top of page

Sports photography guide

Sports photography typically involves capturing fast-paced action and movement, often in low light conditions. Some key techniques for sports photography include using a fast shutter speed to freeze the action, panning to create a sense of motion, and using a long lens to zoom in on the action. It's also important to be aware of the background and composition, and to anticipate and be ready for the key moments of the action. Additionally, it's important to be familiar with the sport and its rules, as well as the different types of shots that are typically used to cover it.

 

There are several factors that are important in sports photography, including:

 

  • Fast shutter speed: In order to freeze the action and capture sharp, clear images, a fast shutter speed (>1/800th of a second) is necessary. This is especially important when photographing fast-moving sports like padel or handball.

  • Autofocus: A camera with a fast and accurate autofocus system is essential for sports photography. This allows you to quickly and easily track and capture the action as it unfolds.

  • High frame rate: The ability to at high frame rates (10, 20, 30 etc frames per second or fps) is important in sports photography. This allows you to capture multiple images in quick succession, increasing your chances of getting the perfect shot.

  • Flexibility: Having a variety of focal length lenses, fast aperture, and the ability to shoot in different lighting conditions allows you to capture a wide range of shots, from wide-angle action shots to close-up details.

  • Composition: The composition of the image is also very important, and the ability to create a visually pleasing and effective image can make a big difference in sports photography. This includes the placement of the subject, the use of lines and shapes, and the use of color and light.

  • Anticipation: Anticipating the action is key in capturing the right moment in sports photography, it is important to be ready and prepared to capture the peak of the action.

  • Planning and preparation: Knowing the sport and the venue, understanding the lighting conditions, and having a plan for the types of shots you want to capture can help to ensure that you are in the right place at the right time to get the best possible images.

​​

​

The Exposure Triangle

The Exposure Triangle, or Three Kings of Photography, is a common way to refer to the three main elements that control the exposure of a photograph: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Aperture controls the amount of light that enters the camera through the lens by adjusting the size of the aperture, or opening. Shutter speed controls the amount of time that the camera's sensor is exposed to light. ISO is a measure of the camera's sensitivity to light. A change in one element of the exposure triangle will affect the other two elements, so photographers must balance these three factors to achieve the desired exposure for a given scene. For example, a wider aperture (smaller f-stop number) will allow more light into the camera, so a slower shutter speed or lower ISO can be used to maintain the same exposure. Conversely, a slower shutter speed will allow more light into the camera, so a narrower aperture or lower ISO can be used. The exposure triangle is a fundamental concept in photography, and understanding how to balance these three elements is essential for achieving well-exposed and visually pleasing images.

 

Shutter speed

Shutter speed refers to the amount of time that a camera's shutter is open when taking a photograph. It is measured in seconds or fractions of a second, such as 1/1000 or 1/2000 of a second. A fast shutter speed allows less light to enter the camera, which is useful for capturing fast-moving subjects or for shooting in bright light. A slow shutter speed allows more light to enter the camera, which is useful for capturing motion blur or for shooting in low light.

 

Aperture

In photography, aperture refers to the opening in a camera lens through which light enters the camera. It is measured in f-stops, such as f/1.8 or f/22. A lower f-stop number represents a larger aperture, which allows more light to enter the camera, while a higher f-stop number represents a smaller aperture, which allows less light to enter the camera. The aperture also controls the depth of field in a photograph. A larger aperture (smaller f-stop number) creates a shallower depth of field, which makes the subject of the photograph stand out more clearly against a blurred background. A smaller aperture (larger f-stop number) creates a deeper depth of field, which keeps more of the image in focus.

 

ISO

In photography, ISO is a measure of a camera's sensitivity to light. A higher ISO setting will make the camera more sensitive to light, allowing for faster shutter speeds or the use of smaller apertures. However, increasing the ISO also increases the amount of noise or grain in the final image. It is common practice to keep the ISO as low as possible while still obtaining a proper exposure. ISO can be set manually or automatically depending on the camera.

