The photography awards at the British Sports Journalism Awards go from strength to strength and this year was another belter with the help of our partners, Canon.
Press Segment Manager Jakki Moores is committed to finding and inspiring young talent and had a table full of young prospects at the Westminster Bridge Park Plaza on Monday night. Judging by the Tweeting in the wee small hours of Tuesday morning, a good time was had by all!
The next-gen are given a glimpse of what could lie ahead for them, from the photo exhibition of the shortlisted entries to how to make a winning speech. Then there is the story behind the picture, printed this week on the Canon site.
SJA Canon Sports Photographer of the Year (Ed Lacey Trophy) – Richard Heathcote
Heathcote, who leads the Olympic coverage of Getty, and who is a pioneer of remote and robotic technology, explains:
“The punches and shapes made by the boxers were all three-quarter-on and working for the photographers on the other side. We also had the large orange LED boards over every corner, which created messy backgrounds.
“Joshua threw a right cross that landed really well – the distortion in the face, the spray from the punch and clean background – it was a pivotal moment in the fight and well worth the wait.”
Sports Picture of the Year – Andrew Boyers
Boyers said: “Know the people you’re photographing and anticipate what they might do. I also listen to the radio if there is a commentary going on for most sports I cover.
“I know some people don’t like it, but the radio commentators pass on useful information about an injury, or now with VAR at football they get the feed from the referee and sometimes report on what is going on before a final decision is made.”
Football Portfolio – Lee Smith
He explained: “As the game started, I lay down in the puddle and lowered the camera onto the ground central to the goal mouth, with the base actually submerged in the water. Having done test shots beforehand, I knew I needed a cross into the goal mouth so players would be off the ground and this would create the best effect.”
THE FULL STORY ON THE CANON WEBSITE
With 277 entrants across five categories, the @SportSJA Awards celebrates the photographers capturing iconic sporting moments. Find out the story behind some of the winning images here: https://t.co/PC7kDwqlEs (UK) https://t.co/OSEg1ke1wx (IE) 📷 © @rheathcote / Getty Images pic.twitter.com/ASqhXk7ETg
— Canon UK and Ireland (@CanonUKandIE) February 27, 2020
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- When the master of ceremonies steals the show
- Press release and list of winners
- The complete picture gallery of the shortlisted entries
- About the British Sports Journalism awards