Home Run, Touchdown, Slam Dunk – 5 Tips For Taking Your Best Sports Photos
Victory in sports is about practice and performance – the best athletes prepare better than anyone else, training their bodies and minds to perform when winning and losing matter most.
It’s no different with sports photography. Those one-of-a-kind photos you see don’t happen by accident, or just because the photographer was in “the right place, at the right time.”
If you’re serious about sports photography, then you need to do more than show up a sporting event with a camera. You might luck into a nice photo people will compliment you on, but if you take these tips to heart, you can rest assured you’ll take great photo after great photo.
Tip number 1: Know your sport. I mean that literally. If you are going to photograph a sporting event, you have to understand the strategy well enough that you consider it your sport. That doesn’t mean you have to play it or even know all the rules, but you must know what the point of the game is, as well as what is considered excellent performance.
For example, in ice hockey, a player on the offense who is near the goal will sometimes pass the puck away from the goal and into what is seemingly empty space. To someone unfamiliar with the sport, it looks as if that’s a mistake. But in reality the player is passing to empty space knowing that his teammate is going to time his skate to meet the pass, and take a shot on goal. It all happens in the blink of an eye, but if you have your camera trained on the momentarily “empty” space, you have a good chance of catching the instant the player strikes the puck with his stick. Or you could focus on the goalie knowing that a shot is coming.
Tip number 2: Focus on the players that will give you the best photo. A lot goes on during a game. There are a lot of great pictures that you’ll probably miss. Focus on getting the best shot you can in any particular moment, and don’t worry about the ones you missed. During a tennis match, take time to focus on one player’s serve. Then, switch your attention to the other players return. Very quickly, you will find yourself becoming a part of the rhythm of the game. And once you reach that point, you’ll see opportunities as appear.
While photographing a high school basketball game, I focused on the best player on each team. Now, I knew that other players would make great shots, but I also knew that teammates would look to both of these players. When the ball came to them, I took pictures. When they passed the ball, I took pictures. I avoided getting too distracted by other action. Both of these players went on to be stars in college, one of them played in the NBA, and I got some great shots that night.
Tip number 3: Be prepared. When those opportunities for the “money” shot do appear, don’t get caught unprepared. I’ve known photographers who’ve forgotten to take their lens caps off and missed something great. Or, they may not have changed their ISO setting from the last time they used their camera. If you want to manually control the settings, then be sure to take your camera off automatic so the flash doesn’t pop up when you least want it to.
Remember, you’re not just there to watch the game. You’re there to take a great photograph or two. Keep your camera in your hands, with a clean lens, the right lenses close at hand, and make sure your battery is fully charged.
Also, pay attention to weather conditions. Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you can’t take great photos. In fact, the drama may be increased by the presence of water on the field. If it’s going to be a bright sunny day and your daughter’s soccer game is at 7:30 on a Saturday morning, then you’ll want to make sure you account for both the glare of the sun and the glint of dew that’s sure to be on the fields.
Tip number 4: Know your equipment. Of course, in order to be prepared, you need to know what your camera can and can’t do. The last place you want to become familiar with your equipment is at the sporting event you paid $100 to get into, or at your daughter’s TaeKwonDo National Championship competition. If you have relatives or friends who play on sports teams, ask if you can take pictures of their events. It will be good practice for you, and they will love to see the pictures you take.
If you don’t already have a SLR camera with a telephoto lens, I recommend you get one. A point and shoot camera is good for portrait shots before and after the game, not fast moving action. And don’t be too intimidated by SLRs or telephoto lenses. They behave much the same way as point and shoots do when you set them on fully automatic. But you gain a lot of flexibility that point and shoot cameras simply don’t have.
Tip number 5: Location, location, location and timing, timing, timing. These are the two most important things to keep in mind in sports photography, and they cannot be separated. You have to be in the right place at the right time in order to get a truly great sports photograph. And it doesn’t have anything to do with luck. If your son’s high school football team is marching down the field for a touchdown, then don’t get so caught up in the game that you forget to rush to the back of the end zone. From there, you can get the perfect shot of a receiver catching a touchdown pass or a fullback barreling into the end zone.
