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The Complete Guide to Sports Photography (32 Best Tips)

Last updated: March 18, 2024 - 24 min read
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Sport is a dominant force in people’s lives. It’s an obsession for millions all over the world. They watch events on TV, fill stadiums, and lace up their boots to play. From football to table tennis, we all love sports.

Sports photography is an essential element of our sporting culture. Sports photographers capture the biggest moments and document the most famous sports stars.

But sports photography isn’t easy. Like sports, it takes skill, knowledge, and practice to master. ExpertPhotography will give you all the skills and knowledge you need to master sports photography. Then, you only need to practice.

eBook
Photography Unlocked
Photography Unlocked
Unlock your camera’s full potential with this guide:

  • Master manual mode to capture moments you’re proud of.
  • Overcome the frustration of missed shots with quick exposure settings.
  • Benefit from visuals with hundreds of images and illustrations.

 

How to Start Shooting Sports Photography

Our complete guide to sports photography takes you through all the steps you need to begin taking pictures. Use these jump links to navigate to the sections that suit you best:

  1. Learn what sports photography is
  2. Learn from professional sports photographers
  3. Invest in the proper camera equipment
  4. Get to know your camera settings and shooting techniques
  5. Explore different sports photography niches
  6. Learn some photo editing techniques

Above all, find a sports photography niche that you are passionate about. And look for opportunities in the sports communities around you.

What Is Sports Photography?

Sports photography captures dynamic moments in athletic events. It showcases the intensity and excitement of sports action. Professional sports photographers use specialized equipment and techniques to freeze thrilling moments. They create stunning visual narratives of athleticism.

But it is also the art of documenting sports stories, athletic activities, and athletes. The photographers stand on the sidelines, capturing the action unfolding on the pitch, court, or track.

Sports photography is a big business. The photos are used in newspapers, magazines, and online publications. They fill the back pages of national newspapers. Popular sports like football have dedicated publications filled with excellent sports photographs.

This photography niche keeps people connected to the sports they love. Most people can’t go to every live game, so they need a way of keeping up to date. The work of sports photographers keeps them in touch.

Sports photography also creates timeless, iconic images. Certain sporting events become more than just a game. Some moments are true historical events, part of the fabric of our popular culture.

Sports aren’t scripted. And you get no retakes. The action is live, and the photographer has to be ready with their camera. Sports photography is about knowing the sport and being alert during the event.

Other areas of sports photography are more planned and choreographed. Photoshoots for sports brands or athletes follow a similar process to fashion and portrait photography. And many coaches and trainers use social media for marketing and business.

A golfer swinging a shot out of a bunker as an example of sports photography
Shot with a Canon EOS R8. 200mm, f/4.0, 1/3,200 s, ISO 400. Benny Hassum (Unsplash)
 

The Best Sports Photographers

Many sports photographers are freelancers, while others work for publications. Some photographers cover many sporting events, from the Olympics to the Formula One Grand Prix. Other photographers dedicate themselves to one sport. It could be anything from football to surfing.

It might be pointing out the obvious to say that these photographers love sports. And the best sports photographers let their passion shine through in their work. They use their photography to pass on their passion to the viewer.

Sports photographers are a dedicated breed. You see them on the sidelines, camera in hand. And they take pictures in the sun, rain, or snow. They follow teams around the world. And they push the limits to get the best shots.

Check out our list of the best sports photographers to follow. It’s the best place for sports photography inspiration and to learn from the best.

A sports photographer on the sidelines with a big super-telephoto lens
Shot with a Sony a6500. 35mm, f/1.7, 1/1,600 s, ISO 320. Pollyana Ventura (iStock)
 

Camera Equipment for Sports Photography

Sport is fast-paced and action-packed. There are many blink-and-you-miss-it moments during a sporting event, so you must be ready. You need to know the sport. But it’s best if you have the right equipment for sports photography.

Choosing a camera is the right place to start for photographers. A sports photographer needs a camera that can capture fast-moving subjects, which means a fast shutter speed and burst mode.

Sports photography gear also includes lenses that get you close to the action. Many photographers use telephoto or super-telephoto lenses, as they have excellent magnification abilities. Tripods and monopods are also common accessories in the sports photographer’s kitbag.

Best Cameras for Sports Photography

Shooting sports photography has unique needs. Everything moves quickly, and the athletes aren’t going to stop to pose for a photo. You have to be ready, and so does your camera.

