It is so good to see a nice orchestrated sports picture. To get this acclaimed picture it does not necessary only take the press of the shutter button or just a simple point and shoot…
There are a couple of things to take into consideration:
1) Lighting: At the sports venue, look at the lighting and where the main light comes from. Look at the objects to see how it is lit. If the faces are side lit, please relocate to where the sun comes from the back or from the front.Remember that in sports photography,no flashlights are permitted and no light is as good as the old sunlight.
2) Background: Look at your background where you are going to take pictures against. A good tip is also to take the pictures against a shadowy pavilion.It gives the image a nice standout effect, compared to a sunlit pavilion.
3) Focus: Always decide how much focus you want to give to the players–in other words,depth of field.It is good to shoot on a f4-f5.6. Your background players will not be part of the focused players.
4) Shutter Speed: Use a proper shutter speed.Sports can not be taken slower than a 800th of a second.If a pan blurry effect is required,only then a slow shutter can be used.The camera is moved within motion with the action taking place.The background will be and blurry.
5) Lens: If possible always try to use a longer lens as anticipated. In this regard,cropping of the image is much better.
6) ISO: Use the correct ISO speed. This changes the complete situation of the picture….A small film speed(ISO), sets a different shutter,aperture and depth of field.It is for this reason,to make the right decision.
There is of course also the thing called reading the motion and flow of the game to know what is going to happen next and to be prepared for it….Finally don’t forget a little thing called LUCK. Happy shooting!

* This feature is compiled by Mario van de Wall. You can contact Mario on 084 052 5604.