The Winner of the “Shoot on the Sidelines with Scott & Mike” Contest is…
Last night my buddy Mike Olivella gave me a shout with his final pick for the winner of our “Shoot on the Sidelines with Scott & Mike” contest. With over 800 entries, it was an incredibly hard choice for Mike to make, but I won’t make you wait….
….the winner is “Alex Walker,” who took the kick-butt winning shot shown below:
Mike said picking the winner was incredibly tough because there were so many great entries. Below are some of Mike’s other favorites from the contest (Mike told me, and I agree; any of these could have easily been the winner, because each one is that good, and you could make a great case for any of them being the winner, but at the end of the day, you can only pick one). I’m glad I didn’t have Mike’s job (I’m still reeling from choosing a winner for the Worldwide Photo Walk. Whew!
Here’s Mike’s other favorites, and although they didn’t win a prize, they certainly deserve some recognition.
“The Original Catch”
By First Team Photography
“Bringing ‘em Out With a Bang”
By Steve Hiscock
“Look of a Winner”
By Jeff Rease
“Late Throw to Second”
By Aqualung
“Untitled”
By PhotoDaddi
“Halftime Fireworks”
By Samuel Ludwig
“Beanie’s Back”
By Scott Stuart
“Skaterboy”
By Barry Shaffer
“A Catcher’s Meltdown“
By Johnny Gasque
“The Homer”
By David Sutphin
“Little Star”
By Paul Beetz
“Jump The Wave”
By Amehdiza
Waterpolo 2
By Evan Cate
—
My sincere congratulations to Prize Winner Alan Walker; to the photographer’s who took Mike’s other favorite images from the contest (above), and to all the photographers who entered the contest in the first place. You guys rock!
Congrat’s Alex.
And to everyone else. There were some great shots.
You should toss in links to those peoples pictures so people can browse through there streams. I had to dig for the winners.
Awesome photos!
Thanks for setting up this sweet competition Scott and Mike!
I’m thinking one of these competitions every year would be a great idea ; )
Congratulations Alan!
Congrats to the winner! Great photos from the photographers as well! Awesome shots!
Dwayne D.C. Tucker II
Nassau, Bahamas
If the idea is to help people become better sports photographers, should you have picked the worst shot? I could have easily won that contest!
Wow! Great shots!
Makes me want to try sports photography. {grin}
Congrats, Alex!
I love The Original Catch, fantastic capture. The winner is a nice capture too although it looks very “staged” to my eyes, not an in-game situation.
Actually it was in a game , not staged at all. I have several hundred shots of my son I have taken over the last 3 years and I am thrilled to be going to the game.
Hi Alex, congrats! Meant no offense, it just looked slightly staged. Must be ‘cos it’s a good shot. Congrats on the win!
No offense taken at all! I appreciate the feedback , and honestly I love “The Orignal Catch” myself. IF that boy held on to that when he hit the ground thats a big time catch no matter what age!
Fantastic competition, and some great entries – very inspiring! Just a thought, would it be possible to see exif data for the winning entry of these competitions, plus ideally the other top rated shots too? As a photography newbie I’d really like the opportunity to learn from these great images – it would fit with the Scott Kelby philosophy of “this is what works, so you try it now!”
(If this data is around somewhere apologies for being a dork and missing it!!!)
I have never been this impressed with a group of contest entries. Each one stands on its own as a great shot.
Wow! I still cannot believe I won this. Mr. Kelby & Mr. Olivella thank you so much for putting on this contest and for picking my picture as the winner. I had no idea I would win , I entered my picture more as a tribute to what a wonderful goalkeeper my son has become. My pictures are truly a labor of love , of both photography and my son. Thanks again , I am totally thrilled!
Let’s see some more of the ‘honorable mention’ entries.
To All: I have posted some of the other photos which were right in the hunt until the very end on my blog (www.baselineshots.com). The link to the blog is on the right side f the page. As I noted there, some were uploaded as GIF files which I could not copy and paste but I did identify them by their title.
Thanks so muach to all of you who took the time to enter the contest and also for the many e-mails and comments of support.
Mr Kelby,
I just realized my email on my flickr page is incorrect. You can use alex.walker@ferguson.com , sorry.
Congrats to the winner, a super shot…I’m thrilled to be in the ‘honorable mention’….
Chris
*Aqualung
Chris, your shot was exceptional. It was more than Honorable Mention – it was one of ten or twelve from which I was forced to choose the one and only “winner”.
Congrats to everyone involved! Great stuff by all!!
Have a great trip Alex!
First Team Photography
(Rich)
Rich, yours was special. I was torn between it and Alex’s.
Congrats all around but if I had my pick it’d be that water polo team! How cool is that?!?! Awesome stuff!