A fast shutter speed is essential in sports photography. If your shutter is too slow, your pictures will have motion blur. This could damage your image quality and your reputation as a professional photographer.

Another specification to look for is a burst mode. It’s best to use a fast, continuous shooting speed to capture time-sensitive moments. A fast burst lets you shoot moments of impact, like when a cleat hits a ball or a glove hits a face.

DSLR cameras are still popular among professional sports photographers. They’re reliable machines that produce excellent-quality images.

Like in many other photography niches, mirrorless cameras have become more popular. They have an electronic shutter, which allows for silent shooting and faster burst speeds. These are both beneficial features for a sports photographer.

Read our list of the best cameras for sports photography.

Our Top 4 Choices for the Best Sports Photography Cameras
Olympus OM System OM-1
Olympus OM System OM-1
Olympus OM System OM-1
Nikon Z50
Nikon Z50
Nikon Z50
Canon EOS R7
Canon EOS R7
Canon EOS R7
Sony a6600
Sony a6600
Sony a6600
 

Best Lenses for Sports Photography

Some sports need different lenses. Photographers are restricted to designated areas at some sporting events. This means they can’t always get as close as they’d like. And they certainly can’t go on the court or field.

To get close to the action, you need a telephoto lens. Telephotos have excellent magnification, so you can get tight shots without stepping over the line.

A zoom lens is also handy in these situations. A zoom gives you more versatility than a prime lens. You can change the focal length when the action is closer or further away, so you won’t waste time changing lenses.

Some sports photographers use prime lenses. They produce excellent quality images, as long as you’re close enough. Fisheye lenses are also popular with skateboarding and surf photographers.

Check out our full article for more information on the best lenses for sports photography.

Our Top 4 Choices for the Best Sports Photography Lenses
Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS III USM
Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS III USM
Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS III USM
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3G ED VR
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3G ED VR
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3G ED VR
Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS Zoom Lens
Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS Zoom Lens
Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS Zoom Lens
Olympus ED 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3
Olympus ED 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3
Olympus ED 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3
 

Best Tripods and Monopods

Stability is at a premium when shooting at live sporting events. And you might have your camera in your hands for hours, which can lead to fatigue. Tripods or monopods give you the support you need when on the job.

Tripods are excellent if you stay in one place for a long time. Their stability gives you more freedom with your exposure options. You can keep your ISO low using a smaller aperture and a faster shutter speed.

Tripods aren’t always convenient for sports photographers. They need to follow the action, which often involves moving around. But if you still need help with stability, a monopod is the accessory you need.

A monopod gives you a stable platform from which to shoot. You have more options with your camera settings and the freedom to move from place to place.

Read our list of the best tripods and best monopods. We also have an article for the best budget tripods and monopods.

Our Top 2 Choices for the Best Sports Photography Tripod and Monopod
Manfrotto Befree Advanced Tripod
Manfrotto Befree Advanced Tripod
Manfrotto Befree Advanced Tripod
3 Legged Thing Trent 2.0 Monopod
3 Legged Thing Trent 2.0 Monopod
3 Legged Thing Trent 2.0 Monopod
 

Sports Photography Equipment Essentials

It’s best to be prepared when covering sporting events. You have your camera body and lenses. But sports photography needs more equipment than that.

You need a tripod or monopod, but you might also need something to keep your gear dry if the weather turns bad. You’ll need to take fantastic photos, rain or shine. So, it’s important to be prepared with the correct equipment.

You also need spare memory cards or external storage. You don’t want to run out of space if the game goes into extra time.

The right camera bag is also essential. Expecting the unexpected is part of sports photography, so you need gear nearby. You don’t want to be caught off guard if the conditions change.

Read our full article on the essential sports photography accessories you need.

Amercan football players in a scrum on the field as an example for sports photography
Shot with a Nikon D5100. 300mm, f/6.3, 1/2,500 s, ISO 800 Victoria Prymak (Unsplash)
 

Caring for Sports Photography Equipment in the Cold

Just like summer sports, winter sports need photographers. But photography in cold weather presents a unique set of problems that must be overcome.

You needn’t worry about quality if a reputable manufacturer makes your camera. Canon, Nikon, and Sony make excellent cameras. But even high-grade machines have their limits when it comes to cold weather.

