Rollergirls: The Story of Flat Track Derby

Photographer Graham’s spectacular photo-essay spotlights the glorious competition of the Texas Rollergirls’ flat track roller derby league. Shot exclusively in black and white, Graham’s photos showcase sensational action and also pay intimate, personal attention to the individual players. She presents the skaters as bold and fiercely dedicated; photos of women in fishnet stockings and tiny shorts in locker rooms with compact mirrors and eyeliner in hand give way to images of pregame warm-ups, team huddles, and action shots of collisions and bloody nose dives. The highlights are photos taken away from the track; images of players partying after the games, playing cheeky hijinks on competitors, and interacting with die-hard fans help reinforce Graham’s point that, for roller girls, roller derby is a special type of close-knit family. Graham’s outrageous and empowering photos capture the joy and spirit of this unique subculture. (Nov.)