UltiPhotos of the Year: 2019 Award Winners

The year's most captivating photos!

December 27, 2019 by Charlie Eisenhood in Coverage with 0 comments

In our UltiPhotos of the Month series, we feature some of our favorite shots from the leading photography company in ultimate. You get the play, they’ll get the shot.

Rather than highlight the basically nonexistent ultimate of December, we’re taking a moment to look back at the best UltiPhotos images of 2019, as selected by the photographers themselves! The annual UltiPhotos awards already took place on their social media channels, but we’ve got everything in one spot for you to see.

Don’t miss these iconic photos!

Action Photo of the Year

UCSD's Dena Elimelech dives for the game-winning goal. — UCSD’s Dena Elimelech dives for the game-winning goal in the quarterfinals of the 2019 D-I College Championships. Photo by Paul Rutherford – UltiPhotos.com

Atmosphere Photo of the Year

Wild Card gets hyped at the 2019 Club Championships. Photo: Jeff Bell — UltiPhotos.com

Photographer of the Year: Paul Rutherford

Paul Rutherford. Photo: Kevin Leclaire — UltiPhotos.com

Paul Rutherford is not only a brilliant photographer but a real workhorse, covering many of ultimate’s biggest events alongside his work shooting major Boston professional teams including the Red Sox and Patriots. Follow his Instagram to see his work.

Rookie of the Year: Sam Hotaling

It’s hard to believe Sam Hotaling isn’t an UltiPhotos veteran. He was one of the site’s key photographers during the club season and provided some fabulous shots frequently featured as header images on Ultiworld articles. Follow his Instagram to see plenty of ultimate but also bike racing, BMX, and concerts.

Tournament Champion of the Year: Sandy Canetti

Sandy Canetti. Photo: Brian Canniff — UltiPhotos.com

Sandy Canetti earned every bit of this award by covering the most events of any UltiPhotos photographer this year. I think I run into Sandy at tournaments more often than just about anyone in the sport. His Instagram is private, but give him a follow and maybe he’ll let you in!