Guide to Sports Photography

The 2021 school year is officially over. The kids are out for the summer. It’s time for the summer fun and sports to begin! Are you ready to put yourself in the middle of the action this summer so you can capture those action-packed memories? Here’s your guide to sports photography so you can take outstanding action shots at games and during family fun in the backyard or on vacation.

Know Your Camera
There are a few things you’ll need to plan ahead of time if you want to be ready to take phenomenal sports photography. You need to get to know your camera before the sporting event you plan to shoot. Practice using the different camera modes on your DSLR or mirrorless camera. Focus on getting to know how to use aperture priority and manual mode. Shooting sports photography using aperture priority mode sets a very large aperture, allowing the most light in as possible. If you’re using a point and shoot camera, you’ll need to practice setting your shutter speed in the shutter priority mode. To freeze the action, you’ll want your shutter speed to be between 1/500s and 1/2000s. Once you’re comfortable with the different modes, you’ll be able to create some amazing sports photography.

Don’t Miss a Shot
When shooting sports photography, you’ll want to set your Canon R5 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera from Beachcamera.com to continually focus on your subject. Also, make sure you set your camera to burst mode when shooting sports photography so it will take multiple images per second. Setting it to the maximum number of frames per second will ensure you don’t miss that epic shot. Once you’ve set your camera to burst mode, simply hold the shutter button halfway to focus on your subject, then fire away. Capture as many shots per second as you can so you have plenty to choose from at the end of the event.

Shoot Low
Have you ever noticed that when professional sports photographers are shooting sporting events, you rarely see them standing on the sidelines? This is because shooting from a lower angle will give your sports photography more depth. Shooting sports photography from a more dramatic angle will also allow you to capture less grass, pavement or water, and more of a clear background. Using a monopod will help keep your camera steady while shooting from low and various angles.

The Right Lens
Most of the sports photography you’ll be shooting will be from a distance. This will require the use of a quality zoom or telephoto lens from Beachcamera.com. Zoom lenses are versatile. They allow you to change the focal length without changing lenses as your subject moves away from you during the event. You won’t have to worry about missing any action because you had to search your bag for the right lens. If you are photographing a sporting event that allows you to remain a little closer to the action, like the backyard volleyball match at your family reunion, attach a Sigma Wide Angle Lens for Sony E-Mount to your Sony a7III full Frame Mirrorless Camera. You’ll want to capture the entire family during some of the big plays!

Are you planning to take sports photography of friends and family this summer? Or maybe you’re interested in pursuing sports photography as a profession. These tips will help you get started.