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!
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?
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?
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?
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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