Merced photo show: Up close and personal with athletes

Capturing the mind and determination of an athlete is the goal of a photography exhibit now on display at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center.

“Face of an Athlete” is made up of 27 images, representing athletes from a wide range of sports. The photos were created by Merced photographer Jay Sousa, who was celebrated on Friday during a reception at the center.

The project started a year ago as a way to highlight local cyclists but grew into a much bigger project, he said. “It just snowballed,” the 57-year-old said. “It just took off.”

Sousa said he aimed to capture the intensity, hard work and perseverance of the athletes, who all are connected to Merced County. It took 72 sessions with the athletes to make the show what it is.

“We see the game, but we don’t see the behind the scenes,” he said. “I consider myself an athlete. I’m a runner. I’m an avid hiker.”

The photos feature sports from volleyball and wrestling to mixed martial arts and wheelchair racing.

Sousa has called Merced home since 1968. He works professionally as a photographer in town and teaches photography at Merced College and, in the early 1980s, was a shooter for the Merced Sun-Star.

“Face of an Athlete” came together, he said, with the right lighting, a little glycerin so the athletes appeared sweaty and some post production on a computer.

The latest show is Sousa’s third in the Merced gallery, he said, but he’s shown other places. His connection to the camera runs deep.

“It’s all I’ve ever done,” he said. “It’s who I am.”

The center’s gallery is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. There’s no entry fee.

His work is also available online at http://jaysousa.photoshelter.com.

This story was originally published February 15, 2016 at 4:24 PM with the headline "Merced photo show: Up close and personal with athletes."