Title: South Africa’s 100 Most Famous Sports Photos, by Gallo Images

Title: South Africa’s 100 Most Famous Sports Photos, by Gallo Images. ISBN 9780620543699 / ISBN 978-0-620-54369-9

Gallo Images creates and distributes dynamic digital images, footage and music especially for design professionals in the business of advertising, media and marketing in Africa and Brazil. South Africa’s 100 Most Famous Sports Photos originates from their stock.

In the friendly argot of sports journalism, photographers are seldom praised by writers. They are considered a breed apart, unworthy of attention because, the writers believe, words offer something deeper than mere pictures. If only this were true. A splendid picture not only captures the essence of an event, It stands the test of time, drawing wonderment and praise. Now, as always, a picture tells a thousand beautifully crafted words. For years, sports photographers have soared over the pack. Some of the pictures in this book date back 40 or 50 years and more - the iconic image of Nelson Mandela In regal boxing pose is a particular highlight -and every single one contains an element of magic and rare elegance. That's because the photographers who shine rarely get a second chance, Great moments are fleeting, as fast as sport itself, and only the shooters who immerse themselves In their craft learn to plan, anticipate and capture such moments. It has helped immensely that South Africa has enjoyed so many moments in the sun. World champions and winners abound. So too losers, and their moments are venerated for different reasons, but mostly because they remind us of our own mortality and fallings. The photographers within this magnificent book have contributed enormously to the body of work that represents South African sport. The triumphs and the tears, the dramas and the defeats - they're all here, resplendent In their own unique way. SuperSport Is delighted to be a partner in this project. We are unashamed producers of fast-moving pictures, but we share a passion for sport, for heroes, for the vanquished and for the common man. This book Isn't strictly a representation of the best of the best; there is a bias towards the big sports and the moments that have resonated through the years. This Is also an unashamed historical representation of the highlights of SA sport, ensuring the many epic moments are captured forever. Have we missed some epic photographs? Probably. Like sport itself, we all have our favourites, the athletes and teams we prefer to lean towards. This is no bad thing. There was also little point going beyond the 1950s, purely from an aesthetic point of view. Older photographs are more grainy and washed out; a consequence of photography still In development. We hope you understand. With luck, there will be a revision and we will absorb your comments, criticism and advice. Yes, even your pictures, if you are lucky enough to have a lovely old one hidden In a shoebox; one that deserves greater prominence. The men and women pictured In this book have swept us along through the years. So have the photographers, who have allowed us a peek into a world we all love.

This is an excerpt from the book: Title: South Africa’s 100 Most Famous Sports Photos, by Gallo Images.

Title: South Africa’s 100 Most Famous Sports Photos
Photos: Gallo Images
Publisher: Jonathan Ball Publishers
Johannesburg & Cape Town, South Africa 2013
ISBN 9780620543699 / ISBN 978-0-620-54369-9
Softcover, 31x28 cm, 143 pages, throughout b/w and colour photos