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He Shoots, He scores! A History of Sports Photography

2016 has already proved to be an eventful year for sport.
As we were just about getting over the Euros hangover, Andy Murray won Wimbledon for the second time, Russia has been banned from competing in the Rio Olympics this summer, we sadly bid farewell to boxing legend Muhammad Ali, and, how could we forget the shock victory of Leicester City football club winning the Premier League.

Bob Martin (British, born 1959). Serena, 2004, printed 2016. Inkjet print, 8 1/2 x 12 7/8 in. (21.6 x 32.8cm). Courtesy Bob Martin
Bob Martin (British, born 1959). Serena, 2004, printed 2016. Inkjet print, 8 1/2 x 12 7/8 in. (21.6 x 32.8cm). Courtesy Bob Martin
The new exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum, “Who Shot Sports: A Photographic History, 1843 to the Present” could not be more timely.
Boasting a collection of over 230 photographs and featuring some 170 international photographers, the show seeks to provide a platform for the photographers that were the masters of suspending movement.
Gerard Rancinan (French, born 1953). Laura Flessel, 2001. Chromogenic print, 31½ x 39 6/8 in. (80 x 101 cm).
Gerard Rancinan (French, born 1953). Laura Flessel, 2001. Chromogenic print, 31½ x 39 6/8 in. (80 x 101 cm).
Daniel Rodrigues (Portuguese, born France 1987). Football in Guinea Bissau, March 3, 2012, printed 2016. Inkjet print, 13 5/16 x 20 in. (33.9 x 50.8 cm). Courtesy of the artist
Daniel Rodrigues (Portuguese, born France 1987). Football in Guinea Bissau, March 3, 2012, printed 2016. Inkjet print, 13 5/16 x 20 in. (33.9 x 50.8 cm). Courtesy of the artist
“No one captures moments like sports photographers,” says curator and author Gail Buckland. “People don’t understand the mastery in the beauty of sports photography because they get so dazzled by either the action or the individual.
I want to turn the lens on the photographers and tell their stories. Explain who they are and tell something about their professional life and their passion.”
Rather than merely glorifying notable athletes that have entertained us over the decades, the exhibition is divided according to the thought process and interests of the photographers.
For example, “The Decisive Moment”, “Portraits”, “Vantage Point” and “For the Love of Sport”. These also represent the titles of the chapters of the photobook spin-off, where Buckland includes a number of extended texts, analysing and praising the calibre of the sports photography.
Jules Beau (French, 1864–1932). Major Taylor in the Collection Jules Beau, Photographie Sportive, 1906-1907. Aristotype on paper, 9 13/16 x 13 3/8 in. (25 x 34 cm). Bibliothèque Nationale de France
Jules Beau (French, 1864–1932). Major Taylor in the Collection Jules Beau, Photographie Sportive, 1906-1907. Aristotype on paper, 9 13/16 x 13 3/8 in. (25 x 34 cm). Bibliothèque Nationale de France
Franck Seguin (French, born 1960). Mixed Martial Arts Fight, UFC 154, Montreal, Canada, 2012, printed 2016. Inkjet print, 9 1/4 x 14 in. (23.7 x 35.6 cm). Courtesy of the artist
Franck Seguin (French, born 1960). Mixed Martial Arts Fight, UFC 154, Montreal, Canada, 2012, printed 2016. Inkjet print, 9 1/4 x 14 in. (23.7 x 35.6 cm).
Buckland insists that the book, just like the exhibition, is not a hall of fame for Olympians and celebrities, although naturally, many make an appearance.
Rather, it is a study of the skill of suspending motion and the glory of human form through photography.
We are not only invited to admire the definition of muscle and the thunder of weight hitting the ground, but also the passion of amateurs, the tension of devoted spectators and cultural significance of team spirit.
Krystle Wright (Australian, born 1987). Freefall, Michael Tomchek leaps off Castleton Tower (400ft) as fellow BASE jumpers look on, Castle Valley, Utah, 2010, printed 2016. Inkjet print, 13 1/4 x 20 in. (33.9 x 50.8 cm). Collection of Krystle Wright
Krystle Wright (Australian, born 1987). Freefall, Michael Tomchek leaps off Castleton Tower (400ft) as fellow BASE jumpers look on, Castle Valley, Utah, 2010, printed 2016. Inkjet print, 13 1/4 x 20 in. (33.9 x 50.8 cm). Collection of Krystle Wright
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Izabela Radwanska Zhang

Starting out as an intern in 2016, Izabela Radwanska Zhang was Editorial Director of British Journal of Photography from 2020-2023. Her words have appeared in Disegno and Press Association. Prior to this, she completed a MA in Magazine Journalism at City University, London, and most recently, a Postgrad Certificate in Graphic Design at London College of Communication.