Action & Sports Photography

Photo: © Jijo de Guzman

You have to keep running to stay in the same place and run twice as fast to get somewhere else — sound advice from Lewis Carroll’s Red Queen for the sports photographer, who has to stay ahead of the game, faster than the fastest athlete. FAST — familiarity, anticipation, speed, timing are the essential skills in sports photography.

Familiarity with the layout and lighting of the sporting grounds or race track is essential, as is understanding the game and the players so you know where the best action will take place and how to prepare for it.

Like the news photographer, the sports photographer must be predictive rather than reactive, anticipating what could happen next. But unlike in news photography, the playing field is controlled chaos and the action scripted but spontaneous.

What will be covered

• General introduction (about the instructor, about the course, goal of the workshop, etc.)
• Course introduction and course proper (what is Sports and Action Photography, types of events, who/what are the subjects, etc.)
• Becoming a good sports and action photographer (how-to, tips and techniques, etc.)
• Gear (introduction to and understanding cameras, lenses and accessories)***
• Back to Basics (review of photography basics that are essential to sports and action)
• The shooting process explained (effectively shooting an event)
• Creating shots that will stand out (tips and techniques)
• Shooting specific sports (tips and techniques)***
• Introduction, briefing and guidelines for the actual shoot
• Actual shoot (real or simulated event)
• Actual shoot (continuation, optional)
• What is out there for you as a sports photographer? (continuing education and practice)
• Critiquing of shots from the actual shoot (tips on how to improve, 5 shots per student)

*****Subject to minor changes and/or adjustments in order, scheduling, content, etc.*****

Who should attend

• News and magazine photographers who are covering, or want to cover, the sports beat
• Amateur photographers who want to enjoy the exciting world of sports photography
• Advertising photographers who want to add another area of specialization.

Prerequisites

Participants must either

• have attended the PCCI's Basic Photography workshop, or have equivalent knowledge
• Fast camera with full manual control (SLR or mirrorless)
• Lenses covering the range from wide angle (20-28mm) to long telephoto (200-300mm)