5 Tips for Sports Photographers

5 Essential Tips for Sports Photography Beginners

Capturing the thrill and energy of sports is no easy task, but it’s one of the most rewarding challenges in photography. If you’re new to sports photography and want to elevate your game, here are five essential tips to help you get started. Trust me, I’ve been there, fumbling through my first football game with a camera, and these strategies made all the difference.

1. Master Your Camera Settings

Action happens fast in sports, so your camera settings need to keep up. Use a fast shutter speed (at least 1/1000s) to freeze motion. Pair this with a wide aperture (like f/2.8 or f/4) to blur the background and make your subject pop. Don’t forget about ISO—bump it up if you’re shooting in low light, like under stadium lights or during evening games. But remember the higher the ISO the more grain! 

2. Use Continuous Shooting Mode

Sports are unpredictable, and that’s what makes them exciting. Switch your camera to continuous shooting mode (burst mode) to capture multiple frames per second. This increases your chances of nailing that perfect shot, whether it’s a game-winning goal or an epic mid-air catch.

3. Anticipate the Action

Great sports photographers don’t just react to what’s happening—they anticipate it. Study the game you’re shooting and learn to predict key moments. Whether it’s a quarterback preparing to throw or a sprinter nearing the finish line, being ready before the action unfolds is the key to capturing dynamic shots. Sometimes you'll antipate correctly and sometimes you won't or a ref will be in the way. There is definitely an element of luck! 

4. Focus on Composition

Even in the chaos of a game, composition matters. Use techniques like the rule of thirds to create balanced, engaging images. Keep an eye out for interesting angles or perspectives that highlight the intensity of the moment. Tight shots of players’ expressions or wide shots of the entire field can add variety to the action packed game photos. 

5. Know Your Gear's Limitations

Skills matter more than gear. I will always say the best camera is the one you use. While having the biggest gear makes sports photography easier, you can still create fantastic photos on any camera. Knowing your gear's limitations will help you capture the best photos you can! For example a telephoto lens is a must for capturing action from a distance—think 70-200mm or larger, but those lenses are expensive. If you have a smaller lens focus on capturing emotions of the players and coaches while they are on the sidelines or position yourself where the action comes to you or try a sport that has a smaller field of play. 

Bonus tip: Keep extra batteries and memory cards handy. You don’t want to miss the action because your gear ran out of juice!

Sports photography is all about capturing the story of the game—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. With these tips and a bit of practice, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning action shots that tell a story. So grab your camera, hit the field, and start shooting. You’ve got this!