Capturing the Moment: Raphinha, Hakimi, and the Power of Shadows

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Matt Slocum, a staff photographer for The Associated Press, has over 20 years of experience, covering various news and sporting events, including 15 Super Bowls, seven Olympics, and numerous Major golf tournaments.

The photo was taken from the stadium catwalk, where the evening sun created long shadows of players on the field. This unique perspective offers a refreshing view, distinct from the usual action photos. The shadows add an interesting element, breaking up the monotony of typical sports photography.

To capture this shot, Slocum used a handheld Sony A1 Mark II with a 600mm lens, navigating the challenges of the catwalk, including dodging cables, ducking beams, and searching for working ethernet lines.

The photo's success lies in the players' body language and the ball, still in mid-air, being mirrored and exaggerated by the long shadow. The strained faces of the players add an extra layer of emotion to the image.

The combination of the stadium's elevated position and the evening sun resulted in a captivating visual, one that showcases the artistry of sports photography.