Photography has come up in a huge way, both as a profession as well as an extracurricular activity, over the past few years. As the world shifts more towards visual content, and with the ever-growing success of social media, more individuals than ever are taking photography as a way to earn a living or showcase their creativity.
While the availability of different cameras has made it easier for even beginners to take excellent photos, one still needs to put in extra effort if they want to stand out amongst the crowd. Irrespective of the direction you choose, be it of joining the mobile photography craze, or staying pure by using a classic reel camera, studying your subject and preparing your equipment in advance can result in a significantly better photography experience. This holds true, especially when you indulge in sports photography, which is by far one of the most difficult to capture for someone new to the field.
Zoom In
Depending on the sport that you are planning to photograph, having a zoom can make all the difference. If you have front row seats to a basketball game, it is possible to take excellent snaps using the latest smartphone. However, for anything else, you will need a minimum of 200mm zoom lens. This will let you feature the players from up close, capturing not only their actions but also facial expressions which make for excellent photos.
Skip the Auto Mode
Before participating in any activity, it is always advisable that you do a little bit of research. Take the sport of Mixed Martial Arts where any astute fan wanting to bet on a match featuring the infamous Khabib, will check on all UFC Khabib odds beforehand, comparing his fighting style with that of his competitors. Similarly, when photographing, you need to research about the weather, the lighting, and as we mentioned above, the distance from the actual action.
Once you know that, skip the auto mode, which makes your camera slower, and choose the semi-auto mode focusing on the aperture or the shutter speed. The aperture is the best option for beginners who should pick a low ISO on sunny days and a higher one when shooting inside. As for the shutter speed mode, fast action demands speed of around 1/500th of a second, but it is best to take a few tests shots before the game starts to get a feel of what works best.
Use a Tripod
Stability is of extreme importance when taking sports photos. While a blur might add uniqueness to your picture, you still need very stable hands to capture the action at regular intervals. Having a tripod is thus beneficial, and if space is an issue, go with the handier monopod.
Don’t Hold Back
The biggest advantage of going digital is that you can continue to take photo after photo without worrying about the expense of finishing a camera reel. When it comes to sports photography, there is action taking place at all times, and the trick is to keep your camera ready at all times, even when the game is not in play. Moreover, do not be afraid to take photos continuously, hundreds of them if necessary, and worry about selecting the best later, when you see them on your computer.
