Young Olympians – Paul Floyd Blake 25.11.09

This image of Rosie Bancroft from a project based around young athletes working towards competing in the 2012 Olympics. The series by Paul Floyd Blake recently won the Taylor Wessing Prize at the National Portrait gallery. Lovely series but I especially like this shot. Looks like natural available light. Green/grey background colour contrasts with the red swim cap. Something about the pose is slightly self conscious and childlike, think it’s the turned-in feet, but with calm determination in her face. Despite the honesty of the white plastic stool and shabby changing room the over riding impression is of grace and beauty. Thanks to Paul for letting me use the image.

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