Faces of Swimming: A Photo essay

[JameyPrice]

Now before you jump down my neck mods, bear with me. I am looking for a critique of an idea. I am a sports photographer and collegiate swimmer as well, and decided it would be fun to try and capture the emotions that swimmers outwardly show when they hit the touch pad, turn around and look up at the timing and scoring board to see their time. Capturing raw emotions and feelings as they either feel utter disappointment or jubilation at a job well done...or something in between.

The full set of 8 is on my blog linked below but here are my favorite four.

So again, Im not looking for a particular image critique, but rather a critique of an idea and the overall photo essay.

Exif data for ALL of them was as follows

D300
Nikkor 70-200 2.8
F2.8
1/200
ISO1200

[Scott_TX]

The first picture really shows off lots of emotion and is the only picture of the four that really does anything for me. I do think you have a good idea trying to capture the emotional side of swimming. Also, good work on the picture quality. I know how difficult it can be to photograph swimming.

[deltacsar665]

great shots, the emotion in the first picture seems the most genuine while the rest seem a little less appealing .The perspective in shots 2 and 4 make the pictures more exciting, well done. Sometimes waiting for the right moment before you press the shutter allows you to obtain the full facial expression as presented by the swimmers. Well done anyways

[kgb224]

You captured the emotions very well.Outstanding series of pictures captured by you.

[JameyPrice]

Thanks! I agree with you. The first image is my favorite too. Like I said, I was surprised and a tad dissapointed with the lack of emotion MOST swimmers showed after finishing. Im going to try again at our year end meet in Louisville.

[Jim Bryant]

Good work! One way of capturing images such as you displayed is to know the sport you are covering and it shows. Well done!

[Sterling]

I really like those. The monotone treatment is somewhat unusual and unexpected for swimming scenes but works beautifully. That first one should be in the photographic dictionary under "capturing emotion."

[Chip]

I think all are really well done, but the first stands out to me - most likely due to those remarkably expressive eyes.