Cameras can freeze, and cold weather can damage the inner components. And battery life is reduced if your batteries get too cold.
When shooting winter sporting events, you deal with below-freezing temperatures.

But photography can’t stop when it gets cold. A professional sports photographer must know how to cope with the drop in temperature. Our article on winter photography includes some information about caring for your camera equipment in cold weather at the end.

A snowmobiler racing in the snow as an example of sports photography
Shot with a Canon EOS Rebel T8i. 121mm, f/5.0, 1/1,250 s, ISO 160. Live Kaiah (Unsplash)
 

How to Photograph Sports

Capturing sporting action isn’t a walk in the park. It’s best if you have the right equipment. But you must also know how to use it for successful sports photography shots. In this type of fast-paced professional photography, you must master your camera.

Don’t worry if you’re new to sports photography. You can take the time to get to know the settings on your camera. For practice, you can cover several sporting events. Like in sports, practice makes perfect.

Camera Settings and Focus for Sharp Sports Photos

Understanding your camera settings is vital for sports photography. You need to know how to get the best results. And you don’t want to miss the action. The conditions can change at any moment, so you need to be able to adapt.

Shutter speed is the most important setting for sports photography. You need to set your shutter speed as fast as possible. If the lighting isn’t great, you must increase your ISO to compensate for the fast shutter.

Shutter priority mode is an excellent option for shooting sports. It’s a semi-automatic mode in which you and the camera share responsibility for the exposure. The camera takes care of the aperture and ISO while you stay in control of your shutter speed.

Autofocus (AF) systems are excellent, too. They use phase detection AF to lock and track your subject as they move across the frame. Some advanced systems can even predict the subject’s movement to increase focusing speed further.

Continuous focus modes are very beneficial for sports photographers. This mode constantly adjusts the focus to make sure your subject remains sharp. It’s perfect for moving subjects like runners and cyclists. This mode is marked as AI Servo AF on Canon cameras and AF-C on Nikon cameras.

Read our full article if you want more camera settings and focus tips for sports photography.

Two mixed martial artists sparring as an example of sports photography
Shot with a Canon EOS 90D. 18mm, f/1.8, 1/320 s, ISO 640. Shoham Avisrur (Unsplash)
 

Tips for Taking Photos for High-Speed Sports

Many sports are high-speed. Motor racing and cycling are very high-speed. Track athletes are pretty swift, too. And football players aren’t exactly slow pokes.

You also have sports equipment moving around. A striker can hit a football with considerable power. And top tennis players can serve with a ball speed of over 120mph. These are often too quick for the naked eye, so you need some tricks.

Read our full article for tips and tricks for capturing high-speed photography.

A race car speeding on a track with a blurry background showing motion as an example of sports photography
Shot with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8. 102mm, f/22, 1/60 s, ISO 200. Antoine Gravier (Unsplash)
 

Burst Mode for Perfectly-Timed Sports Shots

Burst mode is an essential tool in a sports photographer’s arsenal. Even if you have the fastest trigger finger in the West, you can’t catch every moment.

The continuous shooting mode can help you capture the exact moment you need. It could be the point of impact between a bat and ball or a basketball player lifting off for a slam dunk.

The burst is the perfect tool, but you must master it for perfect shots. Timing is everything. You can still miss the moment if you get it wrong. Read our full tutorial for perfectly timed shots with burst mode.

A snowboarder doing a jump in the air with snow flying as an example for sports photography
Shot with a Nikon Z6. 24mm, f/4.0, 1/2,500 s, ISO 320. Colin Lloyd (Unsplash)
 

Using Burst Mode on an iPhone

You don’t always need the biggest and best professional camera. Your iPhone’s camera can, too, capture great sports action.

Smartphone cameras are improving all the time. The image quality can rival many entry-level DSLR cameras. And now, iPhones have an excellent burst mode for fast-action photography.

It takes some patience and practice to perfect your action shots. But you can capture fantastic sports photos with an iPhone from your pocket. Read our full tutorial for using burst mode on an iPhone.

An outdoor tennis court with a match being played as an example of sports photography
Shot with an Apple iPhone 13. 5.1mm, f/1.6, 1/1992 s, ISO 50. Scott Hendrickson (Unsplash)
 

Create Motion Blur in Sports Photography

Usually, you want to keep motion blur to a minimum. And while it’s often considered a defect in a photo, you can also use it as a cool effect in photography. Motion blur can add energy and movement to your images when used correctly.

