Digital Sports Photography: Take Winning Shots Every Time

Chapter 3. Equipment and Techniques for Digital Sports Photography

Sports photographers capture virtually all their images in the field, not the studio. Because of this, they have little if any control over their environment to be able to set up lighting, poses, and positioning for the best shots. As a result, the equipment and techniques used to get the photos take on greater importance because they are the only factors the photographer can change and adjust.

I've discussed how to prepare for the digital sports photography shoot, but how does this work in the field? What techniques should be used for what situations? What is the best choice of equipment for different sports scenarios?

Professional Photographer Terrell Lloyd

My friend Terrell Lloyd is an official photographer for the San Francisco 49ers. He travels with the team and shoots all the games, and his images appear in print and online on behalf of the team.

Although Terrell on occasion shoots posed portraits of the players and cheerleaders, most of his work is done from the sidelines of big games amidst sports chaos. He must navigate among coaches, cheerleaders, team support staff, photojournalists, TV crews, referees, equipment, and myriad other obstacles, all of which potentially may stand directly between him and a great shot. So he comes to the game prepared, carrying gear with him, equipped with telephoto lenses, extra ...