Lens Extender

Capture a Few "Behind the Net" Shots

This shot was taken from behind the net at a terribly lit indoor soccer facility.  I was able to stand very close to the net (which is something normally not allowed).  Standing close to the net allowed me to almost completely blur the net in this image.  Capturing this direct perspective was very appealing to me as a soccer photographer.  The lack of light in this facility, however, was very problematic.

This shot was taken at ISO 6400 with a Nikon D700 and 70-200 f/2.8 lens.  The shutter speed and aperture were manually set at 1/400s and f/2.8 respectively

 

Capturing the Amusing Sports Photos

It pays to shoot lots of photos when you're taking sports photos.  After all, it's only digital.  It really doesn't cost you anything to shoot as many photos as you can.  The benefit for holding down that shutter release button is you'll capture some very interesting sports shots that you really can't plan for.

 

Camera Settings for Night Sports Photography

One of the more challenging sports photography environments is capturing shots at night under stadium lights.  Getting the camera settings correct can be difficult.  You have to worry about getting fast shutter speeds, proper exposure, good colors and low noise levels. 

The most critical choice for attaining even decent night sports shots will be your lens choice.  Unfortunately, fast lenses (f/2.8 or faster) are a requirement.  These types of lenses are generally expensive - particularly those lenses that also provide generous reach.  The photo above was captured using a 300mm f/2.8 lens.  Yes, this is an expensive lens. You can also consider using a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens or the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 lens as well.

The first setting that I adjust for stadium light photography is the white balance setting to make sure that colors are correct in this type of lighting environment.  Stadium lights are notorious for creating inaccurate color reproduction with cameras set to the the auto white balance setting.  I use the ExpoDisc to easily and automatically help me set my white balance for night sports shots.  You can also use a gray or white card to make this adjustment as well.

I usually shoot in complete manual mode as well when shooting night sports photography.  I manually set the aperture to f/2.8 while setting the shutter speed to a setting that insures I'll be able to stop the action.  When experimenting for this setting before the game, I look at sample photos and the histogram to make sure I have the proper exposure.  This photos was manually set at aperture f/2.8 and shutter speed 1/500.

I also set the ISO to a level that allows me to get the proper exposure at the manual settings I require.  For this photo the ISO was set a 4000.  Of course this produces a lot of noise in the pictures.  But I'd rather get a photo with noise, than no photo at all.  The noise in this photo was also cleaned up with Noise Ninja.

Noise Ninja Pro Bundle Version 2.1 Software

The last camera setting that I adjust is to shoot in center weighted metering mode as opposed to matrix metering mode.  I choose center weighted metering to make the camera account for the intended subject more than the often dark background.  I find that matrix metering often over-exposes the intended subject because the camera accounts too much for the nighttime background.

Photographing Athletic Effort

I think this is kind of a dramatic athletic pose.  This player was chasing a ball that was traveling out of bounds.  He didn't get to the ball, but obviously there was a lot of effort in the pursuit.  I think good sports photography should also capture good sports effort

Sit Down Soccer Photography

This shot was taken about 2 years ago.  This player is the son of a friend who's game I just happened to attend one day.  Of course I had my Nikon D200 with me that day with the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached to it.   was actually sitting in a lawn chair near the mid-field talking to my friend when I took this photo.

The sitting part is what creates that nice low perspective I like when photographing kids playing sports. However, I wouldn't recommend not focusing getting great shots while sitting.  I just got lucky with this one.

The Girls Have Great Soccer Expressions Too

I've written many times about getting good facial expressions with your soccer photography.  Usually I highlight the facial expressions of the guys.  The ladies are good of intensity in the face as well.

Handholding a 300mm f/2.8 Lens Can by Challenging, But Worth It

I think I might try to hand hold my 300mm f/2.8 lens more often.  When free from the attachment to a monopod, I've found I have a lot more freedom to shoot my soccer subjects.  These photos were taken while sitting on my duff to get as low of a perspective as possible.

 

Never Photograph the Backs of Athletes

Well....almost never.  I usually don't like to capture backs and rear ends.  I think sports photos are more intriguing when the emotion of facial expressions are also included in the photographic story.  I think this photo might be one those exceptions, however. 

The conversion to black & white (using Apple's Aperture software), combined with the two players locked arm-in-arm chasing the ball, along with the long shadow created by the setting sun, give this photo a little bit of artistic quality. 

Know Which Player Gives You Your Best Sports Photos

I shoot this soccer player's high school team frequently.  He never fails to give me some of my best action shots.  Not only is he a good player, but he also is the perfect soccer subject with good facial expressions and dramatic soccer energy.  If you're frequently photographing a specific team, identify those players that provide you with good images.

Where To Position Yourself on the Field for Good Soccer Photos

This photos was take from behind the baseline of a high school soccer field.  I positioned myself closer to the corner flag than toward the net.  I do this to insure that the net blocks as little of the action as possible. You can get very dramatic offensive and defensive action from this position.  Admittedly, my 300mm Nikon lens can get a little tight as the action approaches my position, which causes me to often switch to my 70-200mm f/2.8 Nikon lens as the action is occurring in and around the box.