​

Cameras

There are several types of cameras that are commonly used for sports photography, each with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Some popular options include:

 

  • DSLR cameras: Digital single-lens reflex cameras, or DSLRs, are a popular choice for sports photography due to their fast autofocus, high frame rates, and ability to shoot in burst mode. They also have a wide variety of interchangeable lenses, which allows for greater flexibility. For example, the Canon 1D-series and the 7D series. 

  • Mirrorless cameras: These cameras have similar capabilities as DSLRs but use a different technology, which makes them more compact and lightweight. They offer a fast autofocus, high frame rates, and ability to shoot in burst mode as well. They also offer silent shutter option which can be useful in some sports photography scenarios. For example, the Canon EOS R3 or R6. 

  • Action cameras: These cameras are designed specifically for capturing action and are often worn or mounted on helmets, handlebars, or other gear. They are waterproof and rugged, making them ideal for outdoor sports and extreme activities.

 

Ultimately, the choice of camera will depend on the specific needs of the photographer, the type of sport being photographed, and the available budget.

​

Lenses

There are several types of lenses that are commonly used for sports photography, each with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Some popular options include:

 

  • Telephoto lenses: These are lenses with a long focal length, typically 70mm or greater. They are ideal for capturing close-up shots of the action and can be used to isolate the subject from the background. They are great for capturing fast-moving action, in particular the long lenses like 200mm, 300mm, 400mm and 600mm.

  • Zoom lenses: These lenses allow you to change the focal length, so you can zoom in or out to capture a variety of different shots. They are versatile and can be used for both close-up and wide-angle shots. They are great for capturing fast-moving action and can be used to follow the action.

  • Wide-angle lenses: These lenses have a short focal length, typically less than 35mm. They are great for capturing the entire field of play and can be used to show the action in context. They are also ideal for capturing panoramic shots.

  • Fisheye lenses: These lenses have a very wide angle of view and can be used to capture dramatic and unique shots. They can be used to create a sense of movement and energy in the image.

 

Ultimately, the choice of lens will depend on the specific needs of the photographer, the type of sport being photographed, and the available light.

​

Composition

Sports photography composition refers to the way that elements in a photograph are arranged in order to create a visually pleasing and effective image. This can include the placement of the subject (i.e. the athlete or team), the use of lines and shapes, and the use of color and light. Some common techniques used in sports photography composition include capturing the action from a low angle, using a wide-angle lens to capture the entire field of play, and incorporating the background or surroundings to add context to the image. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to the rule of thirds, where the subject is placed off-center in the frame to create a more dynamic image.

​

The No-No's

There are several things that are typically considered forbidden or not advisable in sports photography, including:

 

  • Using flash: Using flash can be distracting to the athletes and can also cause unwanted reflections or glare. Instead, it's recommended to use a fast shutter speed and high ISO to capture the action in low light situations.

  • Photographing from restricted areas: Many sports venues have designated areas for photographers, and it's important to respect these boundaries and not enter restricted areas or disrupt the event.

  • Obstructing the view of other spectators: Photographers should be mindful of their position and not obstruct the view of other spectators while they are taking pictures.

  • Interfering with the athletes: Photographers should not interfere with the athletes or the event in any way. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and to not put yourself or others in danger.

  • Manipulating the images: Manipulating images such as using photoshop to change the outcome of a play or to enhance the image in a way that is not true to the scene is not allowed and can lead to losing accreditation or credibility as a photographer. 

  • Ignoring the rules: It's important to be aware of and follow any rules or guidelines that are in place for the event you are photographing. Ignoring these rules can result in being asked to leave the event or having your equipment confiscated.

  • Breaking copyright laws: It is important to respect the copyright laws and obtain the necessary permissions before publishing or selling any images taken during a sports event.

 

It is important to be aware of these guidelines and to always act professionally and ethically when photographing sports events.

bottom of page