That’s a unique one from the group for sure – the rest were all great action shots as well in their own vein.
“Little Star” – We don’t see team handball much in the US – it’s a great sport with lots of action ; think cross between lacrosse/hockey/basketball/soccer – it’s just cool ! Must be a great sport to shoot
Jason,
The water polo team was the one I told my wife I thought would win , it is truly a unique and special shot.
The water polo shot was great. the creativity of it and the visual effect made it stand out. That’s why it was one of the ones in the final group.
WoW, look at the bend in the bat in the Little Homer shot. Amazing.
Congrats Alex! Great contest! Thanks for holding it!
Wow! Lots of great looking shots. Congratulations to Alex and also to the others listed as “finalist” – very nice work!
Holy Cow guys, I don’t know how you picked a winner from all those great photos…..that must have been really tough!! You should invite them ALL to shoot with you…
Great job on this contest!!
Cheers,
Scotty
Jakarta, Indonesia
Congrats to the winner…great shot.
I loved the origional catch. pretty amazing shot and I just love how the little guy held on. You dont see that kind of ball at that age very often. Or at least I didnt see it when I visited my nephews games.
How cool to be mentioned along with these other great shots! Thanks, Mike! I love seeing all of them…good stuff! I know Alex is going to love shooting with you guys!
Fantastic shots. My favorites are the baseball shots. I love the kid hitting the homer – mostly for the look on his face. The “stop action” leaps are phenomenal. I wish I could get my sports shots to look that great! It just shows how many artists are out there working the games and/or catching their kids in action. Thanks for sharing the best photos of the contest! I learn so much from you all!
Great shots and congrats to Alex.
I have to say that “Skaterboy” is my fave. Very well exposed. I can see details in every inch.
Skaterboy was a great image. The final decision was not easy with so many great shots to pick from.
Wow, awesome shots!! Congrats, winner!
I was getting ready to start a rigid exercise regiment to get in shape for this
Well I guess I should anyway. And to think I originally got into photography because I thought it wasn’t a physical hobby. I have never done so much physical work in my life, and loving it.
Congratulations to all. With some really tough competition, Scott is right you folks really do rock!
I know what you mean there Bob! I hesitated till the last minute before submitting my entry because I wasn’t sure I’d be physically able to perform if I should win. But then I remembered how much I LOVED the sideline shooting for my son’s senior year of football and how I managed better than fine, so I jumped in. But yes, it was a lot of physical work.
Congrats to Alex!!! Great shot!!! I know where you are coming from – I have hundreds of my son playing football.
Mary
Hey Alex,
Congrats on the win!!! Excellent capture.
Hey Scott,
Thank you for hosting contests like this. I view this as another educational opportunity. Maybe someday I’ll win, but as long as I don’t I’ll keep striving to get better. I compare myself you you, Matt, Dave, Moose, Joe, Laurie and a host of others. These comparisons make me realize that I really do suck in my mind. My loved ones tell me otherwise. Both views of my work motivate me to no end. That’s why I enter these contests, book cruises with Cruising Through Life, attend PhotoshopWorld, attend Kelby Training seminars and practice, practice, practice.
Thanks again for “EVERYTHING”
Mike
The winning picture is a great photo, but the post-processing is not, at least to my taste. Far too vignetted. Vignetting should be felt, not patent, especially in a sports photo. It should draw the eye to the subject, not be a separate element of the picture. And the player’s complexion has gone flat from over-processing.
But the collection is terrific, and I appreciate the effort that went into the contest.
Stan Robins
Basically the only thing that has been done is some cropping and the vignetting. Not sure what you mean by flat face , but my son has the same expression in a lot of the pics I have of him. I think it’s just the way he contorts it during the effort of making the save or it could be due to reconstructive surgery to repair 3 or 4 broken noses. I don’t do a lot of post-processing , I either get the shot or I don’t , I crop and sometimes clone out things that are distracting , other than that……not much!
It took good instinct and reflexes to get that shot. I wasn’t referring to the expression, but to the appearance of the skin itself, which shows the effect of what is probably posterization.
I meant the criticism to be constructive. It is a case of a photo that doesn’t need any help to be outstanding.
Just out of curiosity, Stan, which image was yours?
congrats! Have fun and take it all in!! Kinda thought my pic would’ve made a fav to be looked at!! Oh well!!
Michael, it was in the mix. Just too many that were on the same level and I had to narrow it down.
Scott, I shoot mostly action/sports shots and as I was taking some skim boarding shots at the beach yesterday, I felt like my card could not keep up with my shots. Are there certain brands or types of memory cards (I have a Nikon D80) that work better with action shots?
Thank you!!!!
