EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Matt Slocum is a staff photographer for The Associated Press based in Philadelphia. He has been with the Associated Press for more than 20 years, starting with a summer internship in Dallas. He has covered a wide range of news and sporting events, including 15 Super Bowls, seven Olympic Games, and countless major golf tournaments.
Why this photo?
I took this photo because the late afternoon sun was shining into the stadium, casting long shadows of the players on the field from quite high up on the catwalks. Normally, it is not possible to shoot from such a high position. This is a sort of catch-all photography position at large events, with a team of photographers on-site. Although this is not a prime position, it allows you to take unique photos that are not visible from below. I thought the shadows would create some interesting frames and potentially tear apart all the action photos my co-workers were taking. It took a moment for several players to enter the band of light and cast shadows.
How this photo was made
This photo was taken from the stadium catwalk using my Sony A1 Mark II and 600mm lens. You have to take an elevator, hike to a stand, and then climb some steep ladders. I tried to lighten my load, but I couldn’t. There are no ups and downs for lost items. Avoid cables, avoid beams. Photographed through the stadium lights. Searching for an ethernet line that worked. I try not to look directly down.
Why is it effective?
I think this frame works mainly because of the player’s body language and the ball still in flight being reflected and exaggerated by the long shadows. I also like the nervous expressions on the players’ faces.
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
