Sport

This type of shot is incredibly difficult to capture: not only do you have to be quick and precise with your focusing, you also need to have your camera pointing in exactly the right spot. So well done to our third-place photographer for this shot. I love the use of the wide aperture to blur the background, enabling the spraying chalk dust to stand out. The final edit has also been completed to a high standard. All I can say is game, set and match to this photographer!

The photographer has managed to shoot a dynamic image that captures the moment a high-jumper flings themselves over the bar. I love the facial expression on the high-jumper’s face: a mixture of determination and concentration. The photographer has done well to crop out any distractions, and the plain blue sky is the perfect backdrop to isolate the athlete. The photographer has selected a fast enough shutter speed to ensure the jumper is sharp and their focusing is spot-on. Great job!

Photographing sport is not all about high-speed action, as this image demonstrates. The anticipation and atmosphere before the event can be just as powerful and interesting as the moment itself. This photographer has managed to capture a dramatic and spectacular scene that works on many levels. The bright neon colours of the skier enable us to spot them in the open and tough environment. The fact they appear so tiny in the composition reminds us of their vulnerability in the face of nature, but also their toughness as an athlete. From a technical standpoint this image ticks all the boxes. The photographer has done well to keep an even exposure and not to blow the highlights in the snow. This image takes my breath away and is a well deserved first-place winner.