By Al Diaz
ALDIAZPHOTO.com
U Pick’em Think Tank Photo Contest!
U Pick’em Think Tank Photo Contest!
Sometimes it’s tough. Crunched on deadline you must pick a frame. A quick burst of the motor drive on the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV and you can end up with a lot of frames to choose from. Usually, one frame captures that decisive moment that sports photographers strive for. Then there are times like this at the Orange Bowl football game where the choice is not so clear.
Do you select the peak of the moment of the player getting lifted? The aesthetics, expressions or readability of the image? I can go on but I’ll let you tell us which one of the top three photographs you would select to publish and why.
Comment on my blog to enter the contest for a chance to win a FREE Think Tank Photo Urban Disguise® 35 V2.0 valued at $159.75! A random winner will be selected on January 31, 2012. Free shipping within the US mainland. All others must pay the postage through my PayPal account.
Please add your email to the comments so I know exactly who to contact when you win! Don't forget to check back at the end of the month to read what everyone has to say.
Please add your email to the comments so I know exactly who to contact when you win! Don't forget to check back at the end of the month to read what everyone has to say.
Charles Trainor Jr. and I covered the West Virginia game against Clemson at the 2012 Discover Orange Bowl, Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens on Wednesday night, January 4.
Both teams lit up the scoreboard but in the end the Mountaineers' offense crushed the Tigers 70 - 33.
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| Urban Disguise 35 V. 2 |
Al I would go with the second image, because you can see the players smile and face better, their is more enagagement between the receiver and his teammate. the top image is cleaner with no one in the background, but the bottom image is to cluttered. In the middle picture, the guy in the middle isn't even looking at the play. In the middle image the guy in the middle is blocked by the teammates arm so you don't see his face, but you can still see the teammate on the right. One thing I do like about the top image is you can see the opposing player, but I still think the middle image show more emotion. This middle photo would be my choice for this jube shot.
ReplyDeleteThomas Shea
Hi Tom, thanks for being the first to enter!
ReplyDeletePlease add your email so that I can contact you if you win.
My vote: # 1.
ReplyDeleteAnd the reasons are clear. It most clearly shows there is some kind of celebration. And the fact that you see the Clemson player in the background walking unemotionally emphasizes this.
The two most important subjects here are the guy with the ball and the guy lifting him. Not the guy slapping his head in congratulations, which almost looks like a stiff-arm in the third photo.
But the third guy adds to the first photo by walking up with his hand up as if to give a high-five, adding to the congratulatory aspect of the photo.
There is also a symmetry in the first photo that the other photos lack.
Trace your cursor from the point of the ball up to his shoulders, then down his torso to his hips, outward to his extended leg.
See how it connects to the other player's hand? Then move the cursor down that player's arm, down his torso and downwards on his other arm.
Then see how all this frames the Clemson player perfectly. The symmetry is added by the player on the left lifting the player with the ball.
And most importantly, it shows the player at the pinnacle of the celebration, which gives it that added oomph.
I'm also going with #1. The game was a rout, and the Clemson player helps a lot. Frames 2 and 3 could be confused with the player being carried, but #1 is easier to tell it's a jube.
ReplyDelete#2 is the quickest-read photo -- we don't yet see the face of the guy in the background but there's still interaction of players. The Clemson player in #1 is OK, but is not so obviously dejected as to contrast with the WVU jubilation.
ReplyDeleteIt is funny, I first went with #2, but reading the comments, I see where the Clemson player in #1 helps the image tell a better story. I think I end up on #3 though. The interaction between all three players is better, and the smile on #85's face is much easier to see than in the first two. I'll take #3. (also, on-deadline, the fact you can see the #85 on the jersey doesn't hurt for captioning purposes)
ReplyDeleteAl,..I would go with image #3 as it shows better team interaction filling the frame and the composition is well balanced as a result.
ReplyDeleteImage #1 looks like the player over did it on a KFC 21 piece family bucket or is receiving the Heimlich maneuver and as for image #2,...nah, it's nearly there but not quite.
Have a great weekend :)
Kevin
studio.keve@gmail.com
I'd go with image #3. It seems to provide the clearest view of the smile on Milhouse's (#85) face, which conveys a clearer message than the other images (where you can't necessarily tell that it's a celebration). The lineman whose helmet fills the space between Milhouse and the other player in the foreground helps keep the eye on the foreground (rather than looking between them for whatever may be happening behind).
ReplyDeleteRegards,
--Sam
slewis@imagereflex.com
My vote's with number three. Number one looks too much like he's being kicked in the face so for me it's down to two or three and I prefer three because you have the extra face in the middle of the frame. That said I'm being picky and you could equally submit 1 also and still have two very good useable frames.