You can manually create motion blur by slowing your shutter speed down when the subject moves. But you still want to avoid camera shake, so don’t go slower than 1/125 s (seconds).

You can also add motion blur when post-processing sports photography. Adding motion blur is a simple editing process with Adobe Photoshop. Read our full article on motion blur photography.

A tennis player lunging to hit a ball as an example of sports photography with blur
Edited with Adobe Photoshop. (iStock)
 

Intentional Camera Movement With Sports

While camera movement is usually avoided, it can be used creatively. Like motion blur, It’s another way of adding movement and energy to your sports photography.

Intentional camera movement (ICM) involves moving your camera during a long exposure. This creates a blurred effect in your image. It’s not easy, as too much movement turns your photo into one big blur. But when done well, it can look great.

If your subject is moving across your frame, you can track it by turning (panning) your camera. This keeps the subject in focus but blurs everything around it. Read our full tutorial to master ICM.

A wheelchair racer with motion blur as an example for sports photography
Shot with a Nikon D700. 90mm, f/22, 1/13 s, ISO 400. Seth Kane (Unsplash)
 

GoPro Sports Photography

GoPro is synonymous with action cameras. It’s the market leader and trendsetter in the action camera league. And it’s great for shooting action-packed sports photography.

A GoPro camera is small and lightweight. It can also be attached to helmets and handlebars. This means you can capture amazing POV shots and footage when you’re the one in action.

Despite their small size, GoPro cameras have excellent image quality. They also have a wide-angle lens, which works well for action photography. GoPro cameras also have a burst mode, so you don’t miss a thing. Read our full article on GoPro photography.

Three skydivers parachuting down as an example for sports photography
Shot with a GoPro Hero5 Black. Kamil Pietrzak (Unsplash)
 

Specific Types of Sport Photography

We get into the nitty-gritty of different sports to give you more specific tips for each one.

Baseball Photography

Baseball is America’s pastime. It’s one of the country’s most traditional sports. And it’s still one of the most popular in the nation. Fans fill the stadiums and play in softball leagues. That gives plenty of opportunities for aspiring baseball photographers.

Baseball involves bursts of action, so you need to be ready. That means understanding the game and your camera. You need the proper settings to get the best baseball and softball shots. Check out all our best tips for baseball photography before the next double-header.

Baseball pitcher throwing a ball towards the camera as an example for sports photography
Shot with a Sony ZV-E10. 160mm, f/2.8, 1/1,600 s, ISO 320. Ksama (Unsplash)
 

Basketball Photography

Basketball is a fast and furious game. End-to-end action is accompanied by incredible athleticism and skill. Sometimes, keeping up and capturing the action with your camera can be hard.

You need to set your camera up correctly before the action even starts. You don’t want to fiddle with your settings when the basketball game is flowing. Knowing the correct settings and strategy is half the battle.

We can help you with this with our 10 excellent tips for better basketball photography.

A basketball player going for a layup as an example for sports photography
Shot with a Canon EOS Rebel SL1. 24mm, f/4.0, 1/3,200 s, ISO 200. Gabriel Valentin (Unsplash)
 

Soccer Photography

Football (soccer in North America) is the world’s most popular sport. It unites nations and builds bridges across the globe. Millions love to play football, from professionals in giant stadiums to kids in the back streets.

It’s known as “the beautiful game,” but capturing beautiful soccer photography isn’t always easy. There’s a lot of movement on the pitch. And you need to know where the ball might go next. It takes patience and understanding.

Whether you’re shooting the World Cup final or a Sunday league game, we can help you improve your football photography. Read our top 10 tips for shooting beautiful soccer photography.

Two female football players going shoulder to shoulder for the ball as an example for sports photography
Shot with a Sony a6000. 90mm, f/,2.8 1/1,600 s, ISO 200. Jeffrey F Lin (Unsplash)
 

Boxing Photography

Boxing has always been a draw for sports photographers. There’s tension, drama, and big personalities. A certain romance cuts through the violence in the ring. The fighters’ dedication and determination make them fantastic sports photography subjects.

Boxing offers different environments for photoshoots. You can capture live bouts with two fighters slugging it out in the ring. You can also take a more personal route and take pictures of a boxer in training. Both make excellent photos for sports publications.

We have the article you need to read to improve your boxing photography.

