As part of the run-up to the 2010 Winter Olympics, NY Times photographer Ryan McGilney has created this photo essay , titled "High Fliers," profiling some of the bigger American competitors. The essay shows the dedication and creativity these athletes bring to their game, as well as the guts. Slides 11 and 12 are good examples of what McGilney is trying to do, letting the athlete blend into his or her background.
McGilney makes a point of zooming in on the athletes, but at the same time, distorts the image using colors and blurs. In many of the shots, the "High Flier" blends into his or her background. As a result, there is no focal point. Slides 4, 5 6, 10 and 15 are trying to be dramatic, but are far too distorted and monochromatic to affect me.
I also question the way McGilney framed some of the shots. In general, the empty space works, because the whole point of the photo essay is "flying." But for the snowboarding and ski jumping shots, the subject seems too distant. I would have liked to see close-ups of the action as well, like he did with figure skater Johnny Weir. Also, I'm not sure what effect McGilney is trying to create by hiding in the trees for slides 8 and 9.
15 years ago
This slideshow is definitely different in the artistic composition of all the photos, the use of filters and color has created interesting images. I do like how McGilney captures the movement of the athletes in a lot of the shots.
ReplyDeleteI think the "blur" works well in these photos. Remember, these are sports, and sports are typically high action. I think the blur serves to represent, and give the viewer and idea of this action. I, personally, like the effect.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Breanna that the blur works pretty well. This allows the action shot feel to be fully captured. The pictures in the snow covered trees are a little out of place but I wonder if maybe he included those to show how these athletes belong in a snow covered world.
ReplyDeleteSweet slideshow. Get's me pumped for the winter Olympics. I feel like a lot of the pictures are similar just with a different background and I am also confused on the girl who was hiding in the trees
ReplyDeleteAs a skier I loved the slideshow. My one concern is that some of those photos look like they've been digitally edited. While I understand the artistic value, there is a disconnect that such an approach creates. It separates the viewer from the reality of the experience. Personally I prefer shots like this as raw as possible without becoming indistinguishable.
ReplyDeleteThere are some beautiful shots in there, but as a slideshow -- one image leading to the next -- does it work?
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