Could I suggest we reserve threads like this for people to post the image(s) they took in the last year to which they feel the most emotionally attached, or ones that they are most proud of, and not for questioning a photographer's decision to include his or her image in the thread, nor for impugning their motives for the inclusion of said image(s)?
Dann, the challenge with posting a shot like yours is that it is inherently presented without the benefit of the explanation you ultimately offered. Lacking your follow-up, all we see is a young ballplayer crying (in pain, physical or emotional, we can't tell) and an adult presumably bending over to offer him comfort, which is to most people, more sad than poignant or moving.
IMO, this is one of the biggest challenges of still photos, and why I personally find truly great sports shots to be so absolutely remarkable - the very best ones tell a story without requiring a follow-up explanation, or even a caption, for that matter. Not every picture is worth a thousand words, but the best of them certainly are, and the thousand words are rarely spoken.
Despite the responses, I got the photo. It was not a downer to me. I understand that not all "great moments" are moments of joy. In fact, while most people love jube shots, I personally enjoy images of dejection, moments where someone just lets go after a big loss and realizes that it's over.
To each their own. That's part of the beauty of photography. We each get to express what we see how we see it.
Despite the responses, I got the photo. It was not a downer to me. I understand that not all "great moments" are moments of joy. In fact, while most people love jube shots, I personally enjoy images of dejection, moments where someone just lets go after a big loss and realizes that it's over.
To each their own. That's part of the beauty of photography. We each get to express what we see how we see it.
Max
Max... it wasn't tears of dejection. I understand tears of dejection. This was tears of pain from that of a little boy no less. I didn't jive with that and since Dann made the statement in the post... "... you tell me..." I told him how I felt about it and wanted to know his rationalization for choosing it as his "best" photo of the year.
I love visiting the Sports Corner and viewing the amazing images. I thank all of you who participate, as I continue to learn from your comments and suggestions.
Here is my favorite from 2008. It's not just the image, but the day as well. Having grown up seeing many games at Yankee Stadium, this game was one of three I made it to this year (I now live in California)...
I welcome any C&C. All the best and Happy Holidays.
I took this one of UAH vs. Barry University in the pouring rain. I mean a real frog strangler. The double header with water spray just makes it unique to me.
It was a toss up between the 3 yr old boy who was throwing dirt at me while growling or this one I wish she had another year of HS, she's so damn fun to shoot and makes great faces.
Too many to look thru to select THE BEST....but I have gone to this one many times because it always makes me smile. I was doing some fan shots at a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees game when I pointed the camera at this little one and this was the look she gave me and just stared me down. And she wouldn't budge and give me a smile.
I don't know if this is my "best" photo of 2008 but it is certainly one of my favorites. Not sure if it qualifies as sports, but hey maybe. Apparently my parents liked it too since it's now poster sized and framed up in their living room!
(bit of trivia for any niners fans out there, the Carolina player is Brent Jones' daughter. Boy those were the glory days for the 49'ers (currently the women's soccer team is going a bit better ). Should also add you can really tell by her explosive speed and fearless attitude and all the near football level blocks and tackles to get to the ball )
