Editor's Blog: Rik Shares His Sports-Photography Tips (with Photos)
Posted 04/23/2007 at 7:59pm
| by Rik Myslewski
Focus on Individuals
If you're not familiar with both teams that you're shooting, find some time before the game to talk to fans of the team you're unfamiliar with (coaches are ideal, but they're rarely free - or accomodating). Ask them about the team's top players, the most emotional players - even the most unpredictable, explosive, or erratic players. Then watch those players for the first minutes of the game to get to know their rhythms - they're the ones who will provide you with your best shots.
Always remember that you're not shooting a sport, you're shooting people playing a sport. Faces are important - they convey the drama, excitement, dedication, and heartbreak of a game. Yeah, I know this is tough if you're shooting football or hockey - or even baseball, with its shadowy caps - but its true.

Here's a shot of two determined individuals - their expressions tell a story.
Don't always focus on the glamorous, play-making position players. There's a lot of heart to be found on the defensive line of any sport.

I love her "Wanna piece of me?" attitude.
If you're fortunate enough to be near the sidelines and a play opens up right in front of you, use the opportunity to focus on an individual rather than on the play as a whole.

A study in concentration.
After a big play, don't always focus on the victory celebration - also check out members of the opposing team; the "thrill of victory" is uplifting, but "the agony of defeat" has a story to tell, as well. And don't ignore the crowd, the coaches, or the bench.

A pre-season, out-of-town women's rugby game draws only the most committed fans.
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