The Eclipse for Photography...

my miss storm cat · #1 12-22-2007, 11:53 AM

A joke.

http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=42855

Could have been taken by a kid with a throwaway camera.....

Composition, content, I don't like this shot on so many levels (although the flagpole sticking out of the jock's butt is a nice and unprofessional touch

).

My problem with it isn't that it's a spill (although.....), it's that it does NOT define racing.

Thoughts?

Holland Hacker · #2 12-22-2007, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

A joke.

http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=42855

Could have been taken by a kid with a throwaway camera.....

Composition, content, I don't like this shot on so many levels (although the flagpole sticking out of the jock's butt is a nice and unprofessional touch

).

My problem with it isn't that it's a spill (although.....), it's that it does NOT define racing.

Thoughts?

I had similar thoughts when I saw this was an Eclipse Award winning photo. It just goes to show that it is more about being in the right place at the right time than planning, composing etc.

I don't follow the Eclipse awards that much out of curiosity are there other Steeplechase awards given out as Eclipse Awards?

saratogabrit · #3 12-22-2007, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holland Hacker

I had similar thoughts when I saw this was an Eclipse Award winning photo. It just goes to show that it is more about being in the right place at the right time than planning, composing etc.

I don't follow the Eclipse awards that much out of curiosity are there other Steeplechase awards given out as Eclipse Awards?

Just one for best Steeplechase horse

MaTH716 · #4 12-22-2007, 06:16 PM

I think the picture is great. It is a right place right time sort of shot. I could understand why people (especially on this board) would not like the photo. Whenever you see some sort of dramatic photo like this, you have to try to determine what the outcome was. With this shot, there is a chance that the jockey and or the horse could have been seriously injured. Would you have the same reaction to a stuntman flipping over the handlebars of a motorcycle? But just the thought of a horse maybe having to be put down is a very sensitive subject. The fact that everyone was ok makes the picture even better.

iceman967 · #5 12-23-2007, 08:55 PM

The eclipse award for photography is a joke. It often goes to the "coolest" photo as defined by an 11 year old boy.

ALostTexan · #6 12-23-2007, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iceman967

The eclipse award for photography is a joke. It often goes to the "coolest" photo as defined by an 11 year old boy.

Very true. I think this fits that criteria as well...

ALostTexan · #7 12-22-2007, 12:24 PM

Was the horse OK? Was the jockey OK? These questions have alot to do with how much I like the picture...

my miss storm cat · #8 12-22-2007, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALostTexan

Was the horse OK? Was the jockey OK? These questions have alot to do with how much I like the picture...

Yeah, according to the article they were both fine.

Mag · #9 12-22-2007, 12:38 PM

"Composition, content, I don't like this shot on so many levels (although the flagpole sticking out of the jock's butt is a nice and unprofessional touch )."

LOL! Now that you mention it!

Riot · #10 12-22-2007, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALostTexan

Was the horse OK? Was the jockey OK? These questions have alot to do with how much I like the picture...

They were both entirely uninjured - bloodhorse.com Last years Eclipse winner was a picture of Julian Leparoux hanging on for dear life to the head of a horse. Afleet Alex picture? Didn't show anything, really, the impact was as we know how it turned out. I like this picture, although I understand your comments. It's hard to catch everything in the air! Opportunity knocks.

I'm going to go see if I can find the other Eclipse candidate photos somewhere.

Edit: google images: eclipse award photography shows most of them

my miss storm cat · #11 12-22-2007, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnanimous

It is deserving. The thing with photography is that a bunch of it is timing. If you are around the most interesting thing and the only one to get a shot you win.

The great ones do things for extended periods of time. That is why Barbara Livingston (spelling) is considered the best in the business.

It still comes down to the actual shot though, or it should, and not some kind of shock value.

I can't see anyone saying this was the most interesting event of the year.

My opinion is just an opinion. I studied photojournalism at Pepperdine and while that makes me no expert here, I look at it and see so many flaws.....

* * *

edit - You know, I didn't mean to ask for opinions and knock yours down but tell me... what do you like about it?

blackthroatedwind · #12 12-22-2007, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnanimous

The great ones do things for extended periods of time. That is why Barbara Livingston (spelling) is considered the best in the business.

Nothing against Barbara, but I don't think she's considered better than Mike Martin.

saratogabrit · #13 12-22-2007, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

Nothing against Barbara, but I don't think she's considered better than Mike Martin.

They are the two photographers that would probably spring to mind if most people were asked to name 2 photographers

Both excellent. Both with 2 Eclipse wins I think but because of her 4 books she is far better known than Marten.