ReplyDelete-Jack
jack@jackmegaw.com
I choose photo #3! I like the hand on the helmet, face of the lineman in the background and the triangular composition of the three players! Great pic! Phelan Ebenhack
ReplyDeleteHi Al,
ReplyDeleteI choose photo number 3. Great celebration photo from the player. It's clean and very sharp.
Steve
Photo #3 is the best frame despite the fact that it's not the initial outburst of emotion. I would go with #3.
ReplyDeleteJose Iglesias
*sings* One... singular sensation every little step he takes. All joking aside, I like shot 1 the best because the guy on the right is trying to figure out how to react to a cleat coming at his face!
ReplyDeleteAnother vote for #2. Just more emotion I feel because there is a lot more connection between the players! All photos are great though. Nice captures!
ReplyDeletemitch@mjoyphotography.com ... so you can contact me when I win ;)
DeleteI would choose #3 it shows alot more emotion i should say in the celebration for the player. You can fully see the person on the right running towards them probably also to congratulate him.
ReplyDeleteAmy Denardo,
shayigha@gmail.com
My vote would be number 3!
ReplyDelete#1 is the clear choice because you can see the Clemson player in the background, and it's the beginning of a celebration! Nice shots!
ReplyDelete#3 I like the light on the guy who just scored a touchdown!
ReplyDeletePlease post who you are.
DeleteGotta go with #3. It really shows the elation of the moment best.
ReplyDeletecroft.de@gmail.com
I would pick number 3 but it was a close decision with the first, because of the Clemson player in the bg. The third image is the one to choose because the moment is stronger, and the inclusion of the two faces of his teammates brings more emotion to the frame. It's a nice change of page for the normal jube shot. photopacifica@gmail.com http://www.bermanphotos.wordpress.com
ReplyDeleteJust like most of the other comment-ers, i would go with photo #3, it shows the most emotion... and isn't that what it's all about? :)
ReplyDeletetoyswift at aol dot com
Number 2 - just feels right with less than two seconds to catch a pair of eyes...
ReplyDeleteIt's tough, but I'd go with #1. It shows the celebration in the player's expression more, plus it's easier to understand the context without having to read the description. The dejected Clemson player also adds to it.
ReplyDelete#1, peek emotion. In a BCS Bowl game, that is the key. I a 5yr old flag football game that is the key!
ReplyDeleteI would choose #1 because I think that one of the three best highlights the player who scored. His face is the only one visible and the attention is drawn immediately to his reaction. The other images, while great, are just don't grab my eye like the first one. There is too much going on and you don't immediately know where to look first. I also feel like #1 catches the receiver's reaction at the best moment. His facial expression is starting to relax more in shots 2 and 3.
ReplyDeleteJosh Hedges
joshuahedges@gmail.com
gotta be #1, the clemson player in the back is a nice contrast to the celebrating players, #2 & 3 just seem a little awkward to me
ReplyDeletemparent_AF@hotmail.com
I like #2 the best. Its easier to see the face of #85, the one with the ball, compared to frame #1. Also, #85 doesn't look like he's falling like in #3.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think the positioning of the guys is hillarious in #2 - what's up with the guy's head between #85's legs??? I think that also makes it more interesting.
Cheers Al!
Mike
mike.hylandsson@gmail.com
number two because the holder has a grasp on him, his bud thats coming in is placed right body and hands and the guy being held has the perfect look on his face
ReplyDeletejake
vaughnscot12@yahoo.com
Number 3, no question: much quicker read and shows the joy of the moment much better - smiles on faces read much better and it's cleaner. #1 is nice but lacks the aspect of the universal that's in #3... #1 is just another sports picture, #3 is about joy in accomplishment. #2 is too busy and doesn't read as well. I'll take my bag in black, please.
ReplyDelete#3 for sure. More Nike logos per square inch.
ReplyDeletet.roderick.haight@gmail.com
I have to say #2 it has the most action
ReplyDeleteefuhrimann@hotmail.com
I like it better #3, the guy in the background giving the thubs up make´s it for me ;)
ReplyDeleteAlso, better expression of the touch downer.
West Virginia played who? A great picture tells a story on its own sans text. Pic 1 clearly shows a distraught Clemson player, AND that player is nicely composed. It is the clear winner. The edit should have only taken a couple of seconds to discard photos 2 and 3. You can give me the bag next time I see you Al.
ReplyDeleteI'd have to say #1 it tells the whole story the celebration and with the Clemson player in the background you get it straight away,great shot.
ReplyDeletejodyreid236@gmail.com
I would actually prefer the third one, most for the reason that you can see three of the players and that you reply can feel the joy and happiness, then I also love that the smile in the player that's lifted is so noticeable. Jimpawa@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI would go with the first as I think it shows the player's smile the best. joey@joeybahr.com
ReplyDeleteI would choose photo #3.
