Toronto’s annual Fight For Independence boxing event is a unique night of fight, in which financial sector folk drop their suits and dawn some 10oz’ers for charity. For this years bout, the charity enlisted the Halifax based FAMOUS FOLKS to handle media, who in turn sought out the creative mind of Matt Barnes when time came to produce some imagery. In essence, their direction for Matt was the kind of thing commercial photographers dream of – have fun, and do what you do best… just keep it boxing related.
Let’s take a look.
Photographer: Matt Barnes
Client: Fight For Independence
Agency: FAMOUS FOLKS
CEO: Jay Dingwall
Account Executive: Emily Mong
Illustrator: Shaun Downey
Hair: Jimmy Crow
Make-Up: Jordana Maxwell
Assistants: Jeff Jamieson & Papi
To give his cigarette card inspired images the authentic look of the times, Matt brought in artist (and friend) Shaun Downey to paint the backdrops for his fighters. Before we move on, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the handsome Mr. Downey at work in studio.
As no great character is without great story, accompanying Matt’s fine imagery is the enlightened prose of THE PASSING SHOT writer, Dylan Thomas-Childs. With the full support of Mecca Cigarettes behind him, Dylan put his pen to paper and soon the Champion Athlete And Prize Fighter Series was complete. Give a click if you need because this copy’s too good to miss.
Round of high-fives for Matt and everyone involved in the fantastic looking work, with a bonus “good’an ya bud” to the FAMOUS FOLKS for being such a cool team of creatives and letting Matt’s mind run free. Want more info on the Fight For Independence charity and their big night? Give the below image a click, get learned, and see Matt’s images on show.
All Images © Matt Barnes