Chapter 6: Sports Photography

Question 1

How can you know the action?

Answer 1

Read regularly about the top stars that you will be shooting at the event

Be aware of newsworthy events about players, teams, or now even leagues

Check with the statistician before games to get a heads up on major feats that could occur during the game you are shooting.

Question 2

How can you summarize the game in one photo?

Answer 2

Capture the lead story on the wire

Be sure to get the game changing plays

Get shots of top scorers and players with surprisingly bad performances

Stay with the shot before and after the game

• Crowd shots
• Athletes body language

Question 3

How can you write captions for photos?

Answer 3

You will need to let the viewer know the 5 W’s of the photograph
-Who, What, When, Where, and Why

Take pictures that will allow you to easily recognize where these pictures took place during the game

• Shoot the scoreboard after big plays or after game breaks
• Take notes during the game that help keep you organized for getting the best photos out fast

Question 4

How can you keep the illusion of motion?

Answer 4

Techniques can include

• Freezing action
• Peak Action
• Panning
• Playing with light
• Continuous shooting mode

Question 5

How can you freeze the action?

Answer 5

Use a shutter speed of at lease 1/500

Shoot at a higher ISO for crisper pictures

Factors for adjusting shutter speed

• Actual speed of the subject
• The faster the object the faster the shutter speed needed
• Apparent distance between shooter and subject
• The closer the subject appears the faster the shutter speed
• Telephoto lenses require faster shutter speed
• Angle of the subject in relation to shooter
• Movement across the lens requires faster shutter speed than movement towards the lens

Peak Action
-You can use a lower shutter speed at the slowest part of the action

Panning

• Use a a slow shutter speed
• Follow the subject while pressing the shutter
• Be sure to get the editors pictures before you try this

Play with the available light

• Take note of how the light affects the subject
• Select exposure manually, and use a lens hood to avoid flare

Question 6

How do is continuous mode used?

Answer 6

Be aware this can miss the peak action of an event if the timing is off

This can catch the build up of a dramatic play
-Especially useful for controversial plays

You can adjust the rate of fire on some cameras
-Be sure you write speed of the SD card is fast

Start before the action and continue after the action

Question 7

How can you create sharp images?

Answer 7

Using Autofocus
-Program an autofocus button on the back of the camera
Select what sensors you would like to have active

Autofocus choice
-Most common is the continuous autofocus
Follows motion and keeps subject in focus

Manual Exceptions
-If you know where the action will take place “zone focus” on an area and snap the picture as the subject comes through

Question 8

What are some ways to get different, hard to get shots?

Answer 8

Fixed-focal-length “long glass” Telephoto

• Blurs your background, and highlights the subject
• Compresses the distance between objects

Tele converters
-Magnifying glass for your lens

Zoom lenses
-Allow for a variety of shots and focal lengths

Monopod or Tripod
-Give you stability in a chaotic environment

Rain gear
-Protects your equipment and allows you to keep shooting the event without hesitation

Wireless remotes
-Essentially allows you to be in multiple places at a time

Low light tools

• Properly expose your subject in poorly lit venues
• Use strobes to light an area with frequent action