So you love sports! You love photography! And you think you have what it takes to become a sports photographer. Maybe you do. But be prepared for a lot of hard work. The competition is fierce. There are not very many positions for full time, professional sports photographers. Maybe a couple hundred at best, who are able to make a good living in this field. Here are some key points to consider that may help you progress in this exciting arena.
First, know the sport you're going to be covering. You can't anticipate a play, if you don't have ANY idea how the plays are called or the game is played. The more knowledgeable you are, the more competitive a photographer you become. Every sport known to man is on TV; football, baseball, basketball, hockey, golf, the list goes on. It's a way to scrutinize the sports you're interested in before you head out with your camera bags to begin photographing. Learn about the the players and the coaches, it personalizes them.
Just as a reporter with a "good nose" for the news has an advantage over those who don't. A photographer with a natural knack for taking good pictures is going to come out of the shoot faster than the photographer than wasn't born with that naturally creative eye. Not that you can't succeed without it, but it does give you a tremendous head start.
Whether you're a natural or you have to work hard at it, "practice makes perfect". The more sports activities you cover, the better you'll get. Go to the local high school games, photograph the community Pop Warner league, visit the local skating rink, get creative. Get out there and shoot as many sporting events as you can. Your technique will benefit.
Diversify. Don't just shoot the sports you like. Even if you'd rather have a root canal than cover some sports, give them all the same, your absolute professional best. You've invested a great deal of money in cameras, lenses and camera bags, put them to the best use you you can.
Sports photography is a fast paced, action field. You have to be able to anticipate when the play is going to be made or it'll be over; there are no instant replays in sports photography. Take camera, lens and camera bag and start watching those sports through the lens.
