Sports photography requires attention to detail
Shooting sports photographs can be a challenge. Sporting events are live action, always presenting the photographer with the task of capturing a defining moment without the benefit of a time out. You will need the ability to work under pressure, with a keen eye, and know your equipment to shoot great sports photographs because you will typically only get one chance. If you can master these elements of sports photography, you might turn your love for sports and photography into a well-paying career.
Instructions
1. Choose your angles. Sports photography is all about location. Get as close to the action as you can. Look for interesting angles. Behind home plate during a baseball game or from the dugout. Capturing a great sports photograph happens when you are where the action is.
2. Keep your camera on continuous mode for shooting sports photography. Be ready to take a series of shots. The great shot may come at any moment. Follow the action. Focus on the batter as he prepares to swing. Take a shot before, then keep your camera up and ready. A pitch is fast. Set a high shutter speed for this type of shot. Rule: the faster the action, the higher the shutter speed.
3. Photograph from angles the audience doesn't normally see in a sporting event. Get down low. Capture a swing or a touchdown from that angle. For car racing, get shots from the perspective of the car coming toward you. Find a curve in the track and shoot as the cars come around the curve.
4. Take photographs with a polarizing lens when shooting sporting events outdoors. A polarizing lens cuts down on reflection and is extremely useful for auto racing shots. Use a macro lens for close shots of someone on base or at bat. The macro lens will blur out the background and allow you to focus your subject. This is especially useful for capturing the concentration on a pitcher's or batter's face.
