We have all been fascinated by an incredible action shot taken at a sporting event and published in Sports Illustrated or ESPN magazine. When looking at those pictures it is important to note that a different skill set is required when photographing sports as compared to lanscape or portrait work. To be a successful sports photographer one must have an understanding of a variety of sports and how they are played, the right equipment, and patience.
The first step toward success in shooting sports comes through knowledge of ones target sport. As photographer for Eastern Athletics, I have had to learn about each sport that I shoot so that I can anticipate where the action will be on the playing feild and what angle I should shoot at to catch the peek of the action. Every sport is different and some are harder to shoot than others, but each one is unique. It may be helpful to watch 4 or 5 games just to pick up the rules and and how the game is played.
Secondly, the right equipment is essential to capture quality photos. Fast digital SLR's are the only way to go. A point and shoot camera may outside on a sunny day, but otherwise your very limited, especially indoors. Its important to look at FPS(Frames Per Second) when buying a camera, if you intend to use it for sports. I've used the Canon 5D, which shoots at 3 fps, as well as with a Canon 40D, shooting at 7 fps and Canon 1d MarkIII, which shoots at 10 fps. Either of the last two have been the most productive for me. ISO speed is also an important feature if one is shooting indoor sports with bad lighting.
Timing and location are the key points to consider once the first two goals have been achieved. Location is important because you generally want the action to be coming at you and always have the face of an athlete showing, if possible. In basketball the place to be in right beneath the basket. Lacrosse is one of the harder sports to shoot and requires both a sideline spot and one behind the goal to the left or right 5 yards. Football, the main spot is in the endzone or ten yard line. As you time your shot, it is important to anticipate the action occuring. Press the shutter have way down to focus on the action every time the ball moves to a new location or player. Take a series of shots to capture that action packed moment. One shot before it happens, one shot during and one shot after. This way you'll never miss that perfect action shot.
Emotion is also an important element in any photo and sports is no different. After a goal/point/score, look to the benches and players on the field for celebration shots. As you start shooting sports it is important to take as many pictures as possible, you can never have enough options to choose from and your selection will be far better from 1,000 photos than it would be from 100.
Happy Shooting!
-Dave
The first step toward success in shooting sports comes through knowledge of ones target sport. As photographer for Eastern Athletics, I have had to learn about each sport that I shoot so that I can anticipate where the action will be on the playing feild and what angle I should shoot at to catch the peek of the action. Every sport is different and some are harder to shoot than others, but each one is unique. It may be helpful to watch 4 or 5 games just to pick up the rules and and how the game is played.
Secondly, the right equipment is essential to capture quality photos. Fast digital SLR's are the only way to go. A point and shoot camera may outside on a sunny day, but otherwise your very limited, especially indoors. Its important to look at FPS(Frames Per Second) when buying a camera, if you intend to use it for sports. I've used the Canon 5D, which shoots at 3 fps, as well as with a Canon 40D, shooting at 7 fps and Canon 1d MarkIII, which shoots at 10 fps. Either of the last two have been the most productive for me. ISO speed is also an important feature if one is shooting indoor sports with bad lighting.
Timing and location are the key points to consider once the first two goals have been achieved. Location is important because you generally want the action to be coming at you and always have the face of an athlete showing, if possible. In basketball the place to be in right beneath the basket. Lacrosse is one of the harder sports to shoot and requires both a sideline spot and one behind the goal to the left or right 5 yards. Football, the main spot is in the endzone or ten yard line. As you time your shot, it is important to anticipate the action occuring. Press the shutter have way down to focus on the action every time the ball moves to a new location or player. Take a series of shots to capture that action packed moment. One shot before it happens, one shot during and one shot after. This way you'll never miss that perfect action shot.
Emotion is also an important element in any photo and sports is no different. After a goal/point/score, look to the benches and players on the field for celebration shots. As you start shooting sports it is important to take as many pictures as possible, you can never have enough options to choose from and your selection will be far better from 1,000 photos than it would be from 100.
Happy Shooting!
i love all of these pictures!
ReplyDeleteno.. really, theyre great.
In the girl's soccer one, I like the way you used the spotlight to isolate them from anything else going on.
and then the picture of mike lietzel clapping, it looks really cool because of the glow he gives off
ok! but really i like them all!
you're really talented. all the pictures you post on here are beautiful. congrats!
ReplyDeleteyo dave, why am i following your blog and youre not following mine?!
ReplyDelete