In this article we share some tips for football photographers. We have photographed some famous soccer teams and players and know that it is hard to get great photos, so if you’d like to improve your own game, we hope our advice will help.
Table of Contents
Football Photography Tips
First off, you need to be in the right place. Football matches take place all over the world, so there may be many possible options. Make sure you can travel to the match by car or public transport. There are also plenty of venues where you can watch from the comfort of your own home. If you have no way to attend the match, or it’s being televised, look online to find the nearest bar or club with a TV screen. You can also visit an indoor sports centre where you can watch on a big screen and enjoy refreshments while you wait.
The type of photo you’ll want depends on your aim. If you are looking to sell prints on the internet, then a close-up of the players is ideal. However, if you plan to display your images in a book or calendar, then a full-length shot of the action will work best. For the best football photos you should be aware of the movement and position of the players. They often take up a lot of space, so make sure that you are not too close to them. Also, be aware of their relative positions to the ball. It’s common for footballers to be near the touchline, so you’ll need to be in a good vantage point to capture the action. If you are shooting a game that is taking place in a stadium, then it’s important to know the layout of the venue and how the lighting works. Make sure that you can shoot from all the different positions you can find on a football pitch.
If you can’t attend the match then you’ll need to do your homework beforehand. Look online at websites such as Football Fans TV (www.fftv.co.uk) and Soccer AM (www.socceram.com) to find out which matches are being played that week. You may also find that the local paper publishes an online version that you can view free of charge. The website www.whoscored.com is a useful resource for finding out about fixtures. Once you know which match you want to photograph, look for the schedule online and book yourself a ticket.
Before you shoot, spend time thinking about your subject – who they are, where they are and what mood they’re in. Then decide on an idea for how you want the photo to look and the direction you’ll be shooting from. If you’re having trouble deciding on an angle, there are plenty of cameras that can record video as well, so you can watch how the action plays out from different angles.
Before you start shooting, take a look at the subject to see whether they will fit in the frame (or whether you’ll need a wide lens or a longer focal length). Look around and see if there’s anything to hide behind or off-camera that will change the lighting and mood. Make sure you have a camera with manual settings and know what aperture and shutter speed you should use, as these will affect the depth of field (the amount of the subject that’s in focus) and allow you to control exposure.
Take some shots of the action to get the feel for the way it works. Then, when you’re ready, get close to your subject and look through your viewfinder. If your subject isn’t where you want them, adjust the position of your camera until it is. If you can’t see what you want, try turning the lens down or moving the camera closer or further away.
Try to keep your camera still for a few seconds between shots, so you can compose the scene to best suit the shot you want to take. When you have the perfect image in your head, set the shutter speed and take a test shot. If the results aren’t right, try again – just don’t give up too soon as it’s much easier to take lots of shots than to go back to edit later on.
If you want to take some pictures of a specific player, consider having a friend stand in front of them so they are looking straight at the camera, as they will probably be facing away from the lens otherwise. You might want to make sure that any background is blurred enough that the player doesn’t stand out. This will help create a more natural-looking photo.
Once you’ve taken all your photos, it’s time to edit them. Play around with different looks until you get something you like, then check the file sizes (make sure you have enough storage space) and download the best ones to your computer.
For best results, try cropping or resizing an image rather than zooming into it. If you shoot in RAW mode, your photos will keep the maximum detail and allow you to crop and resize later.
It’s easy to take more than one shot of the same scene, so why not experiment with different viewpoints, positions, and lenses to see which ones you prefer? Try experimenting with flash or even moving the camera around while taking a shot. This will create unique images that will add some variety to your portfolio.
Remember that if you’re taking photos during a live event, don’t forget to focus on the action rather than on your subject. Take lots of pictures to make sure you get one of your team’s best players, but also get the action shots that will give the viewer an idea of what’s happening.
How do you take pictures of footballers without being noticed?
Try using a long telephoto lens to get closer to your subject, and avoid shooting in bright daylight. Use a remote shutter release to avoid the risk of being seen. This might mean using a tripod.
Make sure your subject is looking directly at the camera and you can use natural light. If you are using flash, use a diffuser or softbox to diffuse the light. The more you can blend into the background the better.
