Considering the number of entries on the action side, we were a bit surprised to see so few in this category. The cliché of the celebration photo is a detriment to this category. The judges see so many photos of arms raised, and embraces, we might be a bit inured to those moments. Until we see one that really pops. First place though was NOT one of those images. As photojournalists we really like to see an image that brings so much to the table. This is a sports feature, certainly, a moment away from the field of play and the game action, but it’s also a pandemic news photo, and it’s a light moment. At first we didn’t fully realize there were living people in the photo, it took a second. The composition made that work. The moment, not one of particular emotional reaction, also helped. Had the fans been cheering, or booing, they would have stood out from the non-reactive cardboard fans, instead, one has to look closely to realize that some living fans were also at the game. We really liked the ankle injury reaction for second. Different from the cliché sports feature moment, also different from most injury photos. The awkward body position, almost a yoga pose, the facial expression, come together in a way that makes a strong moment. For third, we found one of those reaction photos that was good enough to be elevated. There was a nice combination of layers to the players and fans, some really nice light, and great faces all coming together.
Judges:
Sean D. Elliot/The Day, Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel, Jim Evans/Retired
Judges Comments
Considering the number of entries on the action side, we were a bit surprised to see so few in this category. The cliché of the celebration photo is a detriment to this category. The judges see so many photos of arms raised, and embraces, we might be a bit inured to those moments. Until we see one that really pops. First place though was NOT one of those images. As photojournalists we really like to see an image that brings so much to the table. This is a sports feature, certainly, a moment away from the field of play and the game action, but it’s also a pandemic news photo, and it’s a light moment. At first we didn’t fully realize there were living people in the photo, it took a second. The composition made that work. The moment, not one of particular emotional reaction, also helped. Had the fans been cheering, or booing, they would have stood out from the non-reactive cardboard fans, instead, one has to look closely to realize that some living fans were also at the game. We really liked the ankle injury reaction for second. Different from the cliché sports feature moment, also different from most injury photos. The awkward body position, almost a yoga pose, the facial expression, come together in a way that makes a strong moment. For third, we found one of those reaction photos that was good enough to be elevated. There was a nice combination of layers to the players and fans, some really nice light, and great faces all coming together.