Handy Sports Photography Tips

Tip#1--Have the Right Camera
Having the right camera does not mean that you have to invest in state-of-the-art camera equipment. But, for best results, using a DSLR or a SLR with the option to shoot continuous shots while holding the shutter down will help. Most SLR's have this option, so make sure you know how make use of it. This way you won't have to worry about missing the important action, while you are re-focusing or waiting to press the shutter release again. These types of cameras also allow you to look through the lens or directly at the finder on the back to see exactly what is being captured as opposed to some point an shoot cameras which don't have this option and can be little deceptive as you may not get exactly what you see.

Tip #2--Use a Long Lens
Whenever possible, get as close as you can to the action, without getting in the way of it. Often times though, this is not possible. So, pack a long lens just in case. You will be able to focus and get close-up shots without getting in the way of the action. Be attentive and ready to release the shutter. You never know when someone is going to steal a base or a dunk the basketball, not to mention the expressions of the team members as these events happen. You don't want to miss those either. Using a long lens gives you the opportunity to keep up when things are moving fast.

Sports Photography Tip #3- Shoot For a Shallow Depth of Field
When shooting sports or any type of fast action, you want to make sure that the subject is the main attraction. Using the (AV) mode on your camera will allow you to set your camera to aperture priority. With this function, you are able to use a larger aperture opening which will allow you to focus on the subject sharply while blurring the background and basically ignoring other activity that is happening around the subject. This mode also allows you to show motion, such as slow motion of the home run hitter sliding into the base.

Sports Photography tip #4 Set Your Camera to (TV) Shutter Speed Priority
Using the shutter speed priority on you camera allows to show "stopped action." Think about getting a shot of a basketball player as he is flying in the air getting ready to put the ball in the basket. You can show this action stopped by using a fast shutter speed and knowing when to click the shutter. Use a shutter speed of at least 1/1000 of a second. You will be amazed at the end results!

Tip #5--Be Prepared
The last of our sports photography tips, being prepared, may seem obvious, but is worth mentioning. Make sure you have everything you think you may need for the shoot.

Always carry an accessory bag, that contains extra lenses, batteries, memory cards, and filters to help with lighting. If possible, carry an extra camera just in case of a malfunction with your camera.

Keep these basic sports photography tips in mind and you will become a natural in no time at all!

Mary E. Foster, MFA, is a professional photographic artist. She enjoys teaching as well as working with all aspects of photography, from developing film, and making black and white prints in her darkroom to shooting digital imagery and editing it on the computer. You can find many more helpful photography tips, resources and lots of inspiration by visiting her website at http://www.photography-tips-and-resources.com. While you are there sign up to receive a new photography tip every week through your email.

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