If you are lucky enough to be photographing inside a stadium, ask if you can photograph an event in progress. You may have to take out your tripod.
Take the photos from a position where there is no one in front of your subject.
If you need to shoot at high speed or low shutter speed to freeze action, you’ll have to use a tripod and a remote shutter release.
What you need for football photography
You will need:A camera, tripod, memory cards (at least 4 GB), monopod, light meter, good pair of gloves, a waterproof jacket, a small selection of filters, memory cards and a tripod are the essentials.
This is a great sport to get into as you can take photos at any time of day. The great thing about football is that it is always in action. I like to use the ‘self timer’ mode of the camera which takes photos after you have pressed the button. It is a bit tricky to take the photo in exactly the right place as you cannot see where your ball is going, but you can adjust your position after you have taken the photo. You do need to be very careful when using the self timer as the flash will go off if the ball doesn’t hit the net or when the goalie moves, so make sure you keep your distance. The shutter speed needs to be fast enough to freeze the ball and slow enough for the background to blur. The shutter speed will depend on the light and your camera will tell you what it can do.
The more light there is the faster the shutter speed and vice versa. To get the best results it is best to have a tripod and a monopod. I find a tripod very useful as I can take my shots in situations where there is not much light. You can also use a remote control for this, which enables you to take your shots from a distance without having to hold the camera yourself.
If you are using a self timer you can take photos of players running from behind the goal. They are often the best shots of the game. You can also have a look at the goal mouth for a close up of the goalie and then take a shot from far away. If you want to try and get the goalie in the shot it is best to wait for him to move, as this will give you a better chance of getting the ball into the net. This can be difficult when the keeper is moving in any direction, so you will need to be patient.
In an actual match I will try and take a photo when a team has a free kick or corner kick as these are very important in the game. If there is a penalty shoot out I will try to get a shot of the goalkeeper in the middle of the box to show how he is looking for the ball, which will help you in the practice for the actual match. This gives me an idea of what the goal keeper will do in the match and how I should be moving in order to stop him from stopping my shots.
You need to make sure that your camera settings are correct before the match. This includes the lens, aperture, shutter speed and ISO. If you are going to be taking a lot of photos you may want to invest in an extra memory card. The memory cards that come with the camera are very small and it is easy to run out of space. I have had some problems with memory cards on other cameras, so I suggest investing in the best quality that you can afford.
Finally you need to practice with a friend. You will probably be trying out different shots. It is always good to look at the camera settings to see what has worked and what has not. There are loads of tutorials on YouTube which will show you how to use your camera, but it’s also worth looking at the manuals which can be found in the camera box.
Other Football Photography Tips
1. The aim is to take photos that get the ball into the net.
The most important thing to remember is to get the ball into the net and that requires a clear shot. If the ball goes off the end of the goal or is blocked you will not be able to take a photo. I suggest practicing with your friends and watching footage from other games to see if you can identify where the goal line is and if there is a good area to shoot from.
If the goalie moves away from you you will need to wait until he has moved back in again before taking your shot. If the goalkeeper is busy looking for the ball and moving towards the goal then try taking a photo at about halfway up the penalty area. You will need to be very careful here, as there is nothing you can do to stop the goalkeeper catching the ball. Try to be as far away from him as possible.
You can practice at home by shooting photos of a tennis ball, football or golf ball. Make sure that the camera settings are correct for this, which will include the lens, aperture, shutter speed and ISO. You will also need a tripod or monopod.
You need to make sure that you can see the ball and that it is not blocked by any players. Practice your angles, so you know where the best place to put your camera. You need to get the ball into the net in order to get the best shots. A quick look at the camera settings should tell you what your settings need to be. If in doubt, ask your friends for help.
You need to be aware of other players trying to take your photo. They will move quickly and can get to the ball before you. This means that you may have to be very patient, as you cannot always take a photo when you want to. The key is to wait until the keeper moves away from you before taking your shot. I also suggest looking up the rules of the game, as there are a few different ways to take a photo.
