Celebrity Fight Night

Last Saturday, I was given the great honor of joining Phil Gudenschwager's team of photographers to photograph Celebrity Fight Night 2013!   This event was unlike any other that I have ever photographed.  It was my first red carpet experience and I'll admit that I really didn't know quite what to expect.  The excitement was palpable.  Celebrity after celebrity appeared around the corner and came walking down the carpet.  Media photographers and news anchors shouted their names in hopes of getting the perfect shot or a chance to interview them.  Everyone was vying for their attention.  

Now, I am not by nature, very competitive.   In fact, my natural inclination is to stay out of everyone's way, so this sudden entry into the media circus was a bit overwhelming.  Even before any celebrities arrived, the room was a roar with all of the news crews and cameramen preparing for their impending arrival and I was glad to be off to the side of the commotion, I was a "floater".  I must have looked quite mousy waiting in my little corner away from the hubbub, because one anchorwoman even commented, "Oh, you're over here all alone."  I was just taking it all in, waiting, waiting, waiting by the door where the guests of honor were to enter from, ready to be the first to photograph them.  It was a long wait, full of faces (friendly faces) that seemed to know each other, but none of which I knew.  I think that is why I missed my first shot.  I had been in the midst of a situation that was completely new to me, surrounded by people that were completely unknown to me, when suddenly, from out of the VIP room, a face I recognized appeared.  I smiled a huge smile of relief to see a familiar face, he returned my smile- probably wondering why I wasn't raising my camera to photograph him...duh!  And just like that, the moment was over and Steve Martin continued on his way towards the red carpet.  I was left with pictures of him walking towards me, but none of his smile that had belonged to me for a split second.  It is a moment that I am sure I will always remember and one that I'm sure he didn't even notice (unless of course, he momentarily wondered why the silly grinning photographer failed to take his picture).  Anyway, I quickly repositioned myself and spent the rest of the time at the other end of the red carpet.

At this end of the carpet I could see more, and was able to get several behind the scenes shots, although if I get a "next time" covering the red carpet, I will be more bold.  I let my "newness" get the best of me and I worried about where I should be instead of going to where I could be.  I let myself be intimidated by the other photographers because I assumed that they did this all the time and that it was obvious that I was new.  Ridiculous, I know, it won't happen again.  I needed the sermon that I heard from Christine Caine the next morning, only I needed it the day before.  She was talking about who we are in Christ, how we can do anything through Him, and how faithlessness and unbelief are some of the greatest mistakes of believers today.  The funny thing is that I was fully aware that it was God that had put me at Celebrity Fight Night, and yet when I got there, I cowered to feelings of inadequacy and to the photographer next to me who kept "moving" me out of his way, instead of remembering that I am a daughter of the King and standing my ground.  I learned a lot from this experience and God has been doing a deep work in my heart ever since.  One that I'm am sure will change me in a huge way at least as far as boldness goes.  The red carpet at Celebrity Fight Night was for me, a catalyst to change, to step into a new realm of photography and to remember that in every situation, I am loved by God.

If you've ever wondered what it was like looking down the red carpet, here is a small glimpse.  Enjoy!

Tate Stevens, winner of the X Factor in 2012.

Verne Troyer, best known for his role as Mini Me in Austin Powers.

Nancy Lieberman, former WNBA player and Sam Moore, an American Southern soul and rhythm & blues singer.  This duo was a lot of fun to watch and photograph!

Kevin Sorbo and his wife, Sam Jenkins Sorbo.   This couple of actors is also involved in an organization called A World Fit for Kids, where they help kids learn how to become physically fit as a way to improve their lives in every area.  The kids are also taught leadership skills and go on to mentor other children.

Billy Crystal, need I say more?  Love this face!

Bo Derek.  I grew up thinking that Bo Derek was among the most beautiful women in the world.   My dad was a fan of hers.  Seeing her now I can see why, she is still stunning.

