First-A personal favorite in the entire contest. This is a wonderful, wonderful moment with just about everything going for it that a photo could have. And it's so clean against the background that it's a gift to the photographer and the viewer. It's actually a blessing that the photographer was at the far end of the court rather closer as we typically try to get. It's a classic that anyone, even those who are not sports fans, could enjoy. This is a classic photo that will be great in 50 years as it is great now. From edge to edge it rewards scrutiny. For example, notice the contorted ankle of the player on the far right bent on getting to the hero in the center. And the hero inanimate in perfect contrast to the others who could hardly be more animated or expressive. It should be on the wall inside a stadium for decades.
Second-On the other end of the activity spectrum from the first place photo, is this delightfully subtle moment which shows the excellent seeing of this photographer. I especially enjoy that the touch is about to happen and is ever so close but not complete yet. Timing is perfect in my mind. The moment without the hand is significant but the consoling hand make this a very powerful yet quiet image. Congrats on a job well done. it's a winner.
Third-An unusual and strong moment that likely stirred up the community against the coach as it is brings to mind the great 1976 photo of Bobby Knight shot by the late Indianapolis photographer Jerry Clark. Clark's photo of Knight in a more exaggerated jersey pull of Jimmy Wisman was likely the best sports feature in a generation, at least in Indiana. So this photo did benefit from that association in some ways.
Judges:
Ben Braun/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Jim Mendenhall/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Judges Comments
First-A personal favorite in the entire contest. This is a wonderful, wonderful moment with just about everything going for it that a photo could have. And it's so clean against the background that it's a gift to the photographer and the viewer. It's actually a blessing that the photographer was at the far end of the court rather closer as we typically try to get. It's a classic that anyone, even those who are not sports fans, could enjoy. This is a classic photo that will be great in 50 years as it is great now. From edge to edge it rewards scrutiny. For example, notice the contorted ankle of the player on the far right bent on getting to the hero in the center. And the hero inanimate in perfect contrast to the others who could hardly be more animated or expressive. It should be on the wall inside a stadium for decades. Second-On the other end of the activity spectrum from the first place photo, is this delightfully subtle moment which shows the excellent seeing of this photographer. I especially enjoy that the touch is about to happen and is ever so close but not complete yet. Timing is perfect in my mind. The moment without the hand is significant but the consoling hand make this a very powerful yet quiet image. Congrats on a job well done. it's a winner. Third-An unusual and strong moment that likely stirred up the community against the coach as it is brings to mind the great 1976 photo of Bobby Knight shot by the late Indianapolis photographer Jerry Clark. Clark's photo of Knight in a more exaggerated jersey pull of Jimmy Wisman was likely the best sports feature in a generation, at least in Indiana. So this photo did benefit from that association in some ways.