I’m fortunate enough to have been over in Paris this month, editing photographic images at the Olympics for the IOC photographers as well as covering certain behind the scenes events when needed. I also covered the London 2012 Olympics too and it’s always such a unique, special sporting event to work at. Obviously this means that sports photography has been very much front of mind, so a sports photography blog seemed fitting this month!
I wanted to talk about how, for a sports photographer, each sport presents unique challenges and opportunities. During my 25 years working as a sports photographer, I’ve covered events all over the UK and across the globe; World and European athletics in South Korea and Moscow, European Football Championships, Premier League,Champions and Europa League football, World Championship boxing in America, International Cricket, Rugby, and Formula One.
Whether it’s the high-speed drama of football or the strategic play in a cricket match, knowing how to approach each event can make the difference between a good shot and a great one. Here’s my sports photographer‘s guide on how to photograph different sports events…
Football: Capturing the Beautiful Game
Preparation and Positioning
Football is a dynamic sport with continuous action spread across a large field. Arriving early to scout the best locations is crucial. Most profesional football clubs will tell the photographers where they are allowed to sit. A shame, as this restricts your level of creativity. If you are photographing football lower down the football pyramid, try to look for angles that you may not be able to work from higher up the chain. The touchline, near the goalpost, and behind the net are prime spots for capturing key moments such as goals, tackles, and celebrations.
Equipment and Settings
- Lens: A 70-200mm telephoto lens is ideal for close-up action, while a 400mm lens can help capture distant plays. A 600mm lens is great of your brief is to shoot a lot of stock for your clients.
- Settings: Use a fast shutter speed (1/1000s or higher) to freeze the action. Set a wide aperture (f/2.8-f/4) for a shallow depth of field to isolate the subject.
- Tips: Anticipate the action by keeping an eye on the ball and player movements. Motor drives are quite standard these days and will help you capture a series of shots in quick succession.
Boxing: Freezing the Fight
Preparation and Positioning
Boxing matches are intense and fast-paced, with most of the action occurring in a confined ring. Position yourself ringside to capture the expressions, punches, and the overall atmosphere. Again, like football, the bigger the fight the more restricted the positions. If you are fortunate enough to be ringside you may well be allocated a spot where you will need to shoot the whole fight from, including the undercard. Alternatively, you may be in a balcony seat. This still provides great images from certain moments but you will need a longer lens. If you are at a small venue, a wide photo from the balcony can really help to show off the venue.
Equipment and Settings
- Lens: A 24-70mm or 70-200mm lens allows flexibility for both close-up shots and wider angles. For the balcony, anything from a 70-200 to a 400mm lens may be needed, depending on the size of the venue.
- Settings: Use a fast shutter speed (1/800s or higher) to capture quick movements. A wide aperture (f/2.8) helps in low light conditions often found in indoor venues.
- Tips: Focus on the fighters’ faces to capture the raw emotion, especially in moments when they are walking to their corner or when they are victorius. Keep an eye on the referee and the crowd for additional storytelling elements.
(On a bit of a side note… I was recently on the other side of the camera for a 24 hour boxing marathon, raising money for a cause very close to my heart. If you want to take a look at me taking part in boxing rather than photographing it for once, click here.)
Cricket: Capturing the Gentleman’s Game
Preparation and Positioning
Cricket matches can be lengthy with moments of explosive action. Positioning yourself at different points around the oval, such as behind the bowler or near the boundary, will provide diverse angles.
Equipment and Settings
- Lens: A 400mm or 600mm lens is essential for capturing distant action.
- Settings: A shutter speed of 1/1000s or higher is recommended. Adjust ISO according to lighting conditions, especially during day-night matches.
- Tips: Focus on the batsman, bowler, and fielder interactions. Capturing the crowd’s reaction can add context to significant moments like wickets and boundaries.
Athletics: The Thrill of the Track
Preparation and Positioning
Athletics events feature a range of activities from sprints to long jumps, each requiring different approaches. Position yourself near the finish line for track events and near the field for jumping and throwing events.
Equipment and Settings
- Lens: Anything from a 16-35mm upto a 600mm can be useful at athletics events. You may want to capture the full stadium, so need a wide lens, or that moment of celebration, whenre a longer lens would be needed.
- Settings: A fast shutter speed (1/1000s or higher) to capture movement. Adjust ISO and aperture based on the venue’s lighting conditions.
- Tips: Anticipate key moments like the start of a sprint, the release of a javelin, or the landing of a long jump.
General Tips for Sports Photography
- Know the Sport: Understanding the rules and flow of the game helps in anticipating key moments. It isn’t vital that you know the sport inside out, but having a basic understaning of how a sport work will certainly help you when it comes to arriving at the event
- Cameras with a motor drive: Use this mode to capture multiple frames per second, increasing the likelihood of getting the perfect shot.
- Post-Processing: Editing software can enhance your images, but aim to capture the best possible shot in-camera.
- Respect Boundaries: Ensure you follow all venue guidelines and respect the players, officials, and fellow photographers.
Sports photography in Manchester and Cheshire
If you’re looking to work with an experienced sports photographer, I can help. I’m a professional sports photographer based in Manchester and Cheshire, working throughout the UK (and, as you can tell from my recent Paris trip, overseas too!) Contact me today if you’d like a chat.