Don’t be shy about getting into position, either. I’m not recommending you sneak onto the sidelines during the Super Bowl and risk arrest. But at many events, if you ask politely and explain what you’re doing, officials will let you on the sidelines. Also, you can check ahead to see if you can get a sideline pass. They aren’t reserved solely for the media. It’s good to check well before the event, but if you can’t, try asking at the ticket office when you arrive. After all, the worst they can do is say no!
Sports stir the soul – for millions of fans, watching their favorite teams fight for victory, even if they end up in defeat, inspires them in their day-to-day lives. Your photos can have a similar impact.
Imagine a parent’s delight when you present them with a picture of their child scoring a touchdown or goal … imagine your lasting memories when you take a picture of your own child’s moments of glory. It will affirm their dedication – and yours – and inspire you both for many years to come.
About the Author
Matt Smolsky writes for a variety of clients, including Hoorray, a photo sharing website that offers a
free online photo album
to new members and is the easiest place to create a
digital photo album
, calendar, and more.
BallStars – Overview of our Sports Based Business Opportunity
|
Nite Ize MeteorLight K-9 Led dog ball
Do you have a hard time explaining to your four-legged friend that playing ball after the sun goes down is just impossible? Welcome to the age of lightsthe Nite Ize MeteorLight K-9 L.E.D Ball is what your furry friend has been waiting for.Product FeaturesMaterial: extra durable rubberRecommended Use: pet exercise in darkness, lowlight pet toyManufacturer Warranty: 2 years…
|
|
Sports Night Light – Home Run – Baseball – LED NIGHT LIGHT
$19.99
This is a very fun baseball night light with an image by talented artist Kathy Middlebrook. This image lights up beautifully when lit and is perfect for any room in the house. This light makes a very unique gift and perfect as a stocking stuffer, office gift, or grab bag gift. Photographic image is printed in the USA using high quality inks and is very colorful. **PLEASE NOTE** Unlike cheaper nigh…
|
|
Bowflex Fitwatch Strapless Heart Rate Monitor with Built in Compatible Chest Strap App (Black/Gray)
$58.17
Fitwatch F10 Features: -heart rate monitor. -Compatible with most ECG chest belts. -On demand heart rate with button less sensor technology. -High/Low target zone alarm. -Recovery timer/Calorie counter. -Total fat burn. -Time of day/Alarm clock. -pct of max heart rate/Average heart rate. -Maximum heart rate during exercising. -100 hour stopwatch/Water resistant/Backlight. -Overall dimension: 9”…
|
|
Soccer Ball Cupcake Rings 12 Pack
$2.47
From the Sports Party Supply Collection. Soccer Cupcake Rings. Includes 12 soccer shaped cupcake rings in each pack. Recommended for ages 3 and up….
|
|
Balls Mahoney Ecw Wwe Signed Auto 8×10 Photo W/ Proof
$8.5
Balls Mahoney Ecw Wwe Signed Auto 8×10 Photo W/ Proof BALLS MAHONEY ECW WWE SIGNED AUTO 8X10 PHOTO W/ PROOFEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.
|
|
EK Sticko Stickers Puffy Sports Balls
$1.29
EK Sticko Stickers are acid free and photo safe. Great for collecting, invitations, stationery, gift wrapping, parties, scrapbooking and much more! Use stickers in all your projects! Puffy Sports Balls- Package contains 1 sheet, 2 5/8″x 7″, with 53 pieces. Stickers include footballs, basket balls, baseballs, tennis balls, golf balls, soccer balls, and volleyballs. They vary in size from approximately 1/4″ to 7/8″.
|
|
EK Sticko Stickers Sparkler Sports Balls
$2.09
EK Sticko Stickers are acid free and photo safe. Great for collecting, invitations, stationery, gift wrapping, parties, scrapbooking and much more! Use stickers in all your projects! Sparkler Sports Balls- Sparklers stickers are eye-catching, bright, colorful, and fun. These epoxy plus prismatic stickers add shine and excitement to cards, invitations, scrapbook pages, gift tags, wrapping paper, and so much more. This set has 27 stickers that include footballs, soccer balls, baseballs, basket balls and stars. They vary in size from approximately 1/4″ to 1 1/2″.
