When I ask my workshop participants in advance what they find most difficult about sports photography, I often hear: taking sharp photos of surfers . And yes, that is of course important in many situations, but you can also get around this problem creatively, as I will explain in photo tip 3.
However, a good surfing sports photo depends on many more factors than just sharpness. In all the years that I have been active as a photographer in the surfing world, I have noticed that the more original and interesting sports photos are the most appreciated.
I would like to share my experiences with you in this Surfer Dad Surf Blog With Sensational Surfing Photos blog in this post along with some tips.
1. Position
It is an open door, but a well-considered point of view can make a world of difference. As a sports photographer, step a few meters to the left or right and see the effect through your viewfinder.
Whether you take your sports photos standing, sitting, kneeling or lying down can also make a difference. Every point of view can have an immense effect on your sports photo.
But also finding the right spot along the line, athletics track or in the sports hall is often the key to a successful sports photo. That is why I often arrive on time or, if possible, check the situation on site a few days in advance.
I then look for places that can provide interesting photos. I then imagine how and in what way the athlete gets past that. As it were, I 'play' an imaginary movie in my head.
These spots can be the inside or outside of a curve or a higher vantage point. Always keep a close eye on your own and other people's safety.
It could just as well be a straight part of a racetrack with a nice calm background to take panning pictures. But sponsor advertising or fans in the background can also produce an interesting photo. It all adds up to your image to tell a good sports story.
Oh yes, try to avoid the places where many photographers are already standing. It no longer provides you with unique images. For example, don't hesitate to take photos from the stands. Of course you won't come home with the winning photo every time, but at least try to distinguish yourself from the rest every now and then.
Key in all of this, however, is always preparation. I can't say this often enough. Know the circuit, the track, the field. And preferably also, know the sport or even a specific athlete. Anyway, it helped me a lot.
2. Go wide angle
Many sports photos are taken by most photographers with a telephoto lens. And yes, I also use it with great regularity, sometimes you just have to. But every situation requires different tools. A wide-angle lens, for example, is a type of lens that allows you to make spectacular sports images.
Whether from the stands or on the edge of a motor circuit. By shooting up close, you give the viewer a much greater sense of being in the middle of the action. Something that gives your sports photo much more impact and excitement.
An additional advantage of a wide-angle lens is the large focal depth, even at F2.8 or F4. And at F5.6 or F8, everything is certainly sharp from front to back in your photo. A nice focal length for wide-angle shots is 20, 15 or even 12mm.
3. Slower shutter speeds
If you're not very good at taking sharp action photos or your camera has trouble with this, try extending the shutter speed. For example, use 1/30 or even 1/8 sec and make your sports photos nice and creative and artistic by showing a hefty movement.
In any case, you create different photos and provide a different view of sports. You can do this with the panning technique or hold your camera still. Just give it a try.
An additional advantage of a slower shutter speed is that your ISO values remain low under poor lighting conditions. If there is enough or even too much light, set an aperture of F16 or F22 and set your ISO value as low as possible. In this way you block the large amount of light present. Or use an ND (Neutral Density) filter.
If you photograph a sport where the use of a flash is allowed, then do so. The flash light, in combination with a slower shutter speed, freezes part of the movement. This gives a very special effect. Especially if you use flash on the second curtain.
Always make sure that you never photograph the athlete straight from the front, so that he or she can suffer from the flash light. Some outdoor sports where flash photography is normally allowed are for example; mountain biking, cycling, running.
But always ask the organization and some of the athletes present in advance. The fact remains: use your brain. You will feel yourself when and under what circumstances you will not hinder an athlete.
4. Show emotion
Sport is action, sport is telling a story, but above all sport is emotion. A sports match with a smile, a tear or a cheer gains tension and strength. We all feel the sadness when we see a sports photo of a crying, disappointed athlete. Or, on the other hand, the joy when the athlete crosses the finish line winning.
So don't just focus on the athlete himself, but also involve the audience or the coach in your photos. Think about where emotion will show best, and that's not just the finish line. It is essential that you focus on the athlete's face. Our face is simply the part of the body from which we can best read the emotion.
If you want to show emotion, timing is also important. A fraction of a second too early or too late and you have a failed photo. So always stay alert to your surroundings and how the audience, coach and athletes react. And don't forget that especially behind the finish, after the final whistle or after the decisive action, happiness or disappointment almost always follows.
5. Zoom in on detail
In contrast to showing a lot of information, such as an overview photo, there is a zoomed-in photo that shows detail. Details can provide compelling images of elements that others are unlikely to see.
So don't just pay attention to the whole picture that is happening in front of you. Or take a good look at your photos. There is a good chance that there is a beautiful and interesting detail hidden in it. It is often in the small details
Finally
Photography is looking and especially seeing. So keep observing the world around you. But also consider in advance which photos you would like to take. Challenge yourself, make mistakes and keep trying. But don't settle for 'average' photos. You deserve exciting sports photos!
