This was one of the strongest categories, and it was tough to pick between the top two. 1st: There's a really strong artistic and graphic quality to this image, exactly what you'd want in a feature — the lines of the dirt and the prints, plus the shadow and emptiness around the horse brings it all together. Nice work! 2nd: Also a great photo, the layering especially makes it work, and your eye knows where to start and finish. The slightest drawback here was the toning; the darkest parts can be hard to read (like the hat in the hand). 3rd: It takes composure to find this moment among the chaos at the end of a game, showing the contrast in emotions between the teams. The main player's stillness as everyone celebrates around him is arresting. Alternate (Emotional Injury): A photo that really makes you feel how much the players care about each other, and how devastating a serious injury can be. It takes you beyond the field.
Judges Comments
This was one of the strongest categories, and it was tough to pick between the top two. 1st: There's a really strong artistic and graphic quality to this image, exactly what you'd want in a feature — the lines of the dirt and the prints, plus the shadow and emptiness around the horse brings it all together. Nice work! 2nd: Also a great photo, the layering especially makes it work, and your eye knows where to start and finish. The slightest drawback here was the toning; the darkest parts can be hard to read (like the hat in the hand). 3rd: It takes composure to find this moment among the chaos at the end of a game, showing the contrast in emotions between the teams. The main player's stillness as everyone celebrates around him is arresting. Alternate (Emotional Injury): A photo that really makes you feel how much the players care about each other, and how devastating a serious injury can be. It takes you beyond the field.