Testing a new technology, an AP photographer focuses on a hurdler’s eyes from an unusual angle
Qatar’s Oumar Doudai Abakar competes in a men’s 110 meters hurdles heat at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
TOKYO, Japan (AP) — AP photographer Petr David Josek started working with The Associated Press in 2002 and became a full-time staffer in 2011, when he got the Prague bureau job. Since then, he has covered the Iraq War, eight Olympics and four World Cups among numerous sports and news assignments.
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Why this photo?
Being at the finish line gives you a chance to try some new angles especially when covering repetitive heats of action. So, when we got our new cameras, Sony a1ii with the eye recognition feature, I figured I might try it to see if I can spot the eye through the hurdles.
How I made this photo
It was a bit easier here in Tokyo at the track world championships because I am shooting from a moat which allows me to be as low as possible, but even though the camera’s autofocus works great, to get the focus through is still pretty tricky. From something like eight tries I only got two usable images.
Why this photo works
Probably because it is quite unique and an unusual angle that it makes you wonder how was it was taken. Also, it feels very compact and the eye contact is quite intense.
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