Chris Detrick
Columbia Missourian
Senior
University of Missouri
Photo By: CHRIS DETRICK
COLUMBIA, MO --Jan. 27, 2005--
University of Missouri junior Jodie Heinicka releases the upper bar in
practice for the upcoming gymnastics meet against the University of
Nebraska inside the Hearnes Center. At the meet, Heinicka tied for 6th
place on the uneven bars with a score of 9.750, helping Missouri to a
196.800-195.575 victory over Nebraska.
We stay in the realm of sports photography this week with a wonderfully graphic gymnastics photo by Chris Detrick of the University of Missouri. This is a great example of finding a beautiful scene and then waiting for the perfect subject to pass through it. Especially, when feature hunting, I find it very beneficial to stake out a prime photo location and then wait for the human element to energize the image. This is a prime example of that approach.
The black background with the white lights and the white bars is an interesting contrast to the warm tones of the gymnast. The timing of the shot places the gymnast, with her out-stretched arms, in the perfect position. This photo is pretty close to being a flawless sports photo. Unfortunately there is one thing that could make it more significant, that is, having it been during the actual competition. If this shot goes with a feature story on gymnast Jodie Heinicka, then there is no problem, but in a portfolio or as daily news coverage, it drops down a notch because of the fact that it’s practice.
I know that during the competition, it’s not possible to physically shoot from this position but with a little finesse and cajoling, it might be possible to set up a remote camera in this spot.
If you are interested in making sports photography your career, you have to do something to separate yourself from the thousands and thousands of shooters who rely on nothing more than auto focus to make the shot. You need to find unique angles and fresh moments to be noticed. Judging from this image, that’s exactly what Chris Detrick is doing.
