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SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Jim Laskay
Springfield News-Sun

 
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Judges' Comments
 

"The photographer was in the right place at the right time to capture the moment of sheer pain. This photo has great composition and cropping as well as timing."

 
 

A big play interrupted by an official during a sporting event. A game’s turning point unfolding across the field, just out of focal range.

"Being at the right place at the right time often has seemed out of my reach," said News-Sun photographer Jim Laskay.

"I’ve taken many ‘good’ shots at athletic events, but the one that I always wanted always seemed to elude me."

He can’t say that now.

"At a high school baseball game -- one of many that I shoot each year -- I was perched in front of the third base bag," Laskay said.

"There were runners on first and third. After the ball was hit, I looked up from my camera. I saw the third baseman holding the ball as he dove to the base. The runner tried to return to third standing up.

"While focusing on the bag, I was surprised to see the runner’s spikes stepping on the fielder’s hand. The expression on the third baseman’s face made the photo. I finally was in the right place at the right time."

After holding several other jobs, Laskay answered a want ad and became a freelance photographer for the News-Sun. Photo Chief Marshall Gorby later hired him full-time.

"Working for him for the past three years, I’ve learned a lot," Laskay said.


© 2002 Cox Newspapers, Inc.