.  I did not compete but I did take photos.  I have not done a competition other then the Fight Gone Bad Event, which works for me.

Just going to these events and watching/photographing the athletes is pretty exciting for me.  Of course I love the fact I get these great photos I wouldn't normally shoot.  But seeing my friends doing these insane workouts is really inspiring for me.  Today one of our girls (Emily) did 80 unbroken double unders (jumping rope two rope rotations for every one jump).  It was great, the entire place watched, cheered and clapped when she finished.  It's just a lot of fun and it's something that is good for me in so many ways.  To be honest I haven't found a negative side to any part of my CrossFitting experience...

Today I went through the base's gym facility walking through the place I saw a lot of people lifting, running on treadmills, alone with their head phones on.  Then I go back to the event where people are cheering, laughing and teaming up for their workout.  I felt lucky that I have the camaraderie I get from Core CrossFit.  

 

 

 

My Fight Gone Bad 6

 

 

UGH, this video is soo hard to watch.  This is me a year ago.  I had only been CrossFitting for a month at this time.  I wasn't excited to post the video back then.  But I had promised that if people donated to the cause I would do so...  

What do I see?...  

Then I thought I was giving my all...  Now, I think I could of done better and pushed more.  The past year of Core CrossFit has taught me that I can do more then I think I'm capable of and I am stronger then I think.  The work I've done here at Core has helped me in my personal and professional life...

I was originally apprehensive to share my life at the gym out of fear of sounding vain or self indulgent.  It was always my intention that my story inspires or motivates others to live a full life, push on and try new (scary) things.  I know 100% that CrossFitting is something that I do that makes me better at what I am.  And I am a mother, a friend, a partner, a teammate and a business woman.  Knowing when I need to take the lead or when I need to step back as passenger is a skill CorssFitting has helped me work on.  My gym (unlike a lot out there) builds me as a whole person and fitness is only the begining...

OK, so I am once again doing Fight Gone Bad!  However, instead of asking my friends to donate (although I would love it & support it) I am going to ask my community of business owners to donate.  My goal this year is $1,500.  Last year I raised between $1200 or $1100...

Back then I only asked friends and I had a few more weeks to do so (I have just over 2 weeks).  I would love support from all my readers!  The money goes to Camp Patriot, CrossFit Kids and Special Operations Warrior Foundation.  Any support you can give to the organizations this event supports would be appreciated.  I would even be happy to hear (that means post a comment) because of this post you stopped and visited the websites listed!  Or better yet put your fitness/life first!     

 

 

 

My HD video Adventure: scene one

A snap shot of a video shoot I worked on last night.

 

So I have all but deserted my blog.  The big no no of blogging!  Believe me as a blog reader, it drives me crazy.  But I promise you I have been busy working on my "craft".  I'm really excited about the stuff I've been learning and I can't wait to share all the new cool photos/videos.

With the purchase of my new camera earlier this year I decided I wanted to learn how to use the HD video function.  It's such a powerful part of the camera I couldn't imagine not using it.  Plus I really feel it's the way photography is heading and I should be a head of the game!  Wouldn't you love it if not only did you get photos from your family photographer but beautiful family videos.  

Believe me the types of videos I want to make will be cool and your friends will want to watch it and be envious.  At least thats my goal...  So to make all that happen I've purchased a new very unintuitive movie program (ugh), learning new audio equipment, learning how to edit video and trying to understand the difference between photography and video process.  They are similar in a lot of ways but you can't fake comfort on video.  

Oh and how to make people comfortable in front of my video camera- that's a whole new process.  Like all my other photography adventures it's been frustrating at times.  You know that desire to just have all the knowledge now...  The past few weeks have been very exciting too.  I'm thrilled at the thought of being able to create beautiful work in a new medium.

With some photos I have a vision and it's cool to see that vision come together.  With video it's the same but  more complex.  The process is longer and has more components but the results more powerful, if that makes sense...

My first video will be a CrossFit video that came to mind while thinking of my own CrossFit journey.  Instead of filming myself I've recruited a few Core Comrades to let me share their story...  Until then...  Stay tuned.    

 

 

Lt. Murphy Memorial Workout

 

  

Finishing the workout together.

