Shots from the 2009 Jacksonville Championships (a.k.a Jax Physique) are up on the site.
I’m not sure what it is about Jacksonville that all the venues seem to be dark pits, but I smelled trouble on the wind as soon as the front door attendant ushered me around to the side entrance. Turns out the main auditorium was in use by the Sunshine District of the Barbershop Harmony Society, and the bodybuilding was held in a smaller auditorium around the corner.
It’s been far too long since I’ve sung any barbershop. One day soon, perhaps… my voice is still in pretty good shape.
Anyway. I shot the show at 1600, which I don’t like to do, and ran a custom white balance as I couldn’t be sure whether the lights were tungsten, incandescent, or agitated fireflies. A usuable fraction came out all right, though, and though the show was probably the smallest I’ve ever attended, all went smoothly.
Ironically, due to the river and the ginormous mirrored buildings next to the Jacksonville Landing, the area outside was literally awash in light– a magnificently lit setting. I didn’t know anyone at the show well enough to suggest an outside shoot, though, and didn’t feel quite up to making a new connection– my mind was already elsewhere after the prejudging ended.
This is the first show I’ve been to this year, and so is the first in which I’ve encountered the “Bikini” class. There are several reasons that I have been and remain skeptical.
- First, it seems too much of a throwback to the Sixties– is the next step to eliminate all women’s athletics and go back to wet T-shirt contests?
- Second, the most seasoned bikini-circuit competitor in the world is going to appear mushy when compared to the athletes– that has to be a bit initimidating.
- And third, the last thing that women’s bodybuilding needs is _one more_ path to siphon off the potential competitors. Fitness and figure are damaging enough.
Oh, I could have a long theological discussion with the NPC officials about it, but they would just end up noting that it isn’t all about what I think, that the shows aren’t held for my personal benefit, and things would spiral downward from there. Who needs that bother? Not me.
;)
Seriously, though, enjoy the photos (and the short turnaround). There’s another one coming up in just a couple of weeks.