So much more respect!

[AndrewPDX]

Wow. Just wow. After my first 90 minute attempt at sports photography, I have infinitely more respect for the pros. Freezing cold, bad light, action that happens in a split second and always when you least expect it. This is the hardest subject matter I've ever attempted.

That said, here are the only two mildly passable shots I got out of the 300 or so I took. And even then, they're pretty awful from a technical standpoint with some of the white being pretty badly blown out. Still, I think they do a good job of telling the story of the moment. Do you guys agree?


Camera: Nikon D5000
Exposure: 1/2500 sec
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 200 mm
ISO Speed: 3200
Exposure Bias: +2/3 EV
Flash: No Flash


Photo 2

[GadgetRick]

You're right, sports photography is difficult. But, with practice, like all other types of photography, you get better.

The first photo has too many people in the background. You want to try and capture things like this with nobody/nothing in the background. This is the hardest thing in sports photography (imo).

The second would be a great shot, however, the far right player is cut off at the middle.

As far as whites being blown, etc., shoot in RAW. You can recover a full 2 stops (might be 2.5 stops but I can't remember for sure) on overexposure and 1ish stops when underexposed. Just another reason to shoot RAW and to shoot to the right (histogram-wise).

You need to understand the sport you're shooting in order to have an idea when interesting things will happen. Also, don't forget about shooting coaches, bench players, fans, etc. You can get REALLY interesting expressions from all of them.

For most sports (especially soccer), you'll need a 70-200mm f2.8. First of all, it will focus faster (put your camera in whatever kind of sports-focus mode you have--I didn't notice what gear you shoot with). Second of all, the shallower DOF of f2.8 may allow you to blur the background to help get a better background (this depends on your distance to the subject(s) and their distance from any background). A fast long lens will help quite a bit.

Shoot burst mode. Start shooting just before you believe something interesting is about to happen and continue shooting until it's happened. You'll throw away a lot this way but you'll increase your chances of capturing the moment you want. Of course, this works better when not shooting with flash but it can be done with flash if you're shooting a lower power on the flash.

Keep practicing and you'll improve. I'll bet, if you shoot another game, you'll already get better shots.

[wamplers]

Well, looks like you had the right idea...the subjects are exposed nicely even though that sometimes leaves the background blown out. I try to have the sun behind me, when possible, when shooting sports because that will help keep that problem from helping; however, in your case it looks like the field was in shade and the building (?) was in the sun.

The 2nd one, I agree with Rick, try not to cut off the right most player. Also, it appears the horizon is tilted. The building in the background is angled in this shot.

Keep practicing and you'll start getting the shots you want!

[ricklumpas]

I agree. With the right angle at the right moment and using a fast lens, sports photgraphy is still challenging.

The two players in focus look too sharp in the photo. They look too flat in the picture. Just my opinion. The background behind them is too bright.