Key facts
- Matt Slocum, an AP staff photographer, captured a photo of soccer players Raphinha and Achraf Hakimi.
- The image was taken from an elevated stadium catwalk during an event.
- The evening sun created long, exaggerated shadows of the players on the field.
- Slocum described the photo's effectiveness due to the mirrored body language and the ball's flight in the shadows.
Matt Slocum, an Associated Press staff photographer with over 20 years of experience, captured a distinctive photograph of soccer players Raphinha and Achraf Hakimi. The image, taken from an elevated stadium catwalk, utilizes the evening sun to create dramatically long shadows that mirror the players' movements and expressions. Slocum explained that this elevated position, while not a primary shooting spot, allowed for unique perspectives not visible from ground level. He highlighted how the shadows exaggerated the players' body language and the trajectory of the ball, contributing to the photo's compelling nature. Slocum has covered numerous major sporting events, including 15 Super Bowls and seven Olympics.