Sports Stadia and Grounds

This photograph has it all: a wonderful, all-encompassing view from the top tier, mid-pitch. The stadium is literally packed to the rafters. We have a clear central view down to the pitch. The US flag tells us where we are, the pitch markings what game it is, and the fireworks and coloured lights graphically indicate the match is about to commence. The excitement is palpable. I wish I was there!

An excellent architectural photograph: the photographer has aligned their view to the symmetrically designed roof structures, using it as the anchor for the composition. The white of this structure compliments the white of the ice rink. The blue band at bottom anchors the frame. The photographer has captured the skaters in the perfect position to compliment the composition. Their direction of travel leads us to see the spectators levels at right.

The photographer has trekked to this adjacent vantage point to capture this rural cricket pitch with a match underway. As a formal landscape photograph it works on many levels: foreground subject, leading lines taking us deeper into the distance with tiny details (the glistening sea, the craggy ridgeline and lone walker) as our reward. The position of this paddock-come-cricket ground within a natural amphitheatre, provides a clue as to how sporting "events" must have begun. Again: I want to be there (as opening bowler, of course!).

The pitcher has released the ball (a dot near first base). The batter, with leading leg raised, is about to strike. The crowd holds its breath... A great photograph of the action and the multi-tiered space of this baseball stadium.

I liked this "idea" that underlies the photograph. using the goal posts as a geometric element against the geometry of the distant architecture is a novel approach. What furthers this idea is that we see a distorted reflection fo the action below. Great photograph.

This is is such a typical scene in the winter months all over England. A local park or common holds multiple football pitches. Some matches are part of formal league competitions, others adhoc mixtures of friends and locals. Whatever, we take such scenes for granted, but they hold as much nuance and spectacle as a formal stadium. The photographer ably captures the setting, scale and mix of competitors and spectators. (He should score from there).

A famous football club and stadium. This composition captures it expertly. I appreciate the balance of black and white in the band of spectators, the clear "Newcastle United" sign, the twinkling lights, and the early evening sky. The green pitch and those monochrome flags provide contrast, movement and a sense of anticipation for the event ahead. Perfect in every sense.

Pelota is a sport distinct to the Basque region of Spain. This photograph captures perfectly its many characteristics: the special (orange) wall the players strike the ball against, the two players on each team, and importantly, the place of this activity. Such courts are dotted within the urban fabric of the towns and cities of the region. The spectators the locals. The positioning these key elements are perfect.

A stadium is any place that provides space for the action and those who choose to watch. Though this match is in northern India, it could be anywhere that children choose to play a game amongst friends and family. The photographer has captured such a scene perfectly. Our view from behind the "goal" tells us so much about this adhoc match and stadium. Such scenes are wonderful subjects for photography, and this photographer has done an excellent job of capturing this place and moment forever.

Aerial views can be both spectacular and clichéd if over-used. In this instance, however it works perfectly. What I particularly appreciate is the relationship of the stadium to its neighbourhood. Though its shape and scale is incongruous, the colour palette and tone blend perfectly with the local vernacular. The angle of view acts as a syphon, sucking our gaze towards it to learn more about this strange shape and what it must hold.

Early winter training or pre-match warmups. Old and young players concentrate on their respective exercises. The photographer has used the warm, direct sunlight to dramatic effect, creating striking shadows of these players and accentuating the natural light qualities. Another fine photographic rendition of a local, small scale sporting arena.

I like this back-end view of a low-key baseball match. The colour of the ground – the green stripes offset by the brown – provide a striking note. The action is perfectly balanced: the pitcher about to let loose, everyone readied in anticipation. I also appreciate details such as the NCAA Regionals details and river view and its details in the background. All this information is perfectly balanced. And, though some might frown at the thought of photographing through the protective net, I do not. I think it adds a distinct visual quality that makes me want to look harder at the photograph to determine the nature of this cast.

Whilst the context of this photograph is that of a training/bout venue, the principle subject is that of the participants. The boxers. It is therefore more of an environmental group portrait than a photograph of a sporting venue. It is nonetheless an excellent photograph. I the love impromtu position of the each boxer – natural, relaxed, each with their own story. And, in the sort of back street place that a keen photographer would love to discover. Well done for finding it and being ready to make the photograph.

There were several excellent aerial details of stadia and matches amongst the submissions in this competition. In each they provide an unusual vantage point of the many sports that we play and watch. Such bird's eye views are unnatural (humans do not ordinarily fly) and as such provide an inherent discord. Photographically, discord can be used to heighten our reading of an image: from something usually familiar to something peculiar. What I particularly liked about this example of the aerial view, besides the excellent formal composition, is that the sport captured – equestrian show jumping – is uncommon and therefore stimulates another level of visual engagement to fully determine exactly what we are looking at.

A dramatic moment as the crowd surges over the field following a local win. Such as scene provides an unusual take on the stadium view. The spectators are now the spectacle. The excitement is palpable. The mix of colours (the reds, blues, whites and greens) creates a mosaic pattern of the pitch.