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Sport Photography
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Some sound advice for Sports Photographers 
The atmosphere is electric, hearts are pounding, the crowd roars, yet at the precise millisecond the sports photographer has to hit 'that button' and capture the moment for posterity. We have all at one time or another been captivated by sports images that sum up the excitement of the event . It may well be an image of our favorite soccer idol, a show jumping legend, a test cricketer or an Olympic sports star, whatever it may be it will be the defining moment of the event. The image may depict the sheer human effort that the sportsman or
sportswoman has given or the pain threshold that they have gone through to
achieve what may well be their life time ambition or whatever, yet the
photograph must represent this unique achievement. Quality sports shots can occasionally be somewhat difficult to get, it is difficult to get to the byline or have an uninterrupted view of the action. Though forward planning will help to overcome this. The further away you are from the event, the harder it becomes to capture the event in a pleasing manner. Sports are an event where crowd control is important, not only for the crowd's safety but also for the players. The closer you are to the actions is obviously better, though the correct choice of equipment on long lenses it critical. Typically, for a photographer with a press pass, you can get to the sidelines or other similar locations, which has clear advantages. Though of course you must not be tempted to enter the playing field at any time. You conduct must be impeccable as you are there in a privileged position and will reflect upon your professionalism.
Remember that others will also want to capture that moment and you will be jostled, so do stand your ground.
It is essential that you are familiar with the sport, knowing the rules
Capturing the Decisive Moment No use waiting for the action reply or the player to do it again, you have to be 'bang on the button' to capture that decisive moment, so concentration on the action is essential.
What Equipment to Use Digital SLR cameras have given the sports photographer a huge advantage over using film. Due to the vast capacity of memory cards as apposed to say 35mm film and the editing facilities then then the photographer can shoot away capturing thousands of images.
Different sports require different lens lengths, and a zoom telephoto is obvious advantage. Lens speed is also a critical factor, while the faster the lens the
more expensive it will be it will yield far better results, essential
especially if you wish to sell or enter in competition the results of your
work Virtually all digital cameras are autofocus, while this is good in many circumstances it may also prove a disadvantage if the camera is 'hunting' while trying to focus. So a good clear pentaprism is essential and a manual focus option in order that you can control the camera.
Electronic flash is of little use in field sports as it will
over-expose the foreground, using the Other items of equipment for you to consider are tripod an/or monopod, remote triggers a stool for you to sit on and a sturdy camera bag. But most important of all is enjoy your sport and get some great pictures.
Find a Professional Photographer Contact details: SWPP & BPPA, 6 Bath St, Rhyl, LL18 3EB Tel 01745 356935 International code (44) 07973 177079 or 07973 110526 Copyright © 2005 SWPP. All rights reserved. |
If
you do not have a press pass and are stuck in the stands then do get as
close as possible, hence the reason for forward planning, as you may
have to buy tickets to reserve you seat months and months in
advance. 
is not enough, you need to know what to expect so study the sport well in
advance. This also means knowing where to position yourself for the best
action. Not only does it matter with the subject, but also the
background. Look at what is going to be behind your subject. While we will
try to minimize the impact that a background has, it will still be
unavoidable. So you need to position your self where the background is the
most pleasing, using wider apertures thus throwing the background at of
focus will help, though is not a complete cure - your positioning is
therefore essential to the end result.
Sports
photography is all about timing and your reaction, it's also about being
in the right place at the right time. You can with practice anticipate the
moment/ There is a saying in sports photography 'If you can see the
action the you have missed it', this means that when you the player dives
to head the ball and you see it shoot towards the goal, then by this time
the moment will have gone, you need to be on the trigger sooner. So
practice, practice, practice.
It
is essential that your camera has the facility to change lenses as you
will require long telephoto lenses to get close to the action.
available light with a high ISO setting on the camera will have positive
advantages.