‘One in a million’ Shot Wins Callam National Photo Competition
22 July 2024
A student from the University of Lincoln, UK, is celebrating after winning the ‘Best Action Shot’ category in a national photo competition with an image from his third-year photography project.
Callam Baker, a Photography student who has just completed his final year at university, submitted the photo of his cousin Jack in a kickboxing match to the Unidays Student Photographer of the Year competition in April this year.
After finding out he had won last week, Jack said that he was “Proud, happy and shocked” to have come out on top.
The photo shows a striking monotone image of two kickboxers in action against each other, and Callam has called this a “One in a million shot due to the composition of the two kickboxers, the sweat coming off Jack’s opponent, and how that the image is perfectly mirrored at the back of the shot”.
Speaking shortly after finding out he had won, Callam said:
“The image is from my university third-year project called Jackie Chaz: The Barnsley Brawler which was about my cousin, Jack, and his kickboxing career.
“When I take images of Jack, I get an adrenaline rush and feel proud as he is not only fighting for himself and his team but he is also fighting for his family.
“When I found out I had won the Unidays Photographer of the Year competition it was such a mix of emotions. I was ecstatic, overjoyed, proud and shocked all that the same time.”
Callam captured the winning photograph by standing next to the ring with his Canon camera and 24-105mm lens and was granted special access to ringside due to Jack being his cousin.
He has been interested in photography since Year 7 in Secondary School, when his father bought him his first Digital SLR Camera. They went to Air Shows together to take aviation photos and Callam’s interest grew from there, going on to take a GCSE in photography and then a BA Hons in Photography at the University of Lincoln.
The guest judge of the Unidays Photographer of the Year competition was award-winning photographer and conservationist Matt Porteous, who praised the clarity and composition of Callam’s shot.
Commenting on Callam’s winning photograph, Matt Porteous said:
“The composition in this photograph is outstanding, capturing the intense action and emotion of the fight with exceptional clarity.
“The dynamic interaction between the fighters, highlighted by the expert use of backlighting, vividly brings out the drama and physical exertion. The sweat caught in mid-air and the strategic reflection in the background enhance the visual impact and add depth to the storytelling.
“This image is a testament to personal and athletic struggle, beautifully encapsulated in a high-stakes moment.”