When a photographer has a familiarity with the sport he or she is attempting to photograph, it increases the chances of capturing that heart-pounding, breathtaking moment of action. This is why some photographers, like Jim Decker, have been so successful at capturing great sports photographs.
Mr. Decker has been a ski enthusiast for years, and a ski instructor since 2005. He's been able to capture memorable moments from such events as the Super Bowl, the Winter Olympics, Ski Jumping World Cup competitions and events like the New York City marathon. Skills like knowing the sport well and an impeccable sense of timing help to get the perfect sports photo.
The Right Photography Equipment For Getting Great Sports Photographs
Meticulous knowledge of photography equipment helps in making the best choice of what specific equipment should be used. To get excellent sports photographs, one must be familiar with the type of camera used, as well as the lens lengths that will provide the best performance. Photographers also need to consider the speed of each type of lenses, so fleeting sports moments can be documented as soon as they happen.
Much of the choice made of photography equipment used for sports photography is based on the experience of the photographer as well as by seeking the advice of expert photographers. Decisions need to be made like whether to use auto-focus features or to stick with a manual focus. Many sports photographers choose to use manual focus since it allows them to have more control.
Location Is Crucial To Capturing Memorable Moments In Sports Action
Thorough understanding of the sport being photographed helps photographers to choose the best place to capture those important shots. The choice made can mean the difference between a great shot or a missed moment. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:
- Background - Looking closely at the background of the area where sports photos are going to be taken is advised. Choosing the spot that offers the most pleasing aesthetic feeling will create the best photos.
- Proximity - Trying to get as close as possible to the action is a good idea, as long as being close doesn't pose danger to yourself or to others. Knowing the approximate place where an errant ball is likely to go and avoiding that area can help with safety, enjoyment of the sport and with taking good photographs.
Anticipation Is Another Important Skill
A familiarity with the sport being photographed helps photographers anticipate things that could happen and when they may happen for the best chances of getting good photos. Sports have ways of being both predictable and unpredictable, which is a large part of their attraction. Most photographers quickly discover that they need to become skilled at knowing the right moment to snap the shutter to capture the best shots.
(Photo by © Brandon Elijah Scott / Eye & Pen)
Article written by Boris D.