Jen
Congrats to Alex on his winning shot – it really is a great capture and worthy of the win. While mine didn’t get chosen (& honestly I wasn’t surprised based on the competition) I am pleased to say that both Scott & Mike picked some of the same ones that I did as candidates for winners. “Original Catch” “Look of a Winner” “Late throw to 2nd”, and a few others. I had eye’d a few others too that apparently didn’t make the cut but … wow! Good showing from all of the entrants – I’m glad I didn’t have to pick the winning entry!!
Congrats to Alex and the “honorable mentions”. There certainly were a LOT of terrific shots to choose from. I’m glad I didn’t have to do it.
However, I hope that all of the shots that were submitted were actually seen by Mike. Scott notes that there were “nearly 600 entries”. I found that, depending on how you got to the pool on Flickr, the number changed from 563 (via going to Flickr from Scott’s link) to 835 (via logging on to my Flickr account first and then going to the Group Pool). My shot didn’t show up in the 563, but it was in the 835. Thus, I was concerned that my entry didn’t get submitted properly (and perhaps another 271 didn’t either).
Don’t get me wrong, I’m certainly not spewing sour grapes here (but I am envious….we all are…have a great time Alex!). I’m just curious about the discrepancy. Perhaps folks with more Flickr experience can explain the differences.
Randy, Scott goofed in his post. When I started reviewing the images on Saturday, I started with 835. Each one of them was opened and viewed. If you visit my blog in which I posted other photos that were worthy of special recognition, you’ll see that I noted there were over 800 entries.
Mike, thanks for clearing that up. And thanks for taking this on and for the insight and encouragement you’ve provided to all of us aspiring sports photographers.
Congrats to the winner and the above mentioned! I didn’t enter because the shoot wasn’t in Gainesville.
We couldn’t do a shoot in Gainesville, Bill … I heard that airline service in and out of Gainesville has been suspended ’cause the one and only airplane used has a broken rubber band and they have no replacement.
That’s ok Mike, I would not have had a shot at winning. I was just having some fun. But hey, maybe they will put some pads on the Tally airport security to improve the garnet & gold’s chances. It is so much easier to talk smack while winning, but like all enjoy while I can. Mike, I really enjoyed your previous blog on Kelby’s site. Also think it is really great of you guys to do this contest.
Scott,
You might want to change “Alan” to “Alex” at the end of the post . . . before someone else besides myself notices. =c)
A big congrats to you Alex my man.
I’m very honored that my shot ” Catchers Meltdown” was in the running. I think each shot in this group has it’s own merit. Mike Olivella , it was your guest blog that gave me the courage to start asking for credentials. And I’m getting some of them. But the coolest thing about all this…… Scott said I ROCK !
Johnny … ( or anyone else for that matter )
“…it was your guest blog that gave me the courage to start asking for credentials”
Where can I read this article / post at??
Jim, it was my guest blog on Scott’s site back in early June of this year. It gives me great pleasure to know that Johnny was successful (even though he thinks it’s cooler to get a “you rock” from Scott….).
Well you rock then and I’ll have to search for that here on Scott’s blog then. I’m not about to don any kneepads though to truly honor you though . . . ( lol!! )
Et tu, Johnny? You think it’s cooler to get a “you rock” from Scott over my spot on advice on how to get credentials? Just for that, I’m not going to tell you how close your shot came to winning….
But Mike , I have a 400mm just like yours and I’m starting to place a white towel around my neck now ( just like you ) durning games in your honor. The contest was fun , thanks for putting it on. And now I won’t sleep thinking how close I may have come……
But have you gotten around to getting kneepads, Johnny? You can’t truly honor me without the kneepads I got Scott hooked on.
Johnny, that is an AWESOME shot! It was one of the first ones that caught my eye when I was looking through the group. Congrats on being in the “final running”.
Although there were many great images, “Catchers Meltdown” really stood out for me and I was glad to see it in the running. Great timing and emotion.
Thanks to Randy C. and Brian. The nice comments took me totally by surprise. Wow.
Hey guys! It’s great to have been mentioned for this and have my shot posted here on the site. I love doing this. And, as it happens, I managed a field photo pass to shoot USC at Ohio State for the same day! Would have been a tough choice! Thanks again.
Scott
Wow! Congrats to Alex and all the people who were in the running. Hope you have a great time at the shoot!! Not sure where you’re coming from Alex, but definitely be prepared for random, sudden wet weather. I’m in Daytona Beach and it rains pretty much every day at least a little bit. Hot and humid always. lol.
Glad I entered even though I didn’t make it in the running, it was nice to see some of the spectacular photos from other sports photographers. Great work everyone and thank you to Scott and Mike for putting this opportunity out there!