ReplyDeleteThe first one only shows the face of the player being lifted, and his position looks awkward.
The second photo is close, but you can see parts of people who are being blocked.
The third photo shows all of the faces of people in the frame, and there's just something about the overall composition that I prefer.
#3
ReplyDeletemrwayne777@gmail.com
nice series of shots, they’re all great!
It's a tough one between 2 & 3 but 3 show the faces better good job Al.
ReplyDeleteEven though I am disqualified to win, I am going to play anyway.
ReplyDeleteI like the composition of #3 for several reasons. I like how the player is holding the ball and you can see a lot of the stitching and the ball is directed up more than the others.
By the ball facing that way it allows the viewer eyes to follow the ball up to the face of #85 then to the center players face then to the player on the right.
This forms a nice circle keeping the viewers eye on the picture.
One last comment, #3 shows three players faces where #1 and #2 only two players faces are visible.
lacelady@cox.net
ReplyDeleteI like #3, it both shows more of their faces but also it brings to mind the idea that "friends" will lift you up when falling. :)
I am going to pick #2
ReplyDeleteI would go with #2!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'd go with #3 - emotion ftw
ReplyDeletehahacooper@yahoo.com
I would go with #2, bc you can see the expression on both visible player's faces best. The player getting lifted up has a clean background behind his head. The supporting player's eft hand isn't on the scoring player's butt ;p But we're just nit picking here. Any editor would be happy to run any of these images...
ReplyDelete2nd image
ReplyDeletebetter composition than the first but the moment does not seem over like the third.
Having shot a ridiculous amount of the South's #1 religion (i.e., high school football), I know what it's like to sit down with a couple of thousand pics from a game and having to choose the keepers from so many that look so similar. You can go back and forth for hours making yourself nuts, or you can learn to make quick aesthetic decisions and make your deadline. Having said that...
ReplyDelete#1: A lot of people are commenting on how this should be the choice because of the Clemson player in the background. The problem is he's not doing anything. He's not angry. Not looking down or upset. Nothing. Chances are the shutter clicked as he was walking back to the sideline. As it happens, he's positioned in an awkward spot that makes it look like his head is supporting the receiver's knee. The other problem with this image is the way the face mask cuts across the receiver's eye-- something to avoid whenever possible. With this face mask issue, there are no visible faces in this shot.
#2: Still no visible faces, plus this time the player on the left's forearm is blocking the face of the player in the middle. If there was no middle player I'd have no problem with the stretched forearm. But because I know someone is behind that arm it makes it look awkward for me. Also, the receiver's eyes are still blocked by his face mask.
3: This is the keeper. The receiver's eyes are finally unblocked. Plus we have more than one visible face. While an individual scored, it's still a team sport and as many faces are you can show the better. Any story-- print, on line, etc.-- has only so much limited space for photos. If the story is about the rout, more than one player contributed to such a lopsided score-- get as many of them as you can into the shot. If the story is about this kid, obviously you look at the images with a different eye.
#3 is the keeper.
Jeff Guyer
jjgueyr@gmail.com
Oops... typo in previous.
ReplyDeleteCorrection: jjguyer@gmail.com
I pick #3.
ReplyDeleteThis picture shows comraderie and jubilation in a perfect moment. All clearly visible for us to experience as if we were there.
rvmss@yahoo.com
I pick #3.
ReplyDeleteIt shows the most emotion. Number 1 barely shows faces, and doesn't have the player interacting with the helmet. Number 2 looks weird because there are limbs in there with no clear views of a person. It looks cluttered.
3 has a lot going on, but it also tells the most. It has the interaction with the helmet, and it shows the faces, specifically the middle player's face, that was missing in number 2.
I also like the angle. It looks a bit more compressed, and doesn't cut anything off, either.
Good luck all!
aleksi@lepisto.com
I am going to say number 1 - all the main subjects are in there that are in the pic no obstructions - photo 2 one player is blocked by the arm, photo 3 that player is visible but I think awkwardly framed by the arm jutting across.
ReplyDeleteYou know what would be awkardly framed? My 1DS MKII sitting in the urban disguise!
Bill Nichols
wnichols @ gmail dot com
"You know what would be awkardly framed? My 1DS MKII sitting in the urban disguise!"
ReplyDeleteshould have read "what WOULDN'T be"
All are great images AL! However I'll have to pick image #1. Its the least cluttered image. I love the Clemson player walking off in background. So you know who they were playing against. There is a better symmetrical feel of the image with focus going toward Millhouse. Millhouse's body is elevated higher which adds excitement. Yep, I'm going with #1!
