You guys make this sports photography look so easy...

MikeMcA²

But it's certainly not :scratch

Was coming home this morning from some errands and saw that a Junior Football game was about to start up. Went home, got my camera, and headed back to the field. So how do you guys follow action, not lop off hands, elbows, knees, and feet, and get the shots you do.

I suppose it all gets to be a little easier with practice, but you guys are Pretty inspiring to us start-ups. Thanks! :clap

wxwax

You did great!

I wouldn't worry about lopped off limbs. The strength of your stuff is that you have faces showing energy during an athletic move - you're nice and tight. And you have blurred backgrounds.

Ball and face and athleticism, or confrontation, are the basic requisites, IMHO. As for amputated limbs, look at how closely cropped are sports images in newspapers, magazines and online. As long as you're not missing a limb vital to your story, I don't think it matters.

For example, you could crop this one and make a stronger image.

aktse

I thinke you did GREAT! I would be happy with these!:D

To borrow from Ann, shoot tight, crop tighter. Most good sports photos have elements of contact, the ball (puck), faces and captures some type of action ... and hopefully with blurred background to make it pop.

Well done!

MikeMcA²

Thanks everyone. Compared to motorsports, it's amazing how much interference in the sight-lines there can be on the field during a play. Very challenging, but that's the fun part. Thanks for looking and for your comments.

jonh68

You did great. Nice colors and facial expressions. As far as capturing pictures, it just depends on what you want to get. For running plays, it's best to be a few yards down field so you can get the running back coming towards you. For defense shots, it's best to get a few yards behind the offense so the defense is coming towards you. Getting behind the defense also allows you to get some shots of the passing game as receivers have to look back towards the QB.

Just be aware of what you can capture in regards to your position on the field and be prepared for when it happens. Also be aware of the situation on the field. 3rd and long usually means a pass play, and if it's crunch time, the best player will get the ball.

You can also target one player, but you do neglect the overall play. However, some of the most dramatic shots happen that way as they score the TD, cause a fumble etc. When you follow the ball, you will get those shots, but sometimes when you are taking pics it's difficult to follow the ball like that. You can keep both eyes open so you can watch the play develop.

Dizzle

MikeMcA² wrote:

These two are my favorites. I too am struggling to create sports shots like the ones being posted. Inspiring!

You did a great job!

wxwax

jonh68 wrote:

You did great. Nice colors and facial expressions. As far as capturing pictures, it just depends on what you want to get. For running plays, it's best to be a few yards down field so you can get the running back coming towards you. For defense shots, it's best to get a few yards behind the offense so the defense is coming towards you. Getting behind the defense also allows you to get some shots of the passing game as receivers have to look back towards the QB.

Just be aware of what you can capture in regards to your position on the field and be prepared for when it happens. Also be aware of the situation on the field. 3rd and long usually means a pass play, and if it's crunch time, the best player will get the ball.

You can also target one player, but you do neglect the overall play. However, some of the most dramatic shots happen that way as they score the TD, cause a fumble etc. When you follow the ball, you will get those shots, but sometimes when you are taking pics it's difficult to follow the ball like that. You can keep both eyes open so you can watch the play develop.

Good post.

wizzy

Mike,

Nice series. Number 4 is my favorite. You can almost see GUSS fall, and wanna try to catch him

MikeMcA²

Thanks for all the replies! It's fun trying new stuff.

gadams999

MikeMcA² wrote:

Thanks for all the replies! It's fun trying new stuff.

Very nice photos. I'd kill for light like that right now. Not much shade or cloud cover in Georgia.



Harsh lighting and busy backgrounds. But once in a while good plays!

hesaias

you did awesome!

If you look at SI or any other national sports publication, you will see that the only required thing to have a good "public" shot is the ball, the number and he face. that said, what pleases your eye is what matters IMO. There is no way I can make a living shooting, but if I sell a few shots here and there to support my habit and get one or 2 really good shots a game, I am happy.

The main thing is take a ton of shots often.

justus

Football photos
Great job Mike. I think you hit the "sell" button with the facial expressions. Priceless!