2. Your best bet when taking photos of players on the field is to get a zoom lens. They are cheap, portable and will get you close enough to them to capture good images without having to zoom in on the player. This will also help with any light issues on the field.
To get the best shot, you need to stand at an angle and position yourself so that you can get your subject in focus. Also, you should be facing the subject which will allow you to move in front of them or behind them and still get the perfect shot. The background is important too and this can be very tricky. Depending on the type of shot you want, you may have to have something in the foreground to balance out the image. You will probably want to use some type of fill flash on your camera to even out the lighting and make sure you can get a good shot.
There are many different types of shots you can take and each require a slightly different technique. There are some quick shots that you can take on your camera without thinking about it and then there are the ones where you are thinking about the picture before you take it. If you can master the first type of shot and you feel comfortable with it, you can add a little more depth to your shots by adding a filter. It is really up to you how many of these you can do. For example, you can go for the standard landscape or close-up shot or try something like the classic photo of a girl in a pink tutu or an old-fashioned baby’s room.
Another way you can add a little more dimension is by taking a few different shots and then choosing one that looks best. This can be a portrait, a close-up, a shot from above or maybe a shot with a lot of space in it. The sky can be great in this type of shot so if you are shooting outdoors, you can include a shot with the sun behind you or even a shot with clouds.
3. The football world is full of talented photographers, but it can be hard to know where to start if you want to break into the business. The following are some tips that have worked for other amateur football photographers.
Think about the goal.
There are many factors that contribute to making the perfect photo: lighting, composition, timing and subject matter. You must have a keen eye for the latter and know what is going on around the player at the time of the photograph. Think about the angle and distance you need to shoot from in order to capture the moment as it happens.
Have fun with it.
It is important to take photographs with a sense of joy. It may seem like fun and games, but actually, it is a very serious business. Many amateur photographers think it is okay to take photos during matches without paying much attention to the players or the surroundings. However, you will be judged on your images so make sure they are of good quality. If you are taking photos of your own team, you will need to know who plays where and when, and be able to read and follow instructions. Don’t forget your own safety and think carefully about getting yourself involved in any potentially dangerous situations.
Be prepared.
Before attending matches, make sure you are well prepared. Know how to focus, set up your camera, get the right equipment and use it, and plan your approach. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the club’s rules, regulations and policies. If you are photographing in a professional capacity, ensure you are familiar with your employer’s rules and policies. It is important to check that they have given you permission to take photographs of their players or events.
Know the opposition.
Check out the opposition before the game and get an idea of the players and their strengths and weaknesses. This will help you predict the chances of certain players scoring and you will be able to work out what to shoot during each match.
Do your homework.
When taking photos, it is crucial to research your subject thoroughly. Find out about the clubs’ history, players’ careers, stadium, and league position. Understand the meaning behind the team’s name and look for any clues that you can use in your photos. If you are photographing a particular player, learn about his playing style and work on ways to capture him in action.
Be patient.
Many photographers say it takes around two years to become an expert. The most successful football photographers do not always have the most expensive kit and have not spent much money on training courses. They simply keep practising until they get it right. The key is dedication and perseverance.
Stay safe.
You will be exposed to potentially dangerous situations, so make sure you are aware of the dangers. Check the weather, the ground conditions, and the stadium before you go. You should also think carefully about your personal safety and don’t get involved with anyone who doesn’t seem like a good choice.
FAQ
How do you take pictures in football?
1.
A picture tells a thousand words, but how do you photograph football players without having them look like they are posing? Our top tip is to ensure you are not in the frame. If you have a mobile phone with you, use it to snap the action away from the player. We have also had success using a large soft-focus lens to soften the image and make the players look less like actors. When shooting with the best cameras, however, the technical aspects of capturing images of athletes can be very challenging.
If your smartphone has a digital zoom feature, try cropping the photo at the edges of the frame so that you can reduce the risk of your subject appearing too large. A good way to avoid a blurred background is to use your finger to gently lift the subject into position. If you have a long lens or a macro setting on your camera, you can zoom in on the player’s face and body. Remember to take several photos if you are aiming for a higher quality shot and be sure to zoom in on the face.
The following tips will help you capture a range of angles and perspectives, whether you are using a smartphone, digital camera or DSLR camera.