Mike…..the big question will there be a contest “deux”. This was a great time and the entries were of great quality. I can’t imagine the time and effort that went into judging this but I hope you soon forget the pain and try it again next year. Congrats again Alex, I know a proud dad when I see one. steve
Thanks Stephen and you have no idea. Most sons look up to their Dads as their hero’s , only the truly lucky dads get to look up to their sons. He is and always will be my hero!
Mike and Scott, Thanks for a great contest! Congrats to Alex on the winning shot…very nice work! although I would have loved to win and have the unique opportunity to join Mike and learn from him in Florida, I was happy to see he had my shot (Long beach Grand Prix) shown on his blog as one of the top photos. It’s exciting to see that I’m heading in the right direction if my photo caught the eye of a working professional and great photographer, and that is a prize in itself….thanks again!
Great contest. I entered although I knew I didn’t have a chance. I’m new and still learning. I must get me a good lens. It was fun and just getting to see all these shots and alot of others that didn’t make the finals list was awesome. Man, there’s some good shots in there. I have so much to learn. I have season tickets to the FSU games so I might actually see the winner on the sidelines. Hope the weather is great and ya’ll have a great time.
Go Noles
Hey Scott,
Glad to see you liked my Halftime Fireworks shot!
And… Next time your in Columbus definitely let it be known to those BEFORE you arrive. Not once you’ve already been to a game and left campus.
I see my Brady Quinn shot didn’t win
No, but it stood out. I had it in the first pool after going through the entire lot.
Mike and Scott, what a great contest, and I love seeing the winner and near-winners. I normally don’t shoot sports, although I know I would love it. Alex, lucky you! I am such a huge FSU fan that I probably wouldn’t have squeezed off too many shots because I would have been in awe to be that close to the field. In fact Mike, if you ever need someone to help you out, I would follow you around, hand you all your equipment and even wipe the sweat off your brow if I could just be there and get one shot of Bobby (before he retires) and one of Renegade and have you take a photo of me shaking Bobby’s hand! I’m near Tampa now, but lived in Tally for about 8 1/2 years. In fact, I even worked in the FSU Bio dept for awhile as an animal technician. I went to a few games when I lived there, but I didn’t shoot back then. Never got to meet Bobby
either
Congrats to everyone and I hope to enter next year if you do this again!
You say that now, Carol, but like Johnny, if Scott had said that “you rock”, would that be cooler?
What a cool contest this was… and what a lot of great shots! I can imagine how tough it was to pick a winner.
To Alex: I hope you have a great time with Scott and Mike. I am looking forward to reading about your experiences in a “Guest blog wednesday” post (to Scott: HINT!
).
Wow and big congratulations to Alex! I feel honored to have been included (The Homer). There were so, so many great photos to enjoy and inspire.
Thanks Scott. Your one amazing guy!
Thanks Mike. Your sports work is so awesome!
Best,
David Sutphin
David,
I had you and the water polo team as my top 2! That young man is getting everything he’s got into that swing , I love his face! And man what can you say about the bat , that was the perfect instant to make that shot! It looks like he crushed it! Great shot
Thanks Alex! And like yours for you, mine was particularly special because it’s my son!
Best,
David
David,
That’s awesome! My son played baseball & soccer until high school when the seasons conflict here in Virginia. I coached him for many years in baseball and have some really fond memories. One tournament he played all 9 positions in a 3 game span. Your shot brought a lot of those back. Thanks
Congrats Alex!!! Great shot and I know you will have a blast! Looking forward to seeing the images!
Congrats Alex ! I was a competitor, but your’s easily beat it and the HMs are all first rate. Before you go to Fla, read SKs brand new 3rd edition of his Digital Photographer book series, especially the chapter on sports….especially the part about ibuprophen, knee pads, good monopod, dayglow vest, batteries, CF cards etc. You will need them all. And stay hydrated, Fla will be hot and humid in Sept. Have a “ball”. And don’t get run over !! I’m sure SK will publish a few of your shots on his blog??? PS I hope the ‘wining and dining part” is AFTER the game and not the night before !! Jock Goodman jockg
Jock,
I took my lunch hour and drove to my local Barnes & Noble a couple weeks back and bought the book the first day I saw it was in stock online. I have all three! Still not sure about the dayglow vest , not my best color! And “motrin” is my drug if choice……lol.
Thanks Guys for holding this contest and congrats to Alex. I am sure you’ll have a blast! So when is the next contest? This was probobly one of the funnest contests with probobly one of the best prizes. Anyone could buy a new gadget or accessory, but to have a chance like this is amazing. And I have never looked at so many of my competition’s photos.
Congrats to the winner! This is a spectacular collection of entries for “Shoot on the Sidelines.” It is is easy to see why it was so hard to choose a winner.
I personally love the “Late Throw to Second”, and the concentration of the kids in the “Original Catch”. It would be nice to have this kind of shot enlarged on canvas. Check out
pictures on canvas/a> here.