Avoid These Common Mistakes & Take Sports Photos Like a Pro

3 Common Things to Avoid When Taking Sports Photos

 

Are you a newbie who wants to learn how to take great action sports shots? Are you a parent looking to snap some memorable shots of your kids playing hard? Do you want to know the things that you should be avoiding when you photograph so that your pictures turn out awesome? Then you have started in a great place!

Even if you are new to the sport photography game, you probably know that taking sports photos is not as simple as just snapping a quick selfie. Nor is taking a sports action shot the same as setting up your camera to shoot a still family portrait.

When it come to sports photography, there are definitely some extra things that you should keep in mind in order to ensure your shots turn out as professional as possible. So before you go out there to snap your first few shots, take a quick read of this article for some great tips on what you should avoid.

Avoid Chimping

Every photographer is guilty of chimping. If you’re not familiar with it, here’s what it is: Chimping is when you check every photo you take on the LCD.

When you chimp, you take your eyes off the action and on to the camera. By doing this, you may miss a good shot or you can get yourself hurt easily.

Reviewing your shots is totally OK, but there’s a time and place for that. In sports photography, there’s no second chance after the shutter clicks.

Avoid Using a Flash

Don’t use flash when taking sports photos.

Usually when shooting professional sports, flash photography is strictly prohibited. This is so because flash can distract the players and make coaches go nuts.

When shooting outdoor sports, never use an on-camera flash. Not only you would look noob to everyone, you won’t be needing one because the sun is already your light source.

Avoid Full Automatic Mode

One of the most common mistakes amateur photographers make when shooting sports action is setting the camera in full automatic mode or a pre-mode setting sport or action.

While these are OK, but to experience the fun and challenges in sports photography, you need to go semi-manual mode.

This mode allows you to play around with your image. It squeezes out the creative juices in you.

With semi-manual mode, you can decide on the sharpness or bokeh of your image. You won’t easily achieve that when on full-automatic mode.

Now it’s time to be a Pro!

Taking professional looking sports photos might seem like an impossible feat, but it is not as difficult as you  might think. Just be patient and persistent to avoid these mistakes and remember that even the most seasoned photographers take undesirable shots from time to time –  So, grab your camera and go out there!