Track and field
Nick Rogers

Track and field

December 2018

A great image that interestingly juxtaposes age against youth very effectively. The shutter speed has recorded movement in the runner in contrast to the more considered movements of the two ladies. So, a very eye-catching example of street photography but sadly not fitting the brief strongly enough for this competition. I'd suggest trying another competition as it should do well in the right situation.

A great picture but sadly, like so many other images it had nothing to do with track and field sports, which are essentially covered by athletics and involve running, jumping and throwing. The events take place at a stadium with a dedicated running track and grass field. This image has the slenderest link to sporting endeavour, so my advice is to read the brief carefully before selecting your entries.....and try this in another competition.

Entry 3103162
50th
46
Expert
winner

Drone photography is the latest way in which photographers can search for the perpetually elusive new angle on a familiar subject and this picture has achieved that with great impact. The high view is still tightly framed and effectively simple in its composition; the shadows make very striking shapes and add dynamism to the image.

Entry 2990812
10th
2
358
Entry 2995156
49th
6

A terrific action shot that shows this powerful athlete at a critical point in his swing. The composition is centred around his expression and whilst this holds our attention the position of the hammer is well placed to convey the effort required.

Entry 2999305
46th
41

The graphic simplicity of this image adds huge impact. The white lines of the lanes guide our eyes through the composition, whilst the two rows of competitors provide a strong focal point. The choice of a B&W presentation has removed the potential distraction of colour and ensures we immediately engage with the subject matter.

Entry 3003992
61st
10

348 Images entered

Brief

See more contest details

The physical and emotional struggle of trying to make it first past the line, directly in competition with your peers, is one of the reasons why track and field photography is so impactful and rewarding. Before any event, you need to give careful thought to where to stand for best results. Have fun!

This athlete is a picture of calm serenity as she glides around the track. The high viewpoint has enabled you to achieve an uncluttered composition (let's hope she was leading) and allows us to enjoy her mid-air stance and a look of studied concentration.

Entry 3012250
13th
5
Entry 3018528
2nd
48
Entry 3018529
20th
160

Strength and effort are beautifully portrayed in the faces of these competitors. 461 stares ahead in deep concentration (assisted by her tongue), whilst her team mate bellows encouragement and support. Even though the depth of field understandably falls away 513 has a face of determination that completes the drama of the moment.

Entry 3093938
68th

The combination of low viewpoint and fast shutter have delivered a very effective result. The sand frozen in time makes a great trailing shape as he lands, whilst the background shows enough detail of the referee to tell the story without him becoming intrusive.

Crowd
winner

This is a super shot that captures the moment perfectly with a great technique that has recorded a pin-sharp result at high speed. The benefits of a fast lens also add to the impact, with a shallow depth of field that has created an unobtrusive background, aided by your low viewpoint.

Above all, the expression on her face is priceless and adds that 'something extra' to bring a picture to life and lift it above the ordinary. Her mid-jump pose is equally striking and your fast shutter + shallow depth of field combination has worked perfectly. I hope results like this will help you to gain access to future events.

Meet the expert judge

237 Photographers

14,392 Ratings

I loved this picture and the endeavours of these young footballers on a well worn makeshift pitch. Sadly, like so many other images it had nothing to do with track and field sports, so my advice is to read the brief carefully before selecting your entries.....and try this in another competition.