 Seeing Frankie Muniz at this event made me wish my daughter, Emma, was with me.  My  girls discovered Frankie when they watched the movie Big Fat Liar- over and over and OVER again!  My oldest, then 6 yrs. old kept asking me if we could go to Frankie's house.  I told her that we couldn't possibly do that because he probably lived in Hollywood and it was too far.  Well, I just found out that he actually lives in Scottsdale (pretty much one city over from us), I guess I'll have to give Emma a new reason for not going to visit!  I found out another thing about Frankie Muniz at Celebrity Fight Night, he is VERY polite.  I completely ran into him as he was doing an interview, I don't know if it was one of the times that I  was "moved" out of the way by the photographer next to me, or if I just backed into him on my own (it's on tape somewhere).  Anyway, I was completely embarrassed and apologized.  He was very gracious and set me right at ease by apologizing himself, even though I'm pretty sure he had been standing still at the time.

Mr. Lute Olson!  Okay, I know next to nothing about sports, but I do know that Mr. Olson led the UofA Wildcats to major victories while I was a student there.  The whole city was ecstatic as "our team" played in and won the Final Four!  It was fun to hear the familiar chant of, "Lute, Lute, Lute!" as he came walking down the red carpet, even though we were in Sun Devil territory.

Reba McEntire.  Can she be described as anything less than stunning?  I don't think so, she is simply gorgeous with a such a warm, friendly smile.

Christopher Rich is possibly best known for his roles on Murphey Brown and Reba.  He seemed like a very fun and genuine guy as he walked down the carpet with his wife Ewa Jesionowska.

Andrea Bocelli and his radiant wife Veronica Berti.  I have to say that listening to Mr. Bocelli sing was the highlight of the evening for me.

Haley Reinhart was on American Idol.  This girl can sing!  Not only can she sing but she is absolutely beautiful and is a very fun performer to watch.

Mr. Mario Lopez was there with his very elegant, pregnant wife, Courtney Mazza.

Evander Holyfield models the glasses from last year's gift basket.  I don't know anything about boxing, but Mr. Holyfield had a wonderful presence.  He was quite charming.

Okay, so I really didn't know who this great looking couple was when I was taking their picture, but his smile was so great that I just kept photographing him.  Come to find out, this is Yank and Yvette Barry.  Mr. Barry was the lead singer for the Kingsmen and sang, "Louie Louie".  As if that wasn't enough, Mr. Barry has gone on to become an amazing philanthropist and seeker of peace.  He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012 and has been quoted as saying, "It is wonderful to know that someone appreciates your efforts enough to say thank you. The nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize is an amazing expression of gratitude. My goal for years has been to create a day without hunger on a Global scale. Thankfully I have a team of Champions backing me up. No-one should go hungry. Not in our World.”  If you have time, Google Yank Barry, his heart for ending hunger is impressive.

Rita Wilson, an actress, singer  and producer who somehow manages to portray elegance and spunk at the same time.  I have to mention that she is married to Tom Hanks, just because even though he wasn't in attendance, I just can't leave out Tom Hanks.

Philanthropist and owner of the Washington Companies, Dennis Washington and wife Phyllis.

Actor and martial artist, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa.

More of Kevin and Sam Sorbo.  They were just that like able.

Local radio personalities, Johnjay and Rich worked their way down the red carpet too.

Mr. Billy Ray Cyrus.

Jennifer Lopez herself.  She was the headliner of the evening and has been called the most influential person in show business today by Forbes magazine.   Her smile is just as beautiful in real life as it is in the movies.

Mr. David Foster is a musician, record producer, composer, singer, songwriter, and arranger.  He is the music director of Celebrity Fight Night and quite the entertainer.

Yolanda Foster, of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, posed for a cell phone picture with her kids.  I really enjoyed watching their family interactions, they seemed so loving and close knit.

Joe Manganiello is a classically trained actor with an impressive bio.

Since there are so many red carpet pictures, I will start a new post for the rest of the evening.  I hope you enjoy these images.  Thank you to Phil Gudenschwager for letting me be a part of the team this year, it was definitely an exciting, learning experience!