"When Melanie McWhorter first suggested a sports themed issue for Finite a year or so ago… it wasn’t initially well received. In fact, it took a few more times of her suggesting it before the rest of us opened our minds that maybe sports photography could be something other than editorial or commercial work. A year or so after Melanie’s initial suggestion I briefly met Sol Neelman while he was traveling through Santa Fe. After seeing his photographs of documenting bizarre sports competitions, I totally jumped on board with the direction Mel wanted to take this issue of Finite. 

Neelman’s work photographing under the radar sports showcase his personal love for athletic competition, but in a manner that is quite curious. The oddity of some of these events can border between pure competition, fun or even sideshow attraction. His book, published by Kerher Verlag is appropriately titled Weird Sports and showcases some of Neelman’s most prominent documentations of the strange behaviors of physicality he photographs. From diving into mud pits to lingerie basketball Neelman’s subjects share an adventurous attitude that often goes overlooked in a serious world. It’s a body of work that reminds us even adults can still be kids, ultimately finding our own niche of active expression… no matter how odd that form of expression may be. I have a feeling these photographs are themselves a personal portrait of the photographer. When asked what he loves to do most, his answer, “Travel, Sports, Photography and Weird Shit.” I think that about sums it up." -- Antone Dolezal

Sol Neelman's website is http://solneelman.com/.