|
|
Sticky Sports Balls
$5.95
Drive mom up the wall with these sticky toys. The sticky balls come in assorted sports balls. They’ll stick to most surfaces. Size 1½” W.
|
|
Mini Sports Balls
$7.95
These sports balls are safe for indoor or outdoor play. Foam filled vinyl covered. Assorted sport balls. Size 2½” Diam.
|
|
Foam Sports Balls
$17.95
These sports balls are safe for indoor or outdoor play. Foam filled vinyl covered. Assorted sport balls. Size 4½” Diam.
|
|
Zooka Sports Tennis Balls
$24.95
The Zooka Sports Tennis Balls can be used for batting or tennis practice with both the ZS720 and ZS740 pitching machines from Zooka Sports. These tennis balls features a pressure-less design, which allows for longer life. They are safe and soft for younger players. Each purchase includes 1 pack of 12 tennis balls.
|
|
Splash Sports Balls
$8.95
Drench your friends with these sports balls, which absorb water when wet. Assorted styles. Made of fabric. Size 2¾” Diam.
|
|
Growing Sports Balls
$4.95
Grow non-toxic balls from½” to 1″ Diam. by just putting them in water. Per Dozen.
|
|
Trend Sports Slider Lite-Balls
$24.99
Trend Sports Slider Lite-Balls. Slider Baseball Pitching Machine Lite-Balls weigh 2/3 less than regulation baseballs and are safe for young players to use at home.
|
|
Champion Sports Lacrosse Practice Balls
$30.95
The Champion Sports Practice Lacrosse Balls help you perfect your throwing and catching skills. These soft and hollow lacrosse balls are lightweight and perfect for training or indoor use. These white practice balls come in a pack of 12, so you’ll always have plenty available.
|
|
Frank Gifford Photo – Sports
$188.57
Frank Gifford Photo – Sports This is an usigned 16×20 framed photo of New York Giants legend Frank Gifford standing on the sideline in the rain at Yankee Stadium with Giants coach Vince Lombardi behind him.
|
|
Chocolate Sports Balls Tub: 36ct
$34.99
Yummy milk chocolate sports balls wrapped in foil decorated like your favorite sport’s orb! Perfect for a birthday or little league party.Select between: Golf Balls, Baseballs, Basketballs or Soccer Balls.Chocolate Sports Balls Tub from Madelaine Chocolate Novleties.36 balls per Tub. Foil wrapped. Each ball about 1.5 inch diameter.Price Per Unit = $0.97
|
|
Sports Return Balls
$3.95
Have fun with these finger ring, return balls with 16″ elastic cords. Fun party toy. Ball size is 1 1/8″ Diam.
|
|
Sports Balls in a Mesh Bag Plush
$29.99
Kick-start some fun with these full-sized plush sports balls!Softwashable and durablethey are the perfect size for throwing around or decorating any sports-minded child?s room!Includes a ba
|
|
Most Famous Photo in Sports History
$269.5
Most Famous Photo in Sports History It has been 40 years since Bobby scored this Stanley Cup game winning goal, the most famous photo in Sports History.
|
|
Sports Stress Balls
$10.95
Ease tension and build wrist muscle with this sports ball. Made of squeezable foam. Assorted styles. Size 2½” Diam.
|
hopfeed_template=”";
hopfeed_align=”LEFT”;
hopfeed_type=”IFRAME”;
hopfeed_affiliate_tid=”";
hopfeed_affiliate=”dmark1153″;
hopfeed_fill_slots=”true”;
hopfeed_height=280;
hopfeed_width=336;
hopfeed_cellpadding=5;
hopfeed_rows=20;
hopfeed_cols=1;
hopfeed_font=”Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans Serif”;
hopfeed_font_size=”9pt”;
hopfeed_font_color=”#000000″;
hopfeed_border_color=”#FFFFFF”;
hopfeed_link_font_color=”#3300FF”;
hopfeed_link_font_hover_color=”#3300FF”;
hopfeed_background_color=”#FFFFFF”;
hopfeed_keywords=”photo OR sports OR balls”;
hopfeed_path=”http://dmark1153.hopfeed.com”;
hopfeed_link_target=”_blank”;
