LUBBOCK, TX, July 25, 2011 – When it comes to those shining a light on Texas MMA, specifically in the Texas Panhandle, few have been as impressive as of late than Eric Karr of Eric Karr Photography and LubbockModels.com.
Our latest sponsor at TXMMA .com and a hard-working photographer, Eric recently got involved with the sport and hasn’t looked back since.
According to Eric, he’s been a long-time fan of the sport, watching events in West Texas “when the fighters would wear jeans and t-shirts, no gloves and basically beat the crap out of each other.” Now that the fight game has evolved and thus demands more coverage, Eric has taken his own involvement with the sport to a new level by shooting professionally for events and fighters in West Texas.
Since he’s decided to step into MMA through his photography business Eric has shot photos for some of West Texas’ best, such as Eric “BigHead” Davila – fighter who knocked out UFC veteran Brock Larson in no more than 7 seconds just this past weekend!
He’s also been working with the Shark Fights promotion over their past several events (since Shark Fights 14), providing event photography for them and bringing in Team Lubbock Models to add even more aesthetic appeal to their fight cards in the form of providing their ring girls.
According to Karr, all this has been as much fun as he’s had in awhile.
“Man I have to tell you, working MMA events is a total rush for me,” he says. “I watch it on TV all the time but when you’re standing next to that cage and hearing those leg kicks hit the rib cage of some fighter or see those punches landing, well there is nothing like it.”
We know how it feels to catch the MMA bug so we’re excited to add Eric Karr and Lubbock Models as a TXMMA.com partner. Learn more about Eric Karr and his team through this brief interview below then check out some of his awesome shots!
Thanks for supporting Texas MMA and TXMMA.com!
Eric, have you always been an MMA fan? How’d you get started following the sport?
I have been an MMA fan since the very beginning. You know when the fighters would wear jeans and t-shirts, no gloves and basically beat the crap out of each other. Like Tank Abbott would do. It’s kind of crazy, but I always enjoyed watching it, although I prefer it today with the rules in place.
What’s the MMA scene like out there in West Texas? Who have you worked with out there so far?
Well Shark Fights is big in this area and is growing. One fighter that I have particularly worked with is Eric “BigHead” Davila. I met him at Shark Fights 14 when I was shooting it and the two of us became friends. He lives in Lubbock as well and recently the two of us did a photo shoot together.
How did you get started as a photographer? Can you tell us about that and also how you got started with LubbockModels.com?
Actually it all started when I was going to Texas Tech. I needed to take a class and I took photography. There weren’t any DSLR’s back then but I learned how to process and print my own film. Today is much easier and I like the fact you have instant review of the images.
I started LubbockModels.com several years ago with the idea that not only could I make money but so could the models. Most photographers are in it for themselves, to make all the money while the girls work their tails off. I took a different approach where I could make money and the girls could make money. So far everything has been working out great.
How did you get involved with the Shark Fights promotion?
When Shark Fights 14 came to Lubbock I received a call from them asking me if I would be able to find them any girls that might be interested in being ring girls. I believe they needed seven so I called seven of the most popular girls that I shoot to offer the opportunity. Once I told them about the gig they were all in. Now the ring girls are part of what I call Team Lubbock Models. The girls worked really hard for Shark Fights 14 and did an amazing job and I am really proud of each and every one of them. We hope to keep doing this with Shark Fights for a long time.
What’s it been like working MMA events since you started?
Man I have to tell you, working MMA events is a total rush for me. I watch it on TV all the time but when you’re standing next to that cage and hearing those leg kicks hit the rib cage of some fighter or see those punches landing, well there is nothing like it. Also I have a lot of respect for the fighters. When you watch it on TV you usually mean side of these come out, but working with them behind the scenes, I have been able to see the other side of them. They are just like you and I just with a different job and they all have been amazing to work with.
Any memorable moments start out so far from your work in MMA?
To be honest, everything I have done up to this point, Shark Fights 14, 16 & 17 are all memorable. I have made some really good friends with some of the fighters and working with Wes & Kent with Shark Fights has been an awesome experience. These guys know how to put on a show!
What would you like to do in the future as far as work in MMA and photography?
Well I would like to continue shooting for Shark Fights but if the opportunity ever arose to work in the UFC well let’s just say I would pounce on that!! Lubbock Models and Eric Karr Photography isn’t going anywhere. 2011 so far has been an amazing year for the company and we have grown by leaps and bounds. I have a great group of models who are all very respected in the community and I couldn’t ask much more than that.
Anything else our readers should know about you and Lubbock Models?
Keep your eye out for us as we are going to take this area by storm. Oh, and if you think you’re not good enough to model for us, toss that idea out of your head and give us a shout as we are willing to work with anyone.
How can people get a hold of you if they are interested in your work?
They can reach us at lubbockmodels.com or erickarrphotography.com or they can give us a ring at806.773.7605 or SMS (txt msg) us at 806.445.2335.
Eric Karr Photography
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