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Tips on Taking better photos

 

• Know the Game or Event

  SUMMARY: A little research in a sporting event can go a long way into taking better photos.
   
  Before you plan on taking photographs at a sporting event, it is crucial to know the rules of the game. Understand where players are positioned, where players are more likely to move following a particular action, and anticipate when the action speeds up or slows down in anticipation of someone else's action. If you understand the game, you are more likely to know where to focus your camera's lens at a particular time, giving you a better chance to be directed at the proper place to record a memorable event.

• Take Plenty of Photos

  SUMMARY: The more photos you take, the better the chance several will come out great.
   
  You're using a digital camera, right? Use the digital technology to your advantage. You are not shooting through rolls of film, so go ahead and take extra digital photos at a sporting event. First off, it helps in that the more practice you have, theoretically the better you'll get at taking future photos. Second, with the split-second nature of a sporting event, it is hard, if not impossible, to record every single moment perfectly. Taking more photos increases the chance of getting that one great photo you will want to show.

• Capture the Emotion of a Great Play

  SUMMARY: Capture players' expressions with your digital camera.
   
  Everyone wants to record the occurrence of a great play - the contact between bat and ball as it is hurled towards the outfield, the fine release of a basketball as it gracefully begins its arc towards the basket, or the forward motion of a quarterback tossing a football towards a wide receiver just as he is about to get blindsided by a defensive lineman.
  
  While these photos are great, you should also look at capturing the emotion after a great play has occurred. Take snapshots of the jubilation, smiles, and high-fives, and don't forget the look of bewilderment on the other team's face after something special has occurred. Photos are supposed to tell a story, and capturing human reaction to an event may be more telling than capturing the event itself.

• Fast Shutter Speed is Crucial

        SUMMARY: Prevent your sports photography from         becoming blurry.
 
Set your digital camera's shutter speed as fast as possible to handle photographs with the available light. This reduces the chance of 'camera shake' if you are unable to use a tripod. Also, actions occur in the blink of an eye and you don't want your photograph to be so blurry that you cannot recognize the players or movement. Granted, selective blurring can result in intriguing photos, but you also want the ability to take fast, crisp, clean shots.

Study your digital camera manual for assistance in changing the shutter speed. Then at the event, practice a few shots before the game starts to ensure you have enough lighting to support faster shutter speeds. You don't want your photographs looking all washed out. The more available light, the faster you should be able to shoot with your digital camera. And, of course, correct use of flash can also allow you to use faster shutter speeds.

• Know Your Camera

SUMMARY: Understanding your digital camera's features can help you take better sports photos.
 
Before you go to a sporting event, it is essential to read your digital camera's manual and understand its settings. In the blink of an eye you may need to adjust your aperture, shutter speed, contrast, or brightness in anticipation of a great photo moment. Fumbling through unfamiliar menus wastes valuable time while the perfect photo opportunity comes and goes.

 

• Prepare for the Elements

SUMMARY: Don't let the rain, wind, sleet, or snow keep you from taking great sports photos.
 
Unless you are shooting basketball or hockey inside a nice, air-conditioned or heated arena, you should prepare for the elements. Most likely, your digital camera is not waterproof (very few currently are). In case of rain, snow, or mist, you do not want to have to pack up and leave while the game is still going on.

Consider purchasing a rain or snow cover (rain hood) that you can use to cover the camera and lens (with an opening at the front of the lens from which a photo will be taken, of course). You can find these at your local camera store or online. Try to get one specially made for your digital camera for best results. Make sure it is on correctly; you do not need moisture entering your digital camera or fogging up your lens. And, of course, take care of yourself as well - wear protective clothing and don't try to take photos if the weather situation proves dangerous.

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