Boxer portrait as an example for sports photography
Shot with a Canon EOS Rebel T6i. 50mm, f/2.0, 1/500 s, ISO 800. Luca Ercolani (Unsplash)
 

Motorsports Photography

Motorsports provides plenty of subject matter for sports photographers. You have the action on the track. And there are the cars and bikes that also excite the interest of fans and enthusiasts. Then you also have the drivers. They bring the personality to the exhibition.

Motorsports are all about power and speed. That’s what makes them exciting. But that also makes them difficult to capture on camera. Few vehicles move faster than a Formula One car. They whizz by so fast it’s hard to get a shot.

With our eight tips for motorsports photography, you’ll lap the competition with your perfect motor racing images.

A rally racing car taking a turn at high speed with smoke coming from its rear wheels as an example for sports photography
Shot with a Nikon D5100. 58mm, f/16, 1/250 s, ISO 320. Ahmad Bader (Unsplash)
 

Cycling Photography

Professional cycling is another high-speed sport, making it tricky to catch on camera. But we’ve got the best tips for better cycling photography.

There are different kinds of cycling events. There are tournaments in a velodrome, with cyclists speeding around at incredible speeds. And you have endurance races like the Tour De France.

Your camera gear and photography strategy change depending on your shooting event. Research and preparation are part of the process of cycling photography. Read our complete article about taking better cycling photography.

A racing cyclist on a race track as an example for sports photography
Shot with a Sony a6400. 30mm, f/3.2, 1/4,000 s, ISO 160. Victoria Prymak (Unsplash)
 

Professional Swimming Photography

If you’re interested in water sports, we have some tips for taking professional photos of swimmers. Swimming photography is a different art form from shooting land-based sports. But we have all the info you need to make a splash with your water sports photography.

Swimming events are exciting places to photograph. The echo of the pool room creates an incredible atmosphere for competitive sports. But the photos can often look like splashes and not much else. Read our full article for all the info on swimming photography.

Swimmer performing the butterfly stroke in a professional swimming pool as an example for sports photography
Shot with a Nikon D5. 86mm, f/2.8, 1/640 s, ISO 2,500. Gentrit Sylejmani (Unsplash)
 

Skateboard Photography

Skateboarding is for the thrill-seekers among us. And there must be plenty of them, as skateboard magazines are some of the most popular sports publications. That means there are plenty of opportunities for skateboard photographers.

Skateboarding tricks are impressive but happen quickly, so they’re easy to miss with your camera. The correct settings are crucial for excellent skateboard photography.

Other important aspects of skateboard photography are the skaters and their lifestyles. You can use your camera to capture the relaxed and carefree atmosphere of the skate park. Read our full article about skateboard photography.

Skateboarder doing a trick in a skate park as an example for sports photography
Shot with a Sony a7 IV. 70mm, f/4.0, 1/800 s, ISO 50. R.D. Smith (Unsplash)
 

Surf Photography

Surfing is very popular all over the world. It’s a sport that appeals to people for the lifestyle as much as the activity itself. But surf photography has a unique set of challenges you must consider.

You can’t surf without the sea and water, but cameras don’t play well together. But there are ways to tackle this problem. There’s waterproof camera housing and underwater cameras. Plus, there are techniques for getting amazing in-water shots.

Check out our full article for our best tips for surf photography. If you need more inspiration, check out our list of the best surf photographers today.

A surfer running on a beach as an example for sports photography
Shot with a Canon EOS R. 119mm, f/3.5, 1/1,250 s, ISO 16,000. Chris Lehr (Unsplash)
 

Yoga Photography

For centuries, yoga has been a physical and mental practice in Eastern spirituality. It has now become one of the most popular activities in the Western world.

It’s a non-competitive activity focused on finding inner peace rather than glory over your opponent. So, yoga photography needs to reflect that philosophy. Unlike most other sports, it’s not about competition. It’s about slowing down and finding tranquility.

Having an expert yogi pose for photos is an excellent idea. But if you’re both a yogi and a photographer, you can also take photos of yourself. All you need is a reliable camera and a tripod.

We can help you with the settings and techniques for stunning yoga photography. Read our full article for the complete yoga photography tutorial.

A man doing a yoga pose on rocks by the ocean as an example for sports photography
Shot with a Sony a7 IV. 85mm, f/1.4, 1/200 s, ISO 50. Jaspinder Singh (Unsplash)
 

Marathon Photography

Marathons always create a buzz no matter what city they’re in. People fill the streets, and the excitement builds into a carnival atmosphere. A marathon is a fantastic event to hone your sports photography skills.