ReplyDelete#1 - No contest for me! After looking at the photos over and over my simply goes to #1 again and again. It "feels" like, when I look at the photo, that I can see the action happening. Almost like I can see the guy being lifted. The other photos are nice, but they don't seem to display the action as fully as the first image.
ReplyDeleteAs a former sports editor, I would have and would now, picked no. 3. Like them all, but No. 3 just has more facial emotion that grabs you.
ReplyDeletebeing that i do sports photography, i would pick #3. Why? its unique, its funny, it shows team spirit. It's the type of shot you get once in a great while
ReplyDeletethe expressions and how everyone is placed looks like "awww look at the baby" feel to it. which is extremely humorous and draws me in to find out more.
I like the first picture, expressing energy and joy, anger and satisfaction.
ReplyDeleteHere we see concretely how the photo is different than the video. Each image has own atmosphere. I like the photo 3. It can be noted the facial expressions best.
ReplyDeletekalervo.kopra @ gmail dot com
2
ReplyDeleteGoing with #3 - more clean with hands, faces - great interaction and love the guy in the back coming to celebrate with teammates...
ReplyDeleteLogan MB
thegetaways@yahoo.com
I would have to say I'd go with #1. Not sure I love the placement of the opposing player, but think it's good to have him to help immediately identify teams here. At first glance I liked #2 the best because I didn't like the hand behind the foot in the first one, but the expression on the face is what sells #1. The other two don't read as well to know what exactly has just happened, while they are clearly teammates, it doesn't read like that immediately, almost looks like they could be shots of a play. Also #3 looks like the one on the right is almost throwing the one with the ball down to the ground, we know this isn't the case, but not on first glance. I think more often than not, having to read into a celebration shot isn't a good
ReplyDeletething.
Brett Clark
brettclarkphotography@gmail.com
#3
ReplyDeleteFaces, faces, faces.
Everyone in the frame adds to the emotion of the moment and the sporting event being covered.
The Clemson player walking off in background of #1 just does not add to the storytelling other than to busy a background.
You have seconds to maintain the viewers interest on the web or hold attention in a publication...#3 tells that story.
Gary Miller
Number 3. Three faces in a snap with one showing emotion equals happy photo editor.
ReplyDelete#3. Hands down the best of the three for joy, composition and all hands on the player held. #1 Awkward, but has body language. #2 - Getting better but the half helmet bugs me.
ReplyDelete#3, hands down
ReplyDeleteI would pick #3 because 3 of the 4 faces and expressions are at least partially visible in frame and really show the emotion, celebration, and team nature of the sport.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest!
Jamison (at) quietartphoto.com
#1. Looks more like celebration. 2 and 3 look like a head-slap.
ReplyDeleteKinda of a tough call for me, 2 & 3 the position of the third guy is a bit awkward. I think my pick would be #1 the interaction is very clear between the player being lifted and the one lifting him. plus #1 you can see the face of the lifter. The third play just entering the frame in #1 is clearly coming in to join the celebration. where in 2&3 it almost looks like he is knocking the ball carrier down.... #1 is it for me!
ReplyDeletei would go with Image #3 as it is the only image what you can see the Orange Bowl Logo on anyone uniform.
ReplyDelete#3- no doubt
ReplyDelete#3, easily.
ReplyDeletehalflifedude46@gmail.com
I would go with #3, as the faces and logos show up the best on that photo
ReplyDeleteFIRST..dang nice pic dude.
ReplyDelete#3 hands down.
in #1 --the Clemson guy is nice to have but does little. (Maybe if his head was buried in deject but he's barely noticable as is). ...plus the high five is lost in the shoe
#2 -- The juxtaposition of of the player coming through the legs starts to take this jube to a whole new level. That's rarely seen.
#3-- obviously the dude with the ball is the key player for the story and you start to see his expression better now. Plus the distracting light is gone from above the foot.
although i said hands down, that isn't exactly true.. they are all winners. That's how i analyzed it in the moment. All great comments and cool blog Al !
ReplyDeleteFirst glance I like the last frame. After further review I would go with the second of the three. The two images are almost the same except the hand position of the person on the right. I don't like it when it is down by the guy's butt nearly as much as when it seems he is reaching out.
ReplyDeleteI would pick #3. The way he just is falling after getting shoved in the face is just so powerful. Combined with the way his teammate is trying to break the fall but fails just adds more power to the person who shoved.
ReplyDeleteWynston
contact@wynstonfernando.com
For me, image selection has no set rules except, don't choose photos that suck! The rest is up to the ritual of interpretation and understanding the story the photographer is trying to show. By this I mean the story changes, depending on the team you're covering, the role the news plays to your organization and of course the insight gained from each image.
ReplyDeleteWhen I am editing a body of work, after I consider all of the above, I retell the story in my mind. Sort of like a movie. I look for the pieces that go with all of scenes in my mind. This even works in sports photography. Think of the images that go with the scenes in your movie. The tale of the Cinderella basketball team or the seasoned veterans last dance, pardon my Bret Favre moment, and that makes my first edit flow smoothly.
I then start searching for redundancies, similar frames or photos that feel the same even if they are different, and I set them aside for closer examination. Then I start to hash out the slight differences in similar frames. Similar frames as you discussed, have incremental differences but the theme of the movie in my head helps me differentiate. Sometimes a great image can dictate the whole movie, sometimes it needs to fit within the perspective we are trying to share. So that's how I decide! I like #2 but I can see a place for all three as the story changes. #2 is a simple thrill of victory story!
All three shots are great. I like the position of the players in #2, more draatic, but #3 has that player in the back showing completely and to me that adds to the frame, shows there was more players involved in the play. So #3 is my pick.
ReplyDeletemateamiche@hotmail.com
I am partial to # 3....It makes me feel happy for the team. The players look so happy to have made a great play and proud of their teammate..I can feel the emotion of the moment
ReplyDeletesusan@snolanphoto.com
#3 - more players recognizable, players closer together to celebrate as team, less empty space around the group.
ReplyDeletecomps@ocoffice.co.uk
#2 because it is the peak of the moment.
ReplyDeleteseisenbach@hotmail.com
#3 by a nose over #2 because of the expression of the player on the left. I like the less cluttered look of #2. #3 and #2 have it all over #1, another fine shot if the other two didn't exist.
ReplyDeleterobert@robertstolpe.com
I think the jubilation on #3 pulls everything together nicely. The moment and reaction between the two foreground players is at its best. Player right has his hand on player left's head at a moment that isn't as awkward as photo #2. Photo #1 is a height of excitement but again the player on the right is a little awkward, he looks like he's swatting his legs. I think photo #1 and #2 are cleaner than #3, player #5 in the background is a little distracting on image #3, but it doesn't matter, their moment is priceless. Nice pics!
ReplyDeletebrian.feulner@gmail.com
I would pick #1 because its less cluttered than #2 and #3. In my opinion, #1 is the peak action, leaves a little anticipation of the team celebration, and is the most aesthetically pleasing frame.
ReplyDeleteI like #2. There is a little closer interaction, a little more focus on the celebration. First one he's just up in the air, third one is a little on the awkward side. I like how the players are connecting in 2.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Jennifer Owens
agentstar1@yahoo.com
Me gusta la #1, ya que veo la imagen mas limpia , ya que esta mas facil de leer.
ReplyDeleteRoberto Koltun
koltun@bellsouth.net
NO#1 .. bokkeh is great .. the shot is a winner!
ReplyDeleteahhphoto@gmail.com
Number 3 shows jubilation of the victory. Faces are more visible, makes you want to celebrate with the team. Great shots!!
ReplyDeleteyotoy1@gmail.com
Hey Al, just like we had a similar discussion a couple years ago at the Sun Bowl, I would pick #1. I like that your player is higher in the air, plus the view of the opposing player completes the story.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you are doing well. Take Care
-Fernie
fernie.castillo@gmail.com
Hi Al,
ReplyDeleteMy first reaction was number two but then having the middle face come through in #3 made it my winner. Also like the placement of the hands below and on the helmet more in #3. More smiling faces makes it a stronger image for me as well as getting the number of the player in the air for identification.
best,
sean71269@yahoo.com
Number 1 for the simple reason is it is the only one where you can see the player doing the lifting.
ReplyDeleteemail@ozdigitalllc.com
No question! #2. It's clean. The lines are uninterrupted. Arms of player on right are repeating patterns in an oblique angle. Feet in air form a single unifying graphical object. Hand on helmet not lost in black of background helmet in #3. More at the peak of celebration than #3. Fewer distracting background elements that are pieces of larger objects.
ReplyDelete#1 depicts a one-man acomplishment. #2 depicts a 2-man acomplishment. #3 shows team effort. Assuming the story is about the team, I would select the third image.
ReplyDeleteOrlando@rammacphoto.com
Al,
ReplyDeleteI would select #3 for having the best overall exposure, the ability to see more facial expression on the principle subject, and more interaction / celebration with 3 teammates.
jade18@gmail.com
#1 because it has the Clemson player in the background.
ReplyDeletetim.clark@athlonsports.com
#1, Shows the enjoyment of the players in the best way. The rest is a bit to late. It is also a bit more 'open' than the rest which I like.
ReplyDelete( laat0274@hotmail.com )
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteCommemt #99 to say I know nothing about football but love Think Tank Photo.
ReplyDelete#3 is the best one!
