After much deliberation, discussion, debate, and delay we’ve finally selected the winning entries for our first Hot Shots Photo Contest. Yes, I did say “entries”. Why? Well, because we had two images that the judges were split 50/50 on and we just couldn’t come up with one outright winner. The thing is that each image had its positives as well as negatives. We felt that while one image was stronger in capturing the action the other was technically a better photo. So since this was our first photo contest and we’re doing this more for the benefit of the participants, we simply decided to select two winning images. The best part of doing so is that each winner will receive the full award that was described! So onto the winning images.
Let me first say that although this is a contest for amateurs and hobbyists we wanted to judge them as we would our own images. In other words we examined and evaluated each submission on the basis of not only what makes a technically good image but also the eye and timing of the photographer.
Our first choice was submitted by Chipi San:
Dillsburg Rumble vs East Penn Tigers
All the judges really felt that Chipi successfully captured a great moment of action with this shot. The focus is right on and the colors pop perfectly. The angle of the player kicking the ball plays well against the other player leaping in the air to block the shot/pass. Now keeping in mind that capturing a “peak” moment is difficult enough, we still had problems with the player on the right. We felt that our attention was continually drawn to the fact that the player in orange was missing his arm from the elbow down. He was just a bit too squeezed to the right side of the image frame. This did seem to distract all of the judges to some degree.
The second winning image was submitted by Jason Swartz:
Getting ready to take a shot!
We were in complete agreement that technically this was the best image submitted. The focus, exposure, and framing are right on. Additionally, the lighting is good and the colors are vibrant. With the players on the right and left both looking down, the player in the center with his head up and the look of concentration on his face, adds an interesting and more compelling element to the photo.
On the other hand, we just felt that the image itself didn’t capture a peak moment as well as Chipi’s photo. While its a technically good photo, it’s just not as dynamic as the first image. Additionally the chair in the back left of the frame does detract somewhat from the picture.
All in all we were all very impressed with all the images submitted and would like to express our thanks and gratitude to everyone who took the time to enter. I would also like to personally thank my fellow professional sports photographers who helped judge the images, including Bryen Ford (Bryen’s Sports Shooter profile). We will be contacting the winners personally to inform them that their images have been selected. At that time we will also make arrangements for allowing them to collect their prizes during the Fall sports season.
We have also decided that we will be holding another amateur photo contest in the fall. Please check back here for the announcement. Have a great summer.
