SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
CHEAT SHEET
ERIK AUSTIN, CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN HS
THE POINT
HOW DO WE GET GREAT SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY WITHOUT THE BUDGET OF A
MAJOR NEWS OUTLET?
• Find a xed lens with a great aperture (50/1.4, 85/1.8).
• $1,000 is all you need.
• Always shoot with a stabilizing device (mono-pod).
• Plan your shoots. Try your best to shoot sports in good light.
• Don’t let pros take your photos.
THE BASICS
APERTURE
• The opening in the lens.
• The larger the hole, the more light that gets in.
• The 1.4 and 1.8 aperture will allow you to stop action.
THE BASICS
ISO SPEED
• Measures the sensitivity of the image sensor.
• In great light, shoot as low as possible.
• At night or inside the gym, shoot a higher ISO to get a faster shutter speed.
ISO
THE BASICS
SHUTTER SPEED
• The amount of time that the shutter is open.
• Find the shutter speed that stops the action
(including: hands, the ball, water).
• A blurry hand or ball means it is a blurry picture.
SHUTTER
SHUTTER
BEFORE YOU GO
• Have the rights lens for the light situation.
• Always shoot with a mono-pod.
• Over shoot the game (500 plus photos per event).
• Check your sheet — ball sports in light are the same.
• Swimming and gym sports must have 1.4 or 1.8 lens.
• Stop action with shutter, adjust light with aperture and ISO.
• Know the sport. If you don’t, ask. Or, check the sheet.
FOOTBALL CHEATS
SHOOTING LOCATIONS:
Behind the end zones, behind the play, down the line of
scrimmage from 30 yard line in.
NOTICE:
Pulling linemen take you to the ball
LENS:
2.8 telephoto, 1.8, 2.0
WHAT WE NEED:
All positions, the ball
SHOT NUMBER:
500
BASKETBALL CHEATS
SHOOTING LOCATIONS:
Under the basket, from corners, from the oor, elevate if possible
NOTICE:
Style of play
LENS:
1.4, 1.8, 2.0
SHUTTER:
400 and above
WHAT WE NEED:
All positions, the ball, one huddle/bench shot
SHOT NUMBER:
500
CHEAT SHEETS
Print, cutout, hole-punch and secure
together the following cheat sheets.
Attach them to your photographers’
camera straps/bags and remind them to
refer to them while shooting at a game
or event.
SOCCER CHEATS
SHOOTING LOCATIONS:
Behind the goalie on goal kicks, shoot with two eyes
NOTICE:
Fast shoot (i.e. hold the button) corners and goal kicks
LENS:
2.8 telephoto with extension till dusk, 1.8, 2.0
SHUTTER:
2000 above until dark
WHAT WE NEED:
All positions, the ball, tackles
CROSS COUNTRY CHEATS
SHOOTING LOCATIONS:
Walk course prior to shooting, nd water, “the hill”
NOTICE:
Find the spot early, shoot three spots
LENS:
2.8 telephoto, or any 70-200
WHAT WE NEED:
Packs, pairs, singles
VOLLEYBALL CHEATS
SHOOTING LOCATIONS:
Next to scoring table, corners and end lines
NOTICE:
The coach — he/she will tell you were the serve is going
LENS:
1.4-1.8
SHUTTER:
500 and above
WHAT WE NEED:
All types of shots (set, spike, serve etc.)
SHOT NUMBER:
500
LACROSSE CHEATS
SHOOTING LOCATIONS:
Above the goal line, move up and down, don’t go behind
NOTICE:
Shoot fast breaks, face-offs
LENS:
2.8 telephoto, any telephoto if during the day, 1.8 or 2.8 if at night/
extension with 2.8 if during the day
SHUTTER:
2000 and above during the day (can shoot in TV mode), 500 above
at night
WHAT WE NEED:
All positions, the ball, shots, passes, hits
SHOT NUMBER:
500
SOFTBALL CHEATS
SHOOTING LOCATIONS:
Different spot for left and right handed hitters, if possible, shoot
for outeld with telephoto, hitter position will work for pitching
and elding pictures.
NOTICE:
Warm-ups can work for position and pitching pictures
LENS:
2.8 telephoto with extension, any telephoto. Shoot fast (hold the
button on pitches as pitcher starts his pitch.
SHUTTER:
2000 plus
WHAT WE NEED:
All positions, the ball
TRACK AND FIELD CHEATS
SHOOTING LOCATIONS:
Inside and outside of corners, straight down to start line, eld
events
NOTICE:
They turn left, don’t miss hurdles, adjust aperture
LENS:
2.8 telephoto, or any 70-200
SHUTTER:
1000
WHAT WE NEED:
Everyone, pairs, relay hand-offs, jumps
SWIM AND DIVE CHEATS
SHOOTING LOCATIONS:
Down the lane line, from the side (watch for splash)
NOTICE:
Find the best lane light, get the heat sheet before the meet
LENS:
1.4, 1.8
SHUTTER:
400 plus
WHAT WE NEED:
All strokes, dives, lanes 4 and 5 (they will be dark)
BASEBALL CHEATS
SHOOTING LOCATIONS:
Different spot for left and right handed hitters. If possible, shoot
from outeld with telephoto lens, hitter position will work for
pitching and elding pictures.
NOTICE:
Warm-ups can work for position and pitching pictures.
LENS:
2.8 telephoto with extension, any telephoto. Shoot fast (hold the
button on pitches as pitcher starts his pitch).
SHUTTER:
2500 plus
WHAT WE NEED:
All positions, the ball
