South – January 2021 – Sports Action

Judges Comments

While the total number of entries seemed rather small, the quality per capita was quite high. Overall there were few images we considered unworthy of consideration overall. The collection of images that met a pretty high standard of peak action, tack sharp focus, clean composition and technical quality was sizable. About a dozen really stood out and we narrowed to a top five, and following a lot of discussion to a top four, pretty quickly. First place stood out because the unusual perspective made a pretty mundane moment (albeit caught at the peak of the action) much more dramatic and interesting. We think the ref missed the call, that's a charge! Second is the kind of shot that hovers on the cusp of feature-hood, perhaps depending on when the whistle blows? Still, the tangle of bodies, the great faces and the good light made it jump out at us immediately. The quarterback sack was the best of the football photos, a really compelling action moment with a great face and a strong "ouch" factor.

Judges: Sean D. Elliot/The Day, Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel