Today I’m going back to basics. Yes, simple you may say, but it all comes back to getting it right from the start. So many people ask about the camera, but really, we all know its not all about the gear.

Sports moments are destined to last for a long time. Sports photography made it happen. It is the art of capturing sports happenings that is preserved in history. All photos virtually taken during any sport event is considered as sports photography. All can also be called sports photographer as long as one has a camera and the will to take the shot.

Primary factor of a good sports photo is the ability and skills of the photographer to capture picture perfect images. The angle of shots is very critical on the outcome of the image. It is advisable to take different shots for comparison. Moments cannot be rewind, neither can be repeated. It passes by only once. Majority of photographers have a concrete picture of what image they are looking for. From there, focused in achieving their desired shot should be the attitude.  Some of the best shots are the ones that immortalize quick actions such as dunks, hard spikes, or well-orchestrated dives. Do not wait for the right moment, visualize it. So that when it comes, you are ready to take the shot.

Choose a good location. There are right angles for every shot. Knowing the right location may give the photographer a better view of his choice shot. It also creates a particular environment that would complement the movement of the action. Critical angular movement is also crucial. Choosing right location is important because some action may appear differently on a different location. Also, the placement of camera is vital. As much as possible, you are at a relative distant from the prospect, not too far and not too close either.

Photography is all about timing, timing in pressing the shutter. Even if everything is perfect, all will be useless if the photographer is a second late in pressing the button of the camera. Though it takes time to perfect, it improves through constant practice. As time goes by, it becomes an impulse and it is innate for the photographer to reflex his fingers downward. Some cameras have auto-timing. This is helpful to those people with shaky hands.

We are now on the digital world. Most of the technologies and equipment available for photographers are digital. The standard equipment nowadays is DSLR or digital single-lens reflex. This type of camera is good for sports photography as it can capture fast transitional actions caused by the constant movement in sports. Lenses are also need to be considered. A focal length of 200mm – 300mm may work, but if higher focal length is available, the better.  The speed of the length contributes to the ability of the lens to freeze moments. With the increasing demand for digital outputs, Polaroid and Kodachrome films have been faced out in the market today due to low consumer consumption. Other equipment a photographer needs to have are stable tripod, light stands, and rolling camera case to a name a few.

Sports photography is virtually exciting. The possibilities of shots are as endless as any human imagination. Take the shot and freeze the moment forever.

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