ReplyDelete#3...has the best "movement" to it and you can see faces
ReplyDelete#3 gets my vote. Gimme that face, Gimme that smile!
ReplyDeletesuhai19@yahoo.com
#1 gets my vote because it is the strong point of the glorious action.
ReplyDeletefotogirl19@yahoo.com
DeleteI'd go with number 2, like the position of the player up in the air and the other player with his hand on the hemet.
ReplyDeleteronskinner4435@sbcglobal.net
I think I would go with #1. It shows the strength of the guy who is picking him up. It also looks as though there is more eye contact between the third player and the ball holder. In number 2 and 3 the player is laying down and being carried by all of the other players.
ReplyDeleteThe ball carrier looks too passive. In number 1 he's holding his legs out and participating in the celebration.
ben@benjaminfweaver.com
Very cool contest!
ReplyDelete2nd frame which shows the celebration within the team. The first frame is not quite there yet, it could be just a team mate picking him up and trying to throw him down.
ReplyDeleteburst@orcon.net.nz
I choose the 2nd frame, which appears to have the best resolution and lighting.
ReplyDeletePlease post who you are in the body of the text.
DeleteI'm going with #1. The energy shows real well in this one. The opposing player in the background also adds to the story.
ReplyDeletethechickenscoop@gmail.com
I would pick number two. It has the player on the right more involved in the action whilst not having the distraction of the background player that the third image has.
ReplyDeletecdaniels72@tiscali.co.uk
In my opinion image composition is the most important factor. Image quality is secondary. Therefore I pick number 2. In the first frame there is an orange player in the background looking in a different direction which distracts me from the actual scene. In frame number 3 the player appears being carried.
ReplyDeletecosmintegla@gmail.com
I like #3 because it is the most scaled down of the 3...
ReplyDeleterlbalala@gmail.com
DeleteI will definitely choose photo #2 with one reason: it's the peak of the moment.
ReplyDeletePhoto #2 and #3 will lead us to see the joy and cheerful celebration.
hari.armin@gmail.com
I would pick #1 over the other two because it feels like there is more separation between the players. In #2 and #3 they seem to blend together more and it looses a bit of the celebration feeling.
ReplyDeleteThanks for giving us the chance to give our opinions as well as the cool ThinkTank giveaway!
Adam
FlyACL@gmail.com
al, we agreed on #3, cause our dog cooper looked at them and barked three times. he has been a reliable photo editor.
ReplyDeletewmichot@miamiherald.com
DeleteI would pick #3. The player on the right involved in the action and saw smile face of all players.
ReplyDeletethanapol@gmail.com
DeleteNr 1. Cleaner, and more action
ReplyDeleteemail: jan@janluursema.nl
DeleteMy pick #3
ReplyDeletedk@danielkorzeniewski.com
I prefer frame #2. The guy on the right has both arms reaching towards #85, which does several things for the image:
ReplyDelete1. Shows more interaction between the players.
2. Helps draw your eye to #85.
3. Creates a nice "V" shaped graphic in the image.
I say number one.
ReplyDeleteWparmentier@gmail.com
I really like the 3rd photo, i think it really shows a lot. You can see the whole football, you have more then one player in action. Cconstb21@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI pick the #1.Well frame! Freeze the action and looks great.
ReplyDeletePlease post who you are.
DeleteGo with the first one. the fist image in a series tends to express what we see as image makers
ReplyDeleteEd Pouso edpouso@gmail.com
#1
ReplyDeleteI pick this one because the focus is on the guy being pulled into the air were in the other the focus is more the the other mans hand.
Maherharoun@yahoo.com
I think #1 is the way to go. The dude with the ball looks like a child being carried like that. Very funny.
ReplyDeleterkane007@gmail.com
#1 does it for me, as you get the spur of the moment action plus the opposing player just walking away, which gives the photo some real dynamics.
ReplyDeleteagno3.74@gmail.com
ooooh, it is so hard to choose. I like them all, but if I have to choose it would be number 3 (: they are all holding each other and just completely in "the moment"! The moment where everyone is just like, "that's right...that's how we roll." Annnnd we all love those moments!(: LOVE IT!
ReplyDelete-Jordan
jordiec77@yahoo.com
I would go with 3. Like the expression on the face of 85, and the left arm of the player with the helmet pat is in a pleasing postion.
ReplyDeleteThey are all winners tho
karl@karlfisherphotography.com is my email address!
DeleteAs an editor I would run with three. Peak action, better faces, and slightly more symmetrical along the top of the frame with the helmets. But it would be a tough choice over two. Not to waffle, but nothing wrong with running a sequence as well.
Deletecarlpatzel.com
f8nbethere@gmail.com
I'd choose the 1st image. It cathes a really great moment.
