A cricket-playing machine

Photograph by Jan Kruger of Jos Buttler in today's Observer.

I like the sense of Jos Buttler as a cricket-playing machine.  This is not so much a photograph of a man as an illustration of technical performance.  The bat is an extension of the arms - or the arms are extensions of the bat.

The position of the white ball adds a subliminal suggestion to the image - a suggestion enhanced by the expression of Kumar Sangakkara.

http://jankruger.co.uk/

Photograph of Steven Gerrard by Carl Recine

Impressive photograph of Steven Gerrard by Carl Recine in yesterday's Observer (Sports section).

Steven Gerrard has become a semi-mythological figure and it is difficult for images to portray him objectively.

This photograph achieved an almost three-dimensional physicality.  The photographer has also managed to capture the boy within the man.  It is a very strong image. 

Photograph by Jenny Zarins

I liked this photograph by Jenny Zarins in yesterday's Observer magazine.

The colours are wonderful - muted and understated.

With the crown of flowers it looks like a village Queen of the May.

I like the brittle sheen the image has (accentuated by the gloss of the paper).

Photograph from Cannes

This photograph from Cannes appeared in yesterday's Observer (Review section).

I think it is by photographer Jean Catuffe.

Even in its mutilated state it is a compelling photograph, with lots of narrative.  The Observer reproduced it almost full page, which gave it a lot of impact.  It was one of those images that made you stop reading and look carefully at the picture.

Although it is a picture meant to convey glamour, it is not tawdry.  Although it features celebrities (Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling and Marion Cotillard) they are portrayed as people, not commodities.  Although it must have been a hurried shot, the photographer has achieved a high level of artistic composition.

Traditional imagery of men and women usually has the man looking directly at the camera, the women averting their eyes.  Here that tradition is reversed - the women look confidently at the camera and the man looks demurely away.  Also the rose between two thorns cliche has been reversed.

Also note the sly hand in the pocket pulling the material tight around...

Photograph of Owen Farrell by Andrew Couldridge

Impressive photograph of Owen Farrell by Andrew Couldridge in today's Guardian.

It seems impossible that such a tremendous physique should be captured suspended at a 45 degree angle from the ground, almost floating.

I also like the intense concentration the photographer has captured - you can trace the gaze directly down to the ball.

http://www.actionimages.com/puresport/

Michael Regan photograph in the Observer

Very impressed by the Michael Regan photograph in the Observer today illustrating an article by Andrew Anthony:

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2014/5/10/1399719580538/Manchester-City-v-Aston-V-009.jpg

Michael Regan has captured the essence of exhileration.

Three figures are in focus, the left figure running as if he is compelled to use up his energy; the centre figure (Edin Dzeko) throwing up his arms in what seems to be a votive gesture (a thin halo of light seems to encompass him); the figure on the right seemingly transported into a trancelike ecstasy.

The rain falls down in dazzling droplets.

Out of focus other figures are crushed into dejection.

Far out of focus the crowd is anonymous, brooding, dark.

It's a fabulous photograph.

h