Capturing great sports images comes from a combination of sharp reactions and good advance planning. In the first of a two-part series, Robert Keeley shares a few tips to help you shoot better sports action shots.
Powerful sports photos really stir the emotions of participants as well as spectators, and while they generally capture peak moments of action, the best sports shooters spend a lot of time setting up their equipment and planning their approach before a major event.
For amateur enthusiasts who want to lift the standard of their sports images there are a number of basic tips which can make a big difference.
1. READ THE PLAY
It's important to have a reasonable understanding of both the rules of the event, and the structure of how a game, race, or event is played out. So before you even take one photograph, spend some time simply watching. If you have played the sport yourself, you should be in well equipped to read the play and anticipate when and where the key action will take place. If you are new to the sport watch, ask questions and experiment.
2. POSITION
Once you work understand where the key action is, you can start to think about finding the best position to shoot from. At a local football match you may find a good position on the boundary line or near the goals, while at a running race you might get near the finish or the starting line. You'll also need to think about light and where it is in relation to your camera. The best sports shooters know where the best positions are.
To attempt more serious sports photography it can pay to approach officials. If you get involved with a local club or association and offer to supply some photos of the team or competitors in action, official may allow you access to better positions. Don't be afraid to ask.
3. LENS CHOICE
While professional sports shooters generally use powerful, telephoto lenses to capture distant action, most amateurs have to make do with slower consumer-level telephoto zooms. So think creatively. Think about using a wide-angle lens too. If you can pick the right location at a ground or track, the players or participants may come close to you, and you'll shoot some very striking images. It's all about timing and positioning.
To read more about shooting sports see Australian Photography magazine's August issue.
Fast shutter speeds are important to freeze sports action. Image by Robert Keeley.