ReplyDeleteZoltan
zoltan.jakab@ymail.com
I would go with #3. It shows the best image of what the ball carrier's mood is. You can see his smile behind the mouthpiece.
ReplyDeleteSteve Smith
smitty0421@yahoo.com
Hello Al, I would go with #3 you can see more of everyones face in this one and makes you wonder what will happen next.
ReplyDeleteKevin Yazzie
yazzie1969@netscape.net
I would pick #3. Being able to clearly see the faces and their expressions really catches a team in a moment of celebration.
ReplyDeletewinstonsimwingchow@gmail.com
Al, these are all great images, and it's easy to see why one could be in a quandary as as to which is the best to pick. But looking at all three of them, I'll have to go along with the others who picked #3. You've caught a moment in time that never was before and never will occur again.
ReplyDeleteThe sequence is great, but the human emotion and pure jubilation captured in #3 really does it for me.
And thanks for sharing this with us!
jargontalk@gmail.com
All three images are fantastic, but if I had to pick the one to publish I would choose #1. You can feel the energy and excitement in this one as they lift him up. I also like the opposing player slowly walking by in the background with his head down. Tells the whole story!
ReplyDeletePhoto #3!! :) Would have said 2 because the higher position or player on the left hand is higher and draws a person in. #3 instead because you can all see some of the players next to them. You can see another player's helmet. Part of a face of another player in third one. Would be difficult choosing best sports photos sometimes.
ReplyDeleteNancy
vigor@q.com
I'd choose no. 2 because it looks more "dynamic" to me. Also, it conveys joy, rugged, playful tenderness/ friendship... very nice.
ReplyDeleteabraxas9@gmx.de
I'd pick #3. There is a tad more going on without making the photo confusing. Also, because the player on the right has moved his hand, you can see more clearly that the main player has another player's arms wrapped around his waist. Number 2 isn't a bad choice either and number 1 is great until you see the other two. All are nice frames, Al.
ReplyDeletetom
#3 on the front page if I was picking.
ReplyDeleteJohn from Colorado
john (at) agoldenstitch.com
I choose number three because number one looks like a foot is getting a hi fiving. Number two, a face is being hidden even though it isnt the main focus that seems to be a distraction. Number three i think shows the excitement in all of the players faces, not just the one being lifted up, and that seems like what the shot is supposed to be all about.
ReplyDeleteCoco
Cocorhea@gmail.com
All three were interesting, but Photo#1 intrigued me the most because the receivers legs suspended in the air, after blowing out Clemson by running all over them, to see the player's legs suspended in the air, to capture that moment in time, made the photo surreal to me, great photo. Since it's a team game, every player has to carry his load for the team to be successful, he ain't heavy, he's my brother, and his legs aren't even tired, they're floating in the air...cool.(jdhoscam1@cs.com)
ReplyDeleteIf I had to pick one of these, I would say it's 3....where you can see the action and expressions of all three players involved. I would have liked to see 1&6 though....
ReplyDeleteI'm picking #2 I feel it has the best overall expressions and it just strikes me the most. bill@main-light-photo.com
ReplyDeleteI think photo #1 tells the story the clearest. No caption needed.
ReplyDelete(edgeephoto@aol.com)
I feel that #1 shows the most jubilation and that is what the picture should be portraying so for that reason I feel it is stronger than #2.
ReplyDeletejake(@)jacobjamesphotography(dot)co(dot)uk
I have to go with #3. lilredrgp@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHey Al, great meeting you!
ReplyDeleteMy vote goes to #3. I love the camaraderie.
christopherhill@mail.com
DeleteI'm gonna go with #2. 85's legs up on the shoulders of his teammate show impressive height as well as an interesting position you don't often see. You can still see another player behind him holding him up with another coming in, all joining in the celebration, while still being able to easily see the emotion on his face.
ReplyDeleteryan.martin.kelly@gmail.com
I would go with photo # 3 as its where the joy of all the four players are captured. this photo depicts the moment where all the four player came together to celebrate. :)
ReplyDeletekaus07@gmail.com
Photo #1 is the best moment - #3 is also quite nice, but the lift I think works pretty well.
ReplyDeleteAl,
ReplyDeleteI really like number one. It showcases the victory of the play before the rest of the team can join in on the celebration! The first capture of a photo blast catches the true raw story the clearest.
andreadeeb@me.com
Three is the clear choice. The most emotion and a clear shot of the ball with the eye traveling around the frame perfectly. Nice shot!
ReplyDeleteHmm, I'd say image 3 is the winner. It's not semi-confusing like 1, and it has a clearer message than 2.
ReplyDeleteYup, definitely 3.
