[VikingPhotography]

The last few weeks have been a bit of a headache for me:

As some of you will know, Getty Images recently completed their acquisition of WireImage - the two companies would more-or-less continue to exist as separate entities and, as far as everyone thought, it would be buisiness as usual for the photographers that have their work represented by WireImage.

It came as quite a surprise, then, to find out that WireImage was shutting down the sports arm of their operation as a net result of the merger. They still have some contracts to see out - particulalry Major League Soccer and the PGA tournaments - but, once they've run their course, thats it... no more sports photography on WireImage.

Now - whilst I concentrate on celebrity and entertainment shooting for WI, I had already paid out-of-pocket expenses to cover UFC 75 for them. The news from the photo desk was that Getty was now exclusivley handling sports and I had to request being assigned to cover it.

As the weeks ticked by, I'd had no direct response to my request, save being told that it had been "bumped up the chain"; at this point, I'd already received my credentials application form from the UFC's media team... all I needed was a letter of assignment to clear me, and it was looking like I wasn't going to get one.

I started putting out feelers to see if anyone else would pick up my coverage - I had almost forgotten what a b*tch it was to freelance in this manner and didn't miss it one little bit.

Today, I hit paydirt.

I'd noticed from my sales reports for UFC 72 that ESPN had used quite a few of my shots, so I had set about getting in touch with the relevant people there. Turns out that they're going to be actively covering UFC 75 but didn't have any photography sorted out and yes, they're happy to pick up my coverage for use by them.

So yeah; it's kinda cool to be shooting for one of the largest names in sports journalism... definitely something to grace the top of my CV!

[P-E]

Nice one VP

[Dave]

Yooz the man Great to hear of success stories .... hope you are having a few 's later

[sawdust]

fantastic VP all the best your my insperation in my small world of covering Kickboxing I hope to reach you hights one day.I keep telling the wife I need more kit (nikon d50 not up to it need a 200) and lots more practise.

[Dabhand16]

That is great news VP

Just goes to show what some perceverance will do. Good on yer!

[fionaB]

fantstic news VP............ need an assistant? lolol

Fi

[stepheno]

Way to go VP

[Angela]

Fantastic news! Good for you!

[VikingPhotography]

Thanks guys - I think I've managed to stop grinning like a maniac now.

I had hoped to be shooting for Sports Illustrated, but their photo editor deleted my email without even reading it - despite talking on the phone to him just moments before I sent it off.

That said, though, ESPN is certainly more focused on mixed martial arts and they're well aware of just how major an event UFC 75 is going to be. The Quinton Jackson vs. Dan Henderson bout is one of the most hyped MMA events in recent times - we're finally going to see who is the best 205lb MMA fighter in the world - whoever wins the match will hold both the UFC and the Pride FC title for that class.

So far as I can see, the only very minor downside to shooting for ESPN in this manner will be getting my payment in $US via cheque... a combination of the current £UK to $US exchange rate and my bank taking it's cut for a foreign cheque is a bit of a kicker but hey - anything that'll help recoup my expenses is all good.

[Gary Bagshawe]

Nice going matey.

[Sonsey]

Excellent news VP... paydirt indeed, ESPN is a big fish!

Congratulations