Lt. Michael Murphy

This morning Core Crossfit had a Memorial Day Workout .  The workout we did to day is named, Murph.  This workout is, 1 mile run, 100 pull ups, 200 push ups, 300 air squats followed by another 1 mile run.  In memory of Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y., who was killed in Afghanistan June 28th, 2005.  This workout was one of Mike’s favorites and he’d named it “Body Armor”.  It was later renamed after Lt. Murphy gave his life to save his comrades.  

Before the workout Coach DJ told us a little bit about Lt. Murphy and his story.  He told us about a book out, Lone Survivor written about the events that lead to his death.  Lauren, one of the girls doing the workout today said to me, "I wouldn't be doing this workout if I hadn't read the book".  It's a difficult and long workout.

After finishing I cheered on the other Crossfitters still coming in.  Then Dave gathered a few of the people standing around to run the last 800 with Joe who was finishing up...  I wanted to share that because it's that type of camaraderie that I enjoy at Core Crossfit.  

 

 

 

 

 

¡uʍop‾puɐʇspuɐɥ

My two weeks are up, and goal accomplished!  If you haven't read my recent post, I had made a goal to have a handstand down without the use of a wall.  Today was the deadline and I decided to take my victory photo on ASU's football field (Go Devil's!).  Being that U of A fans have been wearing their shirts in my town (as Presley would say).  

Although I did have to sneak on the field to take this photo.  Mark and I rode our bikes over and first asked for permission on the field.  We were denied, his ASU basketball alumni status did not impress the front desk girl.  So plan B, we just found a way to sneak on...  Had we had more time I would of set up the photo a little differently but I'm just glad we got it!  I was so nervous thinking we were going to get arrested.  I didn't even worry about there not being a wall to catch me.

The past weeks I've worked on my handstand every day after my work out.  My shoulders are pretty sore but I'm pretty happy!  I guess the next goal is to work on holding the handstand for a longer period of time.    

 

Crossfit Sectionals 4.02.11

Today Core Crossfit hosted a local sectionals workout with the help of several other Crossfit boxes (gyms).  It was a huge turn out and a very smooth event.  I of course took photos and this time around I did a little video. Which now doesn't seem so hard to do, other then a few missing items from my film starter kit.  

The trick for me and I assume all photographers is how to photograph the same or similar event and make the photos interesting.  I shot for two hours and took over 400 photos.  Thank goodness for me the workout was a long one so I could take my time with the photos.  The only problem is that it takes me at least one round of athletes before I get into a groove.  Or until I get comfortable enough to roll around on the floor to get my photo.

The above photos are a few of my early favorites.  I'm sure more will be added once I get some sleep.  It's hard to look at 400 plus photos with a clear head this late.

 

 

 

 

A Small (but Important) Goal

Today I went to open gym at Core Crossfit and did a little workout on my own.  I did some rowing (I love & hate it) and then did some work to help with my lower back issues.  I found out in short, I have a weak rear end this is leading to some lower back strain and pain. Another reason to do more squats...  My brother Tommy (and coach) gave me a few drills to help.  Then I did my usual after workout routine.

I do some ab work after every workout and maybe once a week do some hand stands.  I love hand stands, I really feel my body asking me to do one.  I started doing hand and shoulder stands in yoga.  My instructor explained how important it was to help move all the toxins that settle in the bottom of your organs.  It's also great for blood flow.  Since my years of yoga, I will have this need to do a hand stand at least once weekly.  It's also a calming state for me so that might be part of the desire...

I've gotten to a point that I can kick up and not use the wall.  However the thought of moving away from the walk is scary.  So for the first time since being at Core I put a goal on the wall.  I want to have a hand stand down- no wall in two weeks.  I don't know if the two weeks is a good timeline or not, I didn't ask anyone.  I just know that I needed a goal date per S.M.A.R.T goal criteria.

So why is my "goal" a handstand no wall?  When I was doing the hand stand and thought about moving away from the wall and got scared is what convinced me.  I don't think it is any physical feat.  It's more that for me I was scared and started to back away.  And everything good that I've done in my life has happened when I've move past my fears.  That moment of fear sealed it for me.  Here we go!