There was such an excellent variety from which to choose, the judges wish they hand more than three spots to fill. As we know when covering sports, one should use the longest lens possible and a shallow depth of field to clean up backgrounds. High school gyms often have busy backgrounds that distract from the action being documented.
1) In a sport where athletes are already wrapped around each other, judges were impressed with how unusual this image was. One cannot tell which body part belonged to whom, and the athlete has a great expression. It reminded them of an M.C. Escher painting.
2) The photographer did a good job putting themselves into the best spot to get an arty photo of the sport. Shooting from above works magic cleaning up backgrounds.
3) The goalie's face is the best element of this frame because it makes the viewer brace for impact. The exposed skate blade adds the element of danger; having the puck in the frame is icing on the cake.
Judges:
Caroline Couig/independent visuals editor, Bradley Clift/contract photographer U.S. Coast Guard Academy
Judges Comments
There was such an excellent variety from which to choose, the judges wish they hand more than three spots to fill. As we know when covering sports, one should use the longest lens possible and a shallow depth of field to clean up backgrounds. High school gyms often have busy backgrounds that distract from the action being documented. 1) In a sport where athletes are already wrapped around each other, judges were impressed with how unusual this image was. One cannot tell which body part belonged to whom, and the athlete has a great expression. It reminded them of an M.C. Escher painting. 2) The photographer did a good job putting themselves into the best spot to get an arty photo of the sport. Shooting from above works magic cleaning up backgrounds. 3) The goalie's face is the best element of this frame because it makes the viewer brace for impact. The exposed skate blade adds the element of danger; having the puck in the frame is icing on the cake.