Documentary photographer Rosa Verde's latest series, 'Basketball is Life,' is a sentimental collection of photographs that speak to the universality of the sport, whilst simultaneously exploring the varied reasons behind why people decide to pursue it.
Verde travels all over the world, from Naibrobi slums to the Scottish Isles, in order to capture photos of people who use the sport almost as a lifeline. Each image is accompanied by a humbling letter that explains their love and devotion towards the sport and what it means to them. Their personal narratives provide an emotional context to the already-poignant photographs.
'Basketball is Life' is being shown as part of the 'Where We Stand' exhibit at the London College of Communication.
Poignant Basketball Photography
Basketball is Life Explores People's Connections to the Sport
Trend Themes
1. Basketball Lifestyle Photography - There is an opportunity for photographers to capture and share stories behind the passion for sports and its impact on communities.
2. Sports Documentary Photography - There's a growing market for photographers to get into the world of documentary photography by shooting moving narratives that tell stories of different people and their connections to sports.
3. Human Connection in Sports Photography - Photographers can tap into our need for human stories & connections by capturing emotion and stories that reveal deeper insights into the impact sports has on individual lives.
Industry Implications
1. Photography Industry - Photographers can capture powerful stories of people and communities that connect around sports; tapping into a growing market for documentary sport photography.
2. Sports Industry - Sports companies have the opportunity to humanize their brand by showcasing how sports impacts individuals and communities above and beyond the sport itself, which can help grow their fanbase.
3. Exhibition Industry - Exhibit curators can explore the human aspect of sports and its impact on society, offering spaces for artists to showcase photography narratives from different communities and people around the world connecting with sports.