What are the sports photography techniques?

Photography is an art and a technology, and sports photography is one of the objects of photography. Sports photography emphasizes authenticity, immediacy and accuracy. Although the work is a static and silent picture, it presents a tense and fierce competition atmosphere and a thrilling and beautiful moment. So what are the skills of sports photography? Come and have a look with me!

Precautions before shooting

1, understand the game

In sports photography, the most important thing is to know the details of the game you shot. Because any moment in the game is fleeting.

In order to take powerful photos, you must be able to predict the behavior and manners of athletes. If you don't know the rules, you can't keep up with the rhythm of the game.

2. Choose the right lens

Next time you watch the game in front of the TV, pay attention to the sideline, there are many photographers busy there. Although you may not be able to afford their cameras? Cannon? But you really need a suitable lens.

The first thing to consider is whether the game is played indoors/at night or outdoors/during the day. If it is the former, then there must be a lens with a maximum aperture of at least f/4. If it is the latter, then ordinary lenses can do it.

For most games, you need a lens of at least 200mm. You also need a 35mm or 50mm lens. However, if you only have a standard or wide-angle lens, you may spend most of your time waiting for the athletes to come to you.

3. How to set up your camera

Indoor and outdoor sports have completely different lighting environments, so you need to judge the lighting conditions you will face first. Well-lit sports include tennis, baseball, track and field, football and so on. And sports with poor lighting include basketball, table tennis and volleyball.

4. Need to find inspiration

The most important thing is to find inspiration before stealing the camera. Whether reading magazines, browsing online galleries or looking at the works of other photographers, it will be a very effective way. Of course, seeking inspiration does not mean copying other people's works. Simply put, looking at other works is to understand other people's creativity and ask yourself, why do you like his works? What parts do you think can be improved? How would you choose to shoot in such an environment?

Look at the work before shooting, clear your mind and make clear the effect you want to shoot.

5. Find the best shooting position

The angle determines the composition, and it is easier to capture key images in favorable shooting positions. For example, in this competition, a profile photo formed an interesting reflection.

The way to start shooting

1, forecast

As mentioned above, you need the ability to predict the behavior of athletes, and predicting what will happen next is another equally important aspect. Always stare at the camera and pay attention to every move on the field.

When you realize that something is going to happen. Crazy? Press the shutter slowly. At this time, the continuous shooting mode of the camera is very advantageous.

When a scene is over, don't rush to play back the photos on the camera and continue to pay attention to the scene. Getting into the habit of looking at the camera right away will make you miss some rare opportunities.

2. Control the shutter speed

Almost all competitions are about speed. The athletes run fast, throw fast and hit fast. You need a high-speed shutter to freeze these moments. The ideal shutter speed is above 1/400s, but in dark environment, 1/250s is also acceptable.

In some cases, a slower shutter speed is more interesting. Try 1/30s or115, and then use the subsequent shooting technique. In any case, you should pay attention to the shutter you use. In a fast-paced game, choosing the wrong shutter will ruin your shooting plan.