In a new series where we ask questions of experts, Football in Berkshire takes on the idea you’ve had of starting out in Sports and Football Photography.
Neil Graham, Sinead Thompson and Charlee Bradbury answered our call.
Neil Graham- Wedding and sports photographer
If I had to give someone just five basics to get started in sports photography, they’d be these:
- Freeze the action
Use a fast shutter speed (around 1/1000 sec or faster, subject to ground light) to keep players and the ball sharp. If the light drops, increase your ISO rather than lowering your shutter speed. - Focus on the head/eyes
Sharp head/eyes make the difference between a good photo and a great one. Use continuous autofocus (AI Servo/AF-C) with subject tracking if your camera has it. - Anticipate – don’t chase
Learn the game and watch what happens before it happens. Position yourself where the action is likely to come to you instead of constantly trying to follow the ball. - Keep your background clean
Move your position to avoid distracting bins, cars, spectators or clutter. A simple background helps the footballers stand out. - Tell the story
Don’t just photograph goals. Capture celebrations, determination, disappointment, coaches, supporters and little moments between the action. Those are generally more interesting than the straight action pics.
Bonus Tip: Shoot lots, but be selective. It’s better to share 20 outstanding photos than 200 average ones. Quality will always leave a stronger impression.
Find Neil on Instagram here.
Sinead Thompson – reigning Football in Berkshire Photographer of the Year
- Learn the basics first
Understand your Camera settings and editing software the better you know your Camera the more confident you’ll be when shooting. - Stay consistent
The more you shoot the faster you will improve. start at grassroots games to gain experience and build portfolio - Create your own style
Create a style that makes you recognisable having your own style makes you stand out from other photographers. - Share your work constantly
Postal Work regularly to share your progress. a strong online presence can attract new opportunities - Network of people
Build relationships with players clubs and other photographers.
opportunities often come through people you know.
Most importantly, don’t rush the process and the progress just shoot learn and enjoy the rest will come in time.
Find Sinead on Instagram here.
Charlee Bradbury
- Get out and practice!
- Don’t be scared to shoot in manual and find the settings that work for your style
- Try different sports & different settings
- Speak to other photographers, many are happy to help
- Don’t spend thousands on your first camera, it isn’t needed
Find Charlee on Instagram here.
What a website editor is looking for – Tom Canning
Requirements will differ from editor to editor and site to site, but at Football in Berkshire we’re looking for people!
We like what I term ‘action headshots’, close ups of a player in action in the centre of the image with head in full view – this is because most people are viewing this website on the phone, so we need to be able to see faces – we also like to try and get the shirt sponsor in if we can. For example:
We also really like pictures of managers on the sidelines – those really help illustrate stories and avoids us using the same one every time.
We also like images of crowds, and unusual things at grounds. Big crowds, little crowds, wearing merchandis, people waving and enjoying themselves. And when it comes to the unusual, maybe it’s a big queue at the tea bar, or maybe there’s a sign that warns you snakes in the grass? All these help us illustrate the Berkshire game.
What next?
We hope these points are helpful. Above all, get out there and practice. If you’d like Football in Berkshire to introduce you to your local club – or any club in the county – then drop us a message here.
Any more questions or great advice? Let us know in the comments here.
