We all know that sports action has become so routine. Everyone in the field has the glass, the cameras, the autofocus technology to make those Sports Illustrated quality images. The judges noticed very quickly that despite all those factors, the images from professional sports in this category left us flat. The athleticism was there, but any sense that we were seeing true competition was lost. All three of our winners were quickly distinguished from the rest because they were all taken at night high school football games. The winners had peak action, tack sharp focus (or forgivable blur) and strong composition of storytelling moments. First place was obvious and unanimous. The helmet and the mouthguard, in the same frame, wow! Second place was so clean, so sharp, a peak moment with a background that can’t be beat. Third place suffered every so slightly for the composition, but it’s all about the eyes in a moment like this. Any number of the pro football action shots could merit honorable mention.
Judges:
Sean D. Elliot/The Day, Peter Huoppi/The Day, Dana Jensen/The Day
Judges Comments
We all know that sports action has become so routine. Everyone in the field has the glass, the cameras, the autofocus technology to make those Sports Illustrated quality images. The judges noticed very quickly that despite all those factors, the images from professional sports in this category left us flat. The athleticism was there, but any sense that we were seeing true competition was lost. All three of our winners were quickly distinguished from the rest because they were all taken at night high school football games. The winners had peak action, tack sharp focus (or forgivable blur) and strong composition of storytelling moments. First place was obvious and unanimous. The helmet and the mouthguard, in the same frame, wow! Second place was so clean, so sharp, a peak moment with a background that can’t be beat. Third place suffered every so slightly for the composition, but it’s all about the eyes in a moment like this. Any number of the pro football action shots could merit honorable mention.