An annual assignment for me is the Arnold Sports Festival where as many as 17,000 athletes compete in about 40 sports. This will be my 16th year shooting the weekend having made the transition from processing color film in a utility closet to a staff of six photographers all shooting digital and delivering photos in near real time during the now four-day event.
Although the weekend takes its name from what is arguably the world’s most famous bodybuilder and features collectively more muscles per pound of body weight than any other event I can think of, the most interesting parts of the weekend are where the amateurs compete. Especially the youth in martial arts, gymnastics, fencing, wrestling, weightlifting and cheerleading.
Despite the different muscle groups and techniques required for each of these sports, each athlete has a common element that photographers can concentrate on to help make telling photos.
I’ve a great collection of photos from the gymnastics events. Everything from rings and uneven bars to pummel horse and floor exercises. Of course there are the moments when great flying leaps and pauses at the end of a strength move can show an athlete’s prowess. I’ve many photos like that
I’d rather watch the athlete’s eyes such as this young girl’s intensity as she begins her horizontal bar routine.
Sure, an athlete’s movements are spectacular to watch and even more wonderful for a great photographer to capture in a still image than can be studied by fans. For most sports photographers nothing satisfies more than peak action photos where the athlete’s movement are at their zenith and victory is captured at that moment.
That intensity, focusing on an objective, preparing for movement, calculating the result, and executing the necessary steps for victory can always be captured in the eyes. It’s rare to see because of the difficulties of shooting tight enough to see an athlete’s eyes. When we do, the story is better revealed.
That intensity is not confined to athletes. Watch most anyone attempting to complete a goal and their eyes will tell the tale. Even when they are shopping for discounts at a closeout sale.
