About the Image(s)

Title: Freestyle Flip

“Freestyle” kayaking is not racing. Rather the competitors attempt to perform maneuvers while maintaining their position in the rapids. Thus all of the action takes place in one area of the kayak course. A panel of judges rates the maneuvers to determine the winner. In “Freestyle Flip,” the kayaker is attempting a 360-degree flip, in which the kayaker attempts to forward-somersault the kayak. At the start of the maneuver, the kayak is flat on the water against the current. As he “throws” his upper body forward, he also thrusts his feet forward in the kayak; he takes a breath, puts his head underwater, and tries to bring the kayak through the water and behind him and then up into the air and land again flat on the water.

“Freestyle Flip” shows the beginning of the flip (which was successful). The kayaker was about 20-25 feet away, and I was using a 24-105mm zoom lens at 45mm. The settings were f:7.1, ISO 160, at 1/640 sec under sunny skies.

As usual, I’d like to know if you think the image is “acceptable” in PSA-recognized Photojournalism Division or Projected Image Division international exhibitions.