さまざまな声が聞こえる
アメリカに「スポーツイラストレイテッド」というスポーツ誌があります。「ナンバー」が長らく提携していた雑誌であり、いわばお手本ともいうべき存在でした。そのクオリティの高さには定評があり、格調のある文章と迫力満点の写真は、読む者を飽きさせません。特に、決定的瞬間を捉えたインパクト溢れる写真を見つけた時など、思わずため息がこぼれます。
さて、この「SSF世界スポーツフォトコンテスト」も第3回を迎え、回を追うごとにレベルアップしているように思われますが、今回最終的に残った作品のうちいくつかは、このスポイラに乗っても不思議ではないような優れたものでした。プロもまじっているわけですから、結果的に彼らの作品が多く残りがちですが、それでもアマチュアならではの素朴な力強さを持った作品も少なくありません。そういう写真を見つけた時は本当に嬉しくなります。
個人的には、ケニアのランナーを撮った写真（キヤノン賞を受賞）に魅かれました。ありふれた、ただのきれいな写真に見えますが、この一枚の作品からさまざまな声が聞こえてきます。ファイネスト・フォトグラファー賞を受賞したマラソンランナーの写真も実に企んでいます。難しかった選考作業も、今となっては楽しい思い出です。今後の一層の発展を析っています。
「ナンバー」編集長/井上進一郎
There is a sports magazine in the United States called "Sports Illustrated." "Number" has worked with "Sports lllustrated" for a long time, and it might even be said that we have modeled ourselves after that magazine. "Sports lllustrated" is known for its high quality, and the magazine keeps the interest of its readers with its fine writing style and the impact of its photos. When you look at its photos, which really catch the impact of decisive moments, you are apt to lose your breath.
The 3rd "SSF World Sports Photo Contest" has recently been held, and I suppose that the contest strives to improve upon its level each time that is held. It would come as no surprise if those photos which were included among the finalists of this contest were to appear in "Sports Illustrated. " Since there were also professional photographers participating in the contest, their photos tend to be included among the finalists. However, there were nevertheless a good number of powerful photos taken by amateur photographers as well. It really makes me very happy when I come across such photos.
I was personally attracted to a photo of a Kenyan runner (which won the Canon Award). Although this particular photograph looks like just another typical, nicely taken photo, you can hear a variety ot different voices speaking in this picture. The photo of the marathon runner which won the Finest Sports Photographer was also truly well planned. I now have fond memories of the difficult selection process in which I was involved. I would like to extend my sincere wishes for the continuous and further success for this contest in the future.
Editor-in-Chief of "Number" / Shinichiro INOUE
