Sports Photography

Photographers must react as quickly as the players

Sports have universal appeal, and are a natural subject for photography at all levels. A child’s baseball game and a big league match-up share many of the same characteristics that photographers seek in order to make great images - drama, involvement, excitement, suspense, action and interest.

The professional sports photographer has numerous advantages over the average picture-taker, not the least of which is equipment selection. Most photographers who make their living from shooting sports use expensive, top-of-the-line 35 mm SLR or DSLR cameras equipped with fast, super-long telephoto lenses that bring them close to the action. They are generally able to shoot from field level, ringside or wherever the best camera angles can be found. They are practiced in their techniques, experienced with their equipment and have in-depth knowledge of the sport and its players.

You may think you’ll never capture images that can compare with those the pros get, but you can. If you wish to get serious about sports photography, an important accessory is a fast, medium telephoto lens or a fast, quality zoom lens that ranges from around 70 mm to 200 mm f/2.8 or more. Such lenses will bring you close enough to sports action to take many a good picture, particularly at smaller, local events where you can position yourself nearer to the play.

KNOW THE SPORT

The photographer who understands the game and has knowledge of individual players' styles will find it easier to anticipate the action and will know where to be positioned for good photographic opportunities. Effective camera angles will not only include key elements in the composition, but will be chosen for lighting that works to your advantage.

INDOOR SPORTS

Wouldn't it be great if all sporting events took place outdoors under balmy skies with just the right light for action-stopping photography? Wishful thinking.

Sports activities that occur in enclosed arenas, gymnasiums, aquatic centers, etc. place an additional challenge on the photographer. Lighting is generally dimmer, and has different characteristics than sunshine. Shutter speeds must remain fast to stop action, requiring faster film (ISO) or larger apertures, which means sacrificing depth of field. Although shallow depth of field is often desired when shooting an individual participant in order to separate the player from a busy background. Electronic flash may be a solution, although the distance from flash unit to sports action is often too great to affect exposure.

Note: All Photos are taken by the publisher of this blog, to see more photos try to visit my photo album.