Sports Event Photography Tips

Sports events provide rich pickings for photographers - with so much passion and excitement going on it's easy to find plenty of photos that are packed full of emotion and character. Follow these tips to make sure you don't end up with a bunch of dull snapshots.

Learn the Rules

Ice hockey players close up

Learn the rules to stay ahead of the game and plan your shooting positions. Image by Scott Ableman.

If you are photographing a sport that you are unfamiliar with, take some time to learn at least the basics of the rules. By doing so you'll have a better chance of predicting where the players will move next. This helps you to stay ahead of the game and plan your shots a bit further in advance, especially in fast-moving sports.

Get Up Close and Personal

Close up photo of rugby players

Choose your spot and use a long lens to get some great closeup shots. Image by BobTheCorkDwarf.

The best sports photos get right up close to the player or players, showing the determination on their face, the sweat on their brow and the mud on their clothes.

Arrive at the sporting venue early to find yourself a good spot close to the action. Use a long lens so that you can zoom right in on your subject.

Before the game starts, take some test shots of anyone on the pitch, such as officials or groundskeepers, to help you get an idea of how your shots will turn out.

Shoot in Bursts

Baseball player hitting the ball

Use burst mode to capture the critical moment. Image by flvrsaaver.

Timing an individual shot is next to impossible when you have such fast-moving action, so shoot in bursts of three or four photos at a time. Start shooting just before the anticipated 'crucial' moment and keep your finger on the shutter button until the moment has passed.

While on the subject of equipment setup, it's worth bearing in mind that sports events can last a very long time, so using a tripod or monopod can save your arms some serious aching!

Photograph the Crowd

Crowd at a sporting event

Photograph the crowd just after a goal to capture some fantastic emotion. Image by fabiogiolito.

A large part of the atmosphere at sporting events is down to the crowd. Take a few moments during the event to turn around 180 degrees and get a few photos of the supporters in the stands.

A perfect time for a crowd shot is just after a goal has been scored - you will either capture the elation of the scoring team's supporters, or the disappointment of the opposing team's fans. Either way you will get a great photo, packed full of raw emotion.

Get There Early, Leave Late

Football officials warming up before a match

By arriving early, this photographer has caught the officials warming up. Image by Niko1900.

You can get some fantastic sports event photos at times when there isn't even any on-pitch action taking place.

Before the match try to capture the sense of anticipation - look for team members warming up, officials setting out equipment and groundskeepers giving the pitch a final check over.

After the game see if you can find a way to photograph the joy of the winning side or the sorrow of the losing team - discarded team flags or a solitary remaining supporter in an empty stadium are perfect subjects.