One of those cool people who always make us look good, even though we might not feel like it most of the time, is Nero. Best know as RX’d photography. He is one of the many great supporters Crossfit has in Europe. His images bring a glimpse of action to all of us who couldn’t attend the certain competition.
We met briefly at the Istanbul Throwdown last year, where he also took some cool photos of me. But still, I was curious to find out who is the man behind the camera lens, and what motivates him to do such a great work.
Meet our friend Nero:
Hi Nero, tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m an electrical wholesaler by day and a photographer by night. I was born in Lithuania, but have been living in UK for the past 10 years. After leaving school I had no idea what to do so I went to college to study bookkeeping. I was never good at math, and most of other subjects, so three years into my studies I just decided to quit and joined army. The Army service in Lithuania is compulsory and everyone has to do one year service, unless you go to university or college. After the army I did some work as a security guard, too. Then one day I decided to try my luck in UK. 10 years later I’m still here, and this is where I call my home. The fist years were tough but a great lesson with no regrets. I first worked as a kitchen assistant, then in Marks and Spencer and now as an electrical wholesaler in internet sales. Most people here at BOXROX and around Europe know me as the RX’d Photography guy, but that’s only a hobby for me.
How did you discover photography?
Photography came into my life very late and by accident. When I moved to UK I bought myself a point and shoot camera to take photos of the places I visited and so on. Then somehow I convinced my wife that we need a better camera and I ended up getting my first D-SLR. The rest is history I guess.
Do you also practice Crossfit? Or any other Sport?
I was always into sports, running, basketball, gym was always part of my life. Then my wife told me about the new gym opening up aka CrossFit Box. Somehow she managed to drag me over there, but I wasn’t too keen at first. After the first workout I was hooked on it and four years later I’m still loving it as I did on day one.
How did you get involved with the events as a photographer?
I can’t exactly remember how it got started, but it must have been one of the events or social gatherings at our box where I brought my camera and took some photos. Then I started taking photos at all social events and competitions our box had or was involved in. One of those events was London Throwdown where we had a team and I went along. I took photos from the spectator area, so it wasn’t easy, but I managed to get some good shots. And that’s it. I was hooked on Crossfit photography.
I started emailing competition organizers, asking if they need a photographer. Somehow I managed to get myself into taking photos for Battle Of London 2014 and that was a breakthrough. I must thank Tom Bold for giving me the opportunity as it opened me lots of doors. One of those “doors” was taking photos for Rogue at European Regionals 2014 and then many other events followed.
What do you look for in a shoot?
Being a Crossfitter myself helps a lot when it comes to finding the perfect shot. Knowing all the movements and knowing what to look for is the key. I usually look for emotions in shots as that’s what makes the shot stand-out.
How important is the atmosphere and the entire set up of an event?
The atmosphere is very important and so is the set-up. Spectators play a big role in the events, and as you know most of them are Crossfitters themselves. I think that’s why the atmosphere at Crossfit competitions is full of energy and emotion that can’t be found anywhere else. As for a set-up the main thing is light. As long as there’s enough light everything else doesn’t play a big part.
Who is your favourite athlete that you’ve taken a photo of ?
Hard question. They are all great and I’m trying not to have favourites. But if I have to choose one then Carmen Bosmans. She always has a smile on her face and is just a funny character overall. And the faces she does during the WODs are simply the best ha ha.
So, I am not your favourite then (smile)? I forgive you because you did some fantastic shots of me. What are your plans for the future with your freelance career?
Very good question, but the answer is I don’t really know yet. I will try and stick to Crossfit photography as this is my main passion. I’m 35 and I still don’t know what I want to do with my life and which direction to go. But I’m kind of OK at taking photos so I’ll try and head that direction.
Do you see yourself on the other side of the camera, competing?
I do. But as I would finish with competing or once my heat would be done, I would run to the camera and start taking photos.
You play a great role in lives of those who compete like me. When you see your photos being shared around the community, how does it make you feel?
It’s an awesome feeling seeing my photos being shared and reading the comments underneath them! Sometimes you cover the event, spend couple days doing it, then another few days editing and sometimes not even get paid, so you start thinking is it worth the hassle? But then you finish editing, see the final result, post them online and that’s when magic happens. And you think “hell yeah it’s well worth it”. All the comments and messages I receive after the event, it’s overwhelming.
Do you have a strategy for the events you attend, or you just go with the flow?
Main thing is looking at the workouts, set up, space I have and trying to figure out what lenses to use as I don’t have the luxury of owning two cameras. Very often you can see me running and changing lenses around, and sometimes I just go with the flow.
I also have to say thank you to Lina, my silent partner that no one knows about. She’s always there to drag my gear around, feed me and deal with my stress.
I can honestly say thank you on behalf of a lot of people in our community. You have always been great with my requests, and you are doing such a great job for us. Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Special thanks goes to David Draper, the co-owner of the CrossFit Connect Box, and my friend who helped me a lot during these years. And big thanks goes to Barnaby Gabos Gehlcken for being my driver and a great friend when I go to events. These two guys helped me a lot to be where I am now with photography. And of course you guys, the BOXROX gang.
Big thanks to my wife who believed in me when I didn’t.
Great Work Nero, and thank you for opening up to us.
Untill my next post,
keep crossfitting!
See Nero’s Facebook page: RX’d Photography
The post RX’d Photography: Who is The Man Behind the Camera appeared first on BOXROX.