The artist’s choice
To photograph live action requires tremendous skill and dexterity. To photograph live-action sports also requires passion, quick reflexes, and creativity. The crew at Michigan Photography represents these qualities and more. Enjoy this window into each photographer’s collection of favorite images — and the stories they represent — from the 2022-23 academic year. Click the links in each caption to see more from each artist.
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Daryl Marshke
“This shot was taken [at Yost Arena] with a remote “net cam” that I had set up and I was able to capture Adam Fantilli scoring an empty-net goal,” says Daryl Marshke of this moment during Michigan’s 7-3 victory over Penn State. “The exhausted body language of the Penn State player and Fantilli’s face staring at the camera as the puck goes into the net are the reasons this image made it into my best of 2023.” See more of Marshke’s favorite pics.
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Eric Bronson
Bronson snapped this fluid action shot during the most recent Men’s Big Ten Swimming and Diving Championship in Ann Arbor. View more of Bronson’s collection.
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Roger Hart
“What often gets lost in NCAA Division I football is that the game is played by young men — super-talented, gifted athletes — but kids, really,” says Roger Hart, director of Michigan Photography and Michigan Media. Here, Ronnie Bell (No. 8) jokes around with quarterback J.J. McCarthy (No. 9) after beating Indiana 31-10 in Bloomington. See more of Hart’s favorite pics.
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Austin Thomason
“Though this was just one quick moment of the match, I think it nicely illustrates the physicality that these wrestlers display,” says Thomason of this arresting visual. “Here is 157-lb. Will Lewan beating Corbyn Munson from Central Michigan, with the Wolverines conquering the Chips 30-9 in the season finale. See more of Thomason’s favorite pics.
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Scott Soderberg
The thrill of victory roars off the screen in this glorious moment for women’s tennis player Julia Fliegner. This image transcends the visual senses, which is why Scott Soderberg includes it in his collection. “You can almost hear her emotion as she wins one of the sets that ultimately led to Ohio State’s defeat in this game,” he says. See more of Soderberg’s favorite pics.
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Jaime Crawford
Nicoletta Koulos of the women’s gymnastics team eyes the beam on Jan. 13, 2023. “Sitting just feet away from the student-athletes when they perform their routines, I’m constantly in awe of their power, grace, and athleticism,” says Jaime Crawford. See more of Crawford’s favorite pics.
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Sam Janicki
Photographer Sam Janicki puts “wrestling camaraderie on full display” with this moment from the Wolverines’ dual meet against Indiana on Feb. 20 at Cliff Keen Arena. No choreography (or dialogue) needed here, as members of the coaching staff signal their collective aggravation with the officials. See more of Janicki’s favorite pics.
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Dianna Oatridge
This capture of Hannah Grant diving for a dig is a natural choice for Dianna Oatridge, a former volleyball mom who knows “a thing or two about the importance of defense to this game.” It’s no surprise Grant received All Big-Ten honors for her efforts on the court this season, Oatridge says. “I love the intensity with which Hannah plays the game, and her facial expression and athleticism in this photo certainly reflect that. ” See more of Oatridge’s favorite pics.
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Lon Horwedel
“Baseball fans know that chewing gum or sunflower seeds are two of the most vital parts of the sport,” says Lon Horwedel, “…and spitting.” He took this iconic shot April 4, 2023, when Michigan defeated Western 12-5 in NCAA baseball at Ray Fisher Stadium. See more of Horwedel’s favorite pics.
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Luke Hales
Soccer fans are known for their rowdiness and unbridled enthusiasm for the sport. So when Quin Rogers “silences the crowd” after scoring a goal against Detroit Mercy on Sept. 12, 2022, Luke Hales marked the moment. See more of Hales’ favorite pics.
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Erin Kirkland
Ann Arbor runners head off from the starting line on State Street during the 2023 Big House 5K. “Early morning assignments are easier when there’s nice light,” says Erin Kirkland, “and it woke me up as I walked from the starting line to Michigan Stadium.” See more of Kirkland’s favorite pics.
Betsy Stover
Hi Sam, Love this shot ! It takes a Village! Betsy
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