Sports photography captures both the best and worst moments in sports. Athletes desire photos of themselves at their proudest moments: scoring goals or points, playing their sport(s), winning games and championships… But what is it like to see the opposite? Where are the photos that show that sports are not always going to have a favorable outcome, what about when they fail? My dilemma of being a student photographer who is friends with the athletes I photograph is walking the fine line of being a photographer that documents all moments of a match or game, while also respecting my friends and fellow students during their times of defeat. Sports photography has not largely been shot in black and white since the adaptation of color film. The lack of color in these photographs tells a different story and contrasts in different ways than if it were shot in color. The lack of color is used to emphasize different contrasts, as well as create an emotional understanding and connection with the athletes.
Some of these photos included in this essay are Morally Grey, and some of them are just black and white photos. Let your eyes take you where they want, and see sports in a different perspective.
Maddy O’Malley (#22) looks over her shoulder after a tough 2-1 loss at Stevenson University. 
Goaltender Hannah Bergeron (#1) waiting to take the ice for her team’s first ever playoff game in their first year as a program. 
Serena Goodridge (#29) warms up on-deck during a game versus Delaware Valley. 
Justin Massielo (#19) taking some practice swings before his at-bat versus DeSales. 
Goalkeeper Jake Varrato (#1) walks towards his team at halftime after a rough 2-0 first half. The Knights would go on to lose against Alvernia, 3-2. 
Emma Heffley (#22) setting up a penalty corner versus Widener. 
Riley Ratcliffe (#2) reflecting on the first half after being substituted for during a match versus Penn State Berks. 
Giancarlo Ciotoli (#10) and Steve Warren (#16) exhausted after a tough 2-2 draw with conference opponent, FDU-Florham. 
Danielle Doyle (#1) regrouping and refocusing during a timeout during her Senior Day match against Marywood. 
Giancarlo Ciotoli (#10) reflecting on his coach’s words during a halftime speech against Misericordia. 
Alternate Captain Cam Parrot (#24) looks over as he waits for his coaches to leave the ice after the end of the second period versus King’s. 
Goaltender Ryan Burgess (#44) anxiously awaits the start of warm-ups before a game against Alvernia. 
Goaltender Ryan Burgess (#44) expressing his displeasure with himself after being replaced in a game against Stevenson. 
Brett Sciascia (#32) mentally preparing himself for his team’s season and home-opening game against Immaculata. 
Kyle McLaughlin (#7) watches on from the sidelines during a game versus Immaculata.
All images taken by me, Joe Kraus. More can be found on Instagram, @photoxjoe.
