I love soccer and capturing it through the lens of my camera. Four years ago I would have never thought that this love affair I have with soccer could ever exist. So, how did this happen to me. Well, as it turns out, my hubby was the matchmaker. He loves the sport and has been following the European games for years. At our house it is not unusual to find a FIFA (The Federation Internationale de Football Association) game playing somewhere in the background either on the TV or on the web. And this was the beginning of my soccer education. The first thing that I learned was that throughout the world this beautiful game is known as football.
One day my hubby arranged for my first date with football and he suggested that I bring my camera. He had discovered an amateur league, ADASL (Atlanta District Amateur Soccer League), that has similar principles and guide-lines as the English Premier League of football (EPL). Being a wife who was interested in sharing in my husband' s interests I naturally went to the games with him.
There I was with my hubby and camera in tow at the ADASL games. It was great to witness the grit of the players as their foot work moved the ball quickly across the field. Seeing this type of fast moving action live was thrilling. My first time shooting one of these games was o.k.. However, both my hubby and I noticed that my photos were not telling the story of the game. Besides, I had never tried to take a photo of something/someone moving. This was a challenge for me. Once I figured out how to take action shots my next challenge was to make sure that I would be in the right spot at the right time to capture the action.
These challenges meant that I had to become well aquatinted with the game. As in all relationships there is a courtship period. This courtship or learning period helped me to see if this was truly a good match. I was determined to make this match work. I read books and I carefully studied European football game photos. I wanted my photos to show the struggle and drama of the game. The more I learned about the sport the more I learned how to capture it with my camera and the better my photos became. I truly fell in love and tried never to go to a football game without my camera.
Recently someone asked for some advice on how to shoot sports action. Here's how I do it -
- I use a 300mm Lens.
- Prepare to deal with the lighting or lack there of. This will dictate your ISO; i.e. be prepared to shoot with an ISO between 200 - 800.
- Plan to use a fast shutter speed so as to freeze the action.
- Follow the game action through the lens of your camera. The minute you take your camera eye off of the action you will miss an opportunity to catch a good shot.
- Set your camera to take multiple shots/frames with one click of your shutter button. This will make it easier to catch the action.
- Try to have your camera aimed at an area before the action happens; i.e. if a player is setting up for a corner kick have your camera pointed and ready either at the player before he/she kicks or in the direction of where he/she is aiming to kick the ball. This will aid you in getting a great photo of the player(s) in motion.
- Remember that the story is not just on the field. Catching candid shots of fan reactions, side-line player reactions and coach reactions tell the story of the game as well.
- Above all else have fun and enjoy the game.
I understand that just like any other love affair or relationship mine with football is not perfect. My photos don't always come out the way that I wish that they would. However, football never fails to give me at least one shot per game that makes my heart sing for the sport. And so, this love affair has been going on for over four years. It was a perfect match. Who knew?? My hubby, that's who...