2. Keep low.
Your best vantage point is low, with the camera aimed slightly downward. It is much easier to capture the action at this angle, with footballers usually looking upwards, making them appear larger than they are in reality. This is a good starting position because you will find it easier to frame your subject, and it also means the subject will be in the center of the frame, making it harder for them to escape your attention.
3. Move around.
This gives you a wider range of options for capturing the subject. If you are shooting on the move, keep an eye on where the ball is being played. You may spot an opportunity for a shot that would otherwise have been missed, or you could find yourself with a perfect composition for your subject and an awkward situation for you.
4. Try using different lenses.
Your phone camera is probably best suited to capturing snapshots, but if you have a DSLR camera, it can be useful to experiment with various lenses. Wide-angle lenses can distort the image, so try a telephoto setting. The higher magnification can help with composition and focus. You can also try using a macro lens, which will enable you to get close-up shots of the subject’s face.
5. Choose a backdrop.
The background can add atmosphere to your shots and make it easier to see what you are trying to capture. However, too much detail or a busy background can distract from the main point.6. Use the flash.
If you are taking photos at night, use a flash as the light from the match is very bright and this will balance out the light in the stadium. A tripod can help with steady shots and ensure the picture is sharp.
7. Get closer.
If you have time to wait for a player to make a run, they will be less likely to evade you.
8. Use the flash.
It may be possible to capture an action shot without using a flash, but for optimum results, try using one at the start of your game and then switching to natural lighting during the match. This will help your subjects stand out against a busy background. The flash also adds a dramatic effect, especially if it is aimed toward the action and highlights the players.
What lenses do NFL photographers use?
1. If you’re a sports photographer, chances are you love watching football. But how do you know which angle is the best to capture a big play?
The answer lies in a lens that allows you to zoom in close on an action and then zoom back out again to see the bigger picture. Most modern cameras include the ability to adjust focus from the widest to the closest possible. So the way you position yourself relative to your subject will determine which area of the image appears focused. The two most common ways of capturing football are wide-angle and telephoto. In the first instance, the lens allows you to take a photo that captures everything in the scene without giving you a narrow perspective. This means that any movement in the scene appears blurred – like a wide shot of the Grand Canyon, for example. In the second case, you zoom in close to your subject – so much so that the image appears pin-sharp. This means that any movement or detail within the scene is sharp and clear. You may even be able to read the faces of the players in the foreground. To capture this kind of image, you need to stand closer to the action than with a wide-angle lens. In some cases, you’ll have no choice but to get closer to your subject – for instance, if you want to show the action from a player’s perspective. But even when you have the best angle possible, it can be hard to get the right focus. For example, imagine that you want to capture a goal being scored on a football pitch. The player in question is a goalkeeper, and in the middle of a big game you are in front of him, but there are other players in the way. If you take the photo now, you will probably focus on them, and not the keeper. Even if you adjust your focus, you will likely still get a blurred photo of the goal. To avoid this, you need to know the difference between a sharp and a blurry image.
2. Macro:These lenses allow you to zoom in on your subject so much that you can see every detail in the scene, like the fine hairs on a player’s face.
3. Ultra-wide: This option offers you an ultra-wide field of view, which gives you a very wide view of the action. It works best when there is a lot of movement in the frame. The choice of lens depends on what you are trying to do with your image. A macro lens would work best if you wanted to show the smallest details of a player’s face. On the other hand, a wide-angle lens would give you a more cinematic feel and help bring the viewer into the game. The right lens will depend on the angle and viewpoint that you want to capture. If you’re planning on capturing any scenes with moving players, it’s a good idea to test the different lenses in advance. Try taking some close-up photos of your feet or hands to see how different lenses handle them. Remember, there are many things you can do to improve your photography skills. In fact, just practicing and getting better at your craft can make you a better photographer, no matter what kind of lens you use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I think the main thing that football photographers can learn from me is that they need to be passionate about their craft.
My tips are really just a starting point. I recommend experimenting and trying different things.
And remember, the most important part of being a good photographer is to find your niche. So start by focusing on a few sports and work your way up.