A remarkable lack of variety is the first thing we noticed. It was as if the month of July was reserved for 2nd base action, and not much else. Most of the action was decent, but not spectacular. Oddly, we barely noticed the one basketball photo in the mix until we started to review individual frames. The image got our first place nod NOT because it was out of place seasonally, but because it was the cleanest, sharpest peak action moment in the field. The composition was nearly perfect, the background so clean that the great faces and body positions really popped. The outfield dive, despite the obvious technical issues of night baseball being enlarged a great deal, was the best peak action moment from the baseball options. The ball being just behind the glove, instead of in the glove, made for an exciting moment. Third place went to the best of the 2nd base moments. We liked the dramatic facial expression. A second base collision might have edged into third, but the high angle blocked facial expressions, but it also lacked the aerial drama of the third place image.
Judges:
Sean D. Elliot/The Day, Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel
Judges Comments
A remarkable lack of variety is the first thing we noticed. It was as if the month of July was reserved for 2nd base action, and not much else. Most of the action was decent, but not spectacular. Oddly, we barely noticed the one basketball photo in the mix until we started to review individual frames. The image got our first place nod NOT because it was out of place seasonally, but because it was the cleanest, sharpest peak action moment in the field. The composition was nearly perfect, the background so clean that the great faces and body positions really popped. The outfield dive, despite the obvious technical issues of night baseball being enlarged a great deal, was the best peak action moment from the baseball options. The ball being just behind the glove, instead of in the glove, made for an exciting moment. Third place went to the best of the 2nd base moments. We liked the dramatic facial expression. A second base collision might have edged into third, but the high angle blocked facial expressions, but it also lacked the aerial drama of the third place image.