Although, picking these images is hard work, when its not 3... but 190 of them :( I don't know how you sports photographers and make the decisions! it's tough! lol
-David
dpino@nova.edu
reicaden@bellsouth.net
#2 all the way!!!\
ReplyDeleteMichelle Goodall
alockintime@comcast.net
I would choose #1 as I think there are more interaction and energy in the photos! Can see the wide grin of the player through his helmet!
ReplyDeleteDK
coolsigg@gmail.com
#3 is For The Win of course!
ReplyDeletelove the expressions of the players, the joy that spread from those happy faces.
vote for #3!
Regards,
Erick Diavlo ( Erick.Diavlo@gmail.com )
I would go with image 3, there's a bit more exuberance expressed. My only qualm would be the hand that looks likes it's on his butt. :)
ReplyDeleteI have to go with #2......
ReplyDeleteNumber 3 really shows emotion. Makes you wanna see what's happened next.
ReplyDeleteShawn G.
yotoy_1@yahoo.com
I think number one best embodies the feeling of celebration and victory. For me it is the clear choice.
ReplyDeleteblacklist@gmail.com
I would definitely go with the first photo. I love the expression on the players face, and you can anticipate the celebration to come. This was a perfect moment frozen in time. Great job!!
Deletekaretovaphotography@yahoo.com
It's a toss up between 2 and 3, but I like #2.
ReplyDeleteI would chose #1. It caught THE moment.
ReplyDeleteI think Image #3 is the winner. Although all three images are great and express accomplishment and happiness, 3 shows more than just that. In 3, we see two other players enter the scene, along with the original player and the airborne player.
ReplyDeleteYou can see a clear grin of joy on the airborne player's face and the smiles and faces on the faces of the other players not so clearly seen in image 2.
Joy and camaraderie are more important that actually winning the game. Image 3 clearly shows the happiness not just in the player holding the ball but all 4 of the players.
#1 shows more emotion.
ReplyDeleteI would go with #3. You've got more players faces and the ball carrier is facing more into the camera with a better view of his expression. You've also got a good composition of all the bodies within the frame.
ReplyDeleteScott Stuart
rsstuart@me.com
I really like all three, they tell different parts of the same story. My first pick was #1, because as someone else noted, the Clemson player in the background walking off gives an added emphasis to the celebration. But I ended up with #3, solely because of the big grin on #85's face. I think that sums up the whole thing.
ReplyDeletelarry@impactphotoimaging.com
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI like photo 3, the clarity, composition and "the look" makes for a great capture. Thanks for sharing your photography as it provides inspiration to one just starting in photography. In a few weeks little league baseball will start and I was planning to shoot a few games to learn more about shutter speed in an attempt to freeze the movement, your blog provides valuable info and encouragement. Again, thanks for sharing. Turner tluttrel@bellsouth.net
ReplyDeleteI'd go with #1. There's good dynamics, clear movement, the decisive moment!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLet's try that again... I like # 1 - seems to be the "peak" of the lift, and the lines and spacing all repeat that pinnacle moment. mitymous1 AT geemail dot com....
ReplyDelete#3 would be my choice ~
ReplyDeletecleaner image compare to #2 esp. in the middle where the orange portion appears in #2.
iamrickylai @ gmail.com
#3 shos them best as a group while still featuring the hero prominently.
ReplyDeleteonkel_wart(AT)yahoo.de
I'd go with the #3. #1 is good but i think #3 is better because the subjects interacts with each other and tells a lot of story. #3 photo also have a better exposure and angle than the #2. So i would choose the #3 for a photo to be publish. info.reymondpadriga@gmail.com
ReplyDelete#3 Al
ReplyDeleteThe reason for this is because all the players have come to "pick up" the player with the ball after what he did.. it shows team comradery and is a "team spirited" image that also shows how intense all the players are even when celebrating
A rub on the helmet, smiles all found.. great timing in that shot.
wazza501@gmail.com
#3 for me. It just seems better balanced, requiring less effort to take in the celebrations than the 'spread' of subjects in #1 whilst the additional visible face, versus #2, yields that magical symmetry that comes with odd numbers.
ReplyDeleteI almost went for #1 but couldn't drag my eye from the stay Clemson player that appears surgically attached to the WV players knee.....
My only thoughts beyond that are whether the #5 WV player could be cropped out to tighten on the jubilant group.
Woody
Muckup777@gmail.com
#3 I think having more faces in a shot is better in this case.
ReplyDeleteDoug
admin@mercercountysports.com
I commented on January 6 - my email is - kilgore . colton @ gmail . com
ReplyDeleteThe U Pick 'em contest is now closed for entries. The first and second prize will be announced and posted soon.
ReplyDeletewhen I saw that score I thought it was a basketball game. Damn.
ReplyDeletesmorton