Shutter to Think: Hang this on the refrigerator door

To readers of this pub, it’s no secret that space in print is much more limited regarding news, sports and (gasp) photos. Lots of current market factors are the reasons, but no one wants to read that, and I don’t want to type that, so let’s just move on.

All that brings me to this image. I really was hoping to see this played big on a front page (as I feel about many of my pictures, I say egotistically), but it was condemned to only appear online. It happens, and I’m (grinds teeth) fine with that.

Yes, there’s still something about the tangible presence of a photograph that will never go out of style. I think it’s because so much more thought goes into the delivery of a printed picture – from the actual making of the photo to the selective editing, adding a little bit of toning, writing the cutline, uploading the image and leaving it in the hands of the copy desk to make their own selections for what goes on the page. From there, it goes to the printer and to you. Hopefully it ends up clipped out and stuck to the fridge. You can’t hang the internet on the fridge!

(Smart refrigerator has entered the chat).

So why am I drawn to the photo? It’s really a nice, clean image, noncluttered, peak action, rich colors and nice lines. The young girl’s arm is arrow straight as she clears the wall. Her legs are in perfect landing position, and her eyes are on target for the touchdown. I’m guessing this is exactly what judges of Olympic gymnastic competitions look for when deciding their scores.

If you had seen this photo, thank you for checking out our online galleries. There are always lots of good extras on there that can’t quite make it to print. If you’re seeing it here now and for the first time, thank you for reading our physical publication. Feel free to make space on the freezer door.

– Alex T. Paschal – apaschal@shawmedia.com