You can apply sports photography basics, like using a fast shutter speed, but there’s more to marathon photography than that. With so many people, marathon photos can look like a crowd.

We have the best sports photography tips for marathon events. These tips include camera settings, finding the best location, and the best accessories for marathons. Check out our top 10 tips for marathon photography to get ahead of the pack.

High-school marathon runners running on a track field outside as an example for sports photography
Shot with a Nikon D3400. 70mm, f/5.0, 1/1,250 s, ISO 400. Leah Hetteberg (Unsplash)
 

Figure Skating Photography

Figure skating is one of the most elegant and beautiful winter sports. The skaters glide effortlessly across the ice, jumping and spinning as they go.

Capturing skaters in the middle of their movements isn’t easy. An ice rink offers unusual conditions for sports photography. There’s a lot of white, and you’re always at a distance.

Check out our eight great tips for figure skating photography in our full article. In no time, you’ll be the ice master of sports photography.

Figure skater lifting one leg in the air vertically as an example for sports photography
Shot with a Nikon Z6. 50mm, f/1.8, 1/2,000 s, ISO 800. Kirk Lai (Unsplash)
 

Post-Processing Sports Photography

A lot of the hard work is done pitchside with sports photography. You snap the action with your camera as it happens, but the process doesn’t always stop there. You can edit your photos to add to and adjust your sports photography.

All you need is good photo editing software. You’ll be able to enhance your work from the comfort of your own home. Post-processing can boost your work, making it stand out to employers and publications. That’s important if you’re a freelance photographer.

Lightroom Presets for Sports Photography

Adobe Lightroom is the premier software for photo editing, and the preset functions are some of the stand-out features. There are free Lightroom presets for portraits and environmental photography. You can also develop your own personal presets for a unique look.

We have some of the best Lightroom presets for sports photography. They are designed to enhance sports and action images, giving your photography even more energy. Check out our full article to try our sports photography Lightroom presets.

A male athlete lifting two dumbbells while sitting as an example of sports photography
Shot with a Sony a7 II. 70mm, f/2.8, 1/320 s, ISO 640. Samuel Girven (Unsplash)
 

Edit Sports Images in Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is another excellent software choice for photo editing and manipulation. You’ve probably heard of Photoshop before, as it’s the industry’s leading editing software. But don’t worry if it’s new to you.

This article is perfect if you need help with Photoshop. It’s a thorough editing suite. And there’s much to take in when you first start using it. But our introductory tutorial breaks it down and guides you through the first steps.

Our post gives plenty of Photoshop tips and tricks for your sports photography.

A European footballer juggling a soccer ball as an example of sports photography
Shot with a Canon EOS M50. 20mm, f/1.8, 1/4,000 s, ISO 100. Diego Parodi (Unsplash)
 

Batch-Edit Sports Photos in Lightroom

Editing photos can be time-consuming. Thankfully, there’s a way to speed up the process. Batch editing drastically cuts post-processing times. It means you can produce more and hit your deadlines. Our tutorial gives you all the information you need for batch editing in Adobe Lightroom.

A trainer riding a racehorse in a field as an example for sports photography
Shot with a Canon EOS 5D Mark III. 200mm, f/7.1, 1/250 s, ISO 100. Lumin Osity (Unsplash)
 

Conclusion: Sports Photography

As long as the world loves sports, the world needs sports photographers. Sports photography is an attractive career path for a freelance photographer, but it isn’t easy. You need to know the sport you’re shooting and master your camera settings.

Different sports need different settings and techniques. Shooting a tennis match is different from shooting a mountain biking event. You should develop different photography skills and buy the right equipment for the best results.

But you don’t need to box yourself in. You can pursue one type of sports photography or travel the world shooting any sport you can find. As long as you have a passion for sports and photography, your skills will continue to improve. Now’s the time to start your sports photography business!

Check out our Photography Unlocked e-book to master your camera’s settings for sports photography!

eBook
Photography Unlocked
Photography Unlocked
Unlock your camera’s full potential with this guide:

  • Master manual mode to capture moments you’re proud of.
  • Overcome the frustration of missed shots with quick exposure settings.
  • Benefit from visuals with hundreds of images and illustrations.