A very competitive category overall - one we spent the most time on trying to narrow the field. One entry with multiple entries was diminished slightly by an extra frame or two, as judges would have likely considered at least one of them a winner on its own.
First place - Just a wonderfully-executed image of a moment that's been captured many times before. Still, the separation of the subject's faces and the proximity of the photographer to the action helped this one rise to the top of the category.
Second award - Again, a moment that's frequently photographed, but the judges agreed that this is one of the best versions they've seen. Minor tweaks to the cropping and toning might have enhanced it even more, but still a great moment.
Third award - We all wish we had better locker room access sometimes, and this image illustrates why. The photographer certainly made the most of their opportunity here, capturing a genuine moment of exuberance away from the eyes of spectators and fans. We weren't as crazy about the square crop in this instance, but still, a fantastic frame.
Judges:
John Hart/Wisconsin State Journal, Amber Arnold/Wisconsin State Journal, Owen Ziliak/Wisconsin State Journal, Mary Langenfeld/freelance
Judges Comments
A very competitive category overall - one we spent the most time on trying to narrow the field. One entry with multiple entries was diminished slightly by an extra frame or two, as judges would have likely considered at least one of them a winner on its own. First place - Just a wonderfully-executed image of a moment that's been captured many times before. Still, the separation of the subject's faces and the proximity of the photographer to the action helped this one rise to the top of the category. Second award - Again, a moment that's frequently photographed, but the judges agreed that this is one of the best versions they've seen. Minor tweaks to the cropping and toning might have enhanced it even more, but still a great moment. Third award - We all wish we had better locker room access sometimes, and this image illustrates why. The photographer certainly made the most of their opportunity here, capturing a genuine moment of exuberance away from the eyes of spectators and fans. We weren't as crazy about the square crop in this instance, but still, a fantastic frame.