Lens Extender

The Best Positions for Track & Field Photos

Getting good track photos requires you to get out of the stands.  Get down on the track.  At high school meets especially, you'll have access to the infield.  Make sure you're not impeding the athletes or in the way of track officials.  Get shots of athletes launching themselves from the starting blocks.  Capture hurdle action in a position other than the finish line.  Get those great facial expressions of the shot put and discuss athletes.  Try capturing the perfect (or not-so-perfect) baton hand-off in the sprint relays. Capture the landing of a long jumper as the sand splashes as a result of her landing.  Experiment.  You'll surprise yourself.

Track & Field Sports Photography

I had not taken any track photos for a very long time before I recently got the opportunity to photograph the athletes in action during a middle school track meet. Other than the logistical nightmare of trying to be at multiple events and places at once, track is a little easier to photograph compared to the soccer photos I normally take.

As always, knowing a little bit about the sport you're photographing helps immensely.