Sports Photography

This is a summary of Sports Photography hints to help get better sports shots. Photographically speaking, each sport is unique and therefore has different tricks for getting good shots. The hints list here are predominately for Outdoor Soccer. The suggestions come from Allen Rockwell, moderator of Allen Rockwell Digital Photography Podcast.

Note that these hints do not discuss photographic equipment, which for sports photography requires some of the very best and most expensive. The suggestions provided here are techniques to use to help capture the perfect moment in time in sports.

• Location, Location, Location: Position yourself where the action is likely to occur. For soccer, this is typically at the goal post or the corners of the field. These locations are not only where there is a high probability of action, but they are also more likely that you will get shots of the players face. You want to capture the player coming at you. In other locations you are more likely to capture players from the side or back, which are often less interesting.
• Pick a player: Rather than trying to follow all the players or even the ball, pick a key player and follow him or her. What we are trying to do is increase our chances of getting a great shot by following the player that is most likely to make that great shot.
• Non Action Shots: Great sport photos are not limited to action shots. Catching a player after a shot can be just as dramatic as an action shot. For example, shooting a player celebrating or agonizing after a play can make great shots.
• Auto Focus: Always use Auto Focus. There is so much going on quickly in sports it is virtually impossible to be able to manually focus.
• Sports Mode: This goes along with the Auto Focus suggestion. Don't be afraid to take advantage of the camera's "Sports Mode". The Sports Mode will free you from some thinking about settings so that you can concentrate on getting the shot, rather than worrying about the camera.
• Keep Shooting: In sports photography there is little time, if any, to compose a shot. To help increase your chances of capturing a great shot, don't be afraid to put your camera in "Burst Mode" and take lots of shots. You may not know you got a winner until you review your photos.