Sports photography is a little more challenging to shoot than its stiller or slower counterparts, such as landscape photography. This is because sports is filled with action, and at most times, it is quite fast. So, how do you capture such movements?
Along with the tips from professional sports photographers we have gathered, having the best gear and accessories will make you capture an image with lots of action. The best carrying system for your DSLR camera, the SpiderPro single or dual camera system V2, is just one of these must-haves. With it, you can draw your cameras quickly for that spectacular or unexpected shot. You can also comfortably and safely secure your DSLRs at your hips during breaks and timeouts with the knowledge that you are ready to go anytime.
Now, on to the helpful advices that even a professional shooter use.
Tips to Capture Action in Sports Photography
-
Put your camera in the right settings. With the speed that athletes are always at, getting blurry sports photos are not surprising. However, when you get your camera settings right, you will be able to freeze the action completely.
A fast shutter speed is essential. 1/250th of a second is normal, and it can even go to up to 1/1600th of a second, as in the case of basketball or baseball. Explore and find out which shutter speed works best with the sport you want to shoot. A wide aperture of f/3.5 or lower is also recommended in order to create a narrow depth-of-field, which blurs the background and helps players stand out.
When it comes to exposure, try putting your camera in manual mode when there is consistent lighting, such as outside sports where there is enough sunlight.
- Be on location early and find your spot. Explore the area, your positions and angles, and spot those perfect places to shoot. You can’t always bring all your lenses, such as a zooming lens and a wide-angle lens, or keep changing them in order to score great shots of the area opposite you. However, when you need 2 or more lenses, make sure you carry them securely with the SpiderPro lens pouch that allows you to fit your lenses even with the hood attached. You can even swap it easily with one hand. This is a convenience that’s needed for sports photography.
- Get the perfect timing. While the burst mode is available, which allows you to take 10 shots in 1 second, it is not always the best idea. Of course, it is useful in sports photography, but you should also anticipate the action. Know the best times to take your shot. This way, you can sort through fewer quality pictures, rather than wasting your time going through thousands of burst shot images.
-
Stop chimping. Don’t go through the pictures you just took on your DSLR screen or you’ll get hooked. Before you know it, you just missed a great photo opportunity right in front of you.
With the action, emotion and all other elements found in sports photography, you will surely be one proud photographer when you get to capture all of them in one image, especially since sports is usually fast-paced and very unpredictable. Always have you camera ready and securely hold it with the SpiderPro hand strap. It is comfort and function all in your hand.
One thing you need to accept, though, is that you can’t cover every angle. But move on, and do your best with what you can.
The tips above will definitely be of help to aspiring photographers, and even to pros, too. Gear up with the best equipment you have and always be ready with your durable and secure carrying system, as well as your accessory holder and tripod carrier. This may be a lot to handle, but it has never been easier to carry all your photography essentials now that Spider Holster products are available.