Is this the best time to admit that I’m not really the sporty type? Or even the competitive type? Heh, maybe not, but hey, it’s the truth. But here’s the twist – I’ve found myself diving into the world of sport photos. Yep, you read that right. And not just any sport, but marathons!
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Marathons? You? The same person who enjoys photographing real estate, where everything is calm, static, and, dare I say, slow? How did I go from capturing the stillness of empty hotel rooms to chasing down athletes sprinting towards the finish line? Well, let’s just say life has a funny way of throwing you into new challenges, and sport photography has been one wild ride!
From Static to Sprinting: The Shift to Sport Photos
For years, I’ve been a real estate photographer. It’s a slow and meticulous job – making sure that every room looks picture-perfect, with nothing out of place. I love it, don’t get me wrong, but it’s a process that allows for time and patience. You get to walk around, move objects here and there, wait for the light to hit just right. The subject – whether it’s a cozy living room or a hotel lobby – doesn’t move. I’m in control of the scene.
But when it comes to taking sport photos, it’s a whole different ball game. Literally! You’ve got people running past you, sweating, moving unpredictably, and you’ve got to be ready to capture those moments in the blink of an eye. There’s no time to adjust, no time to remove a rogue chair from the shot. It’s all action, all the time.
And if that wasn’t enough, I’m also working against my own body. Being a bit, let’s say, “more experienced,” it’s not as easy to keep up with these athletes. But somehow, that’s part of the fun. The thrill of keeping pace with the runners, moving through the crowd, finding that perfect angle – it’s exhausting but exhilarating.
The Athora Brugge Marathon Experience
Let me tell you about my recent adventure shooting sport photos at the Athora Brugge Marathon. Less than two weeks ago, I found myself in the heart of Bruges, camera in hand, ready to capture the action. And boy, was there action!
The energy at a marathon is incredible. You’ve got runners of all ages and abilities pushing themselves to the limit. The streets were lined with cheering spectators, and the atmosphere was electric. As a photographer, you want to capture not just the physical effort, but also the emotions – the determination on the runners’ faces, the joy as they cross the finish line, and the sense of accomplishment in the air.
What I quickly realized is that sport photos aren’t just about getting the perfect action shot. It’s about telling a story. Every runner has their own journey, and through the lens, I try to capture a little piece of that. Whether it’s a group of friends running together, a lone athlete pushing through the pain, or a family cheering from the sidelines – these are the moments that make sport photography so special.
Challenges of Shooting Sport Photos
Now, let’s talk about the challenges. Sport photography is not for the faint of heart (or the faint of feet!). The biggest hurdle is the speed. In real estate, the room isn’t going anywhere. You’ve got all the time in the world to get the lighting right, tweak the composition, and snap away. But in sport photos, it’s all about quick reflexes and anticipation.
You’ve got to constantly be moving, adjusting, and predicting where the action will happen next. One second you’re capturing a runner zooming past, and the next, you’re spinning around to catch a high-five between two athletes. It’s unpredictable, and that’s what makes it so challenging – and fun.
Another challenge is dealing with the environment. Outdoor marathons mean dealing with changing weather conditions, unpredictable lighting, and crowds of people. There’s no “perfect” setup, so you’ve got to adapt on the fly. Rain, sun, or wind – you’ve got to make it work. That’s part of the adventure.
Why I Love Sport Photography
Despite the challenges, I’ve really come to love shooting sport photos. There’s something incredibly rewarding about capturing moments of real human achievement. When you get that perfect shot of a runner crossing the finish line, sweat dripping down their face, arms raised in victory – it’s magic.
Unlike real estate photography, where the focus is on objects, sport photography is all about people. It’s about movement, emotion, and energy. And while I’ll always love the calm, composed world of real estate photography, there’s something special about capturing the raw intensity of a marathon.
A Few Tips for Shooting Great Sport Photos
If you’re thinking of getting into sport photography, here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way:
- Stay Prepared: Always be ready for the unexpected. Athletes move fast, and you’ve got to be quicker.
- Anticipate the Action: Try to predict where the best shots will happen. Keep an eye on the finish line, the water stations, and areas where spectators are gathered.
- Use Fast Shutter Speeds: To freeze the action, make sure you’re using a fast shutter speed. You don’t want blurry photos of athletes in motion!
- Capture Emotion: Sport photos are more than just action shots. Focus on the expressions of the athletes and the interaction between them and the crowd.
- Keep Moving: Don’t stay in one spot. Move around the event to get different angles and perspectives.
Wrapping It Up
So, while I might not be a sports person myself, diving into the world of sport photos has been an incredible experience. It’s fast-paced, challenging, and full of energy. And who knows? Maybe this “old” photographer has a few more marathons left to shoot!
Before you go, why not check out my e-book, Capturing Moments in Monochrome? You can listen the podcast about the book too! It’s packed with tips on black and white mobile photography, perfect if you’re looking to refine your skills. You can grab it on Amazon Kindle here: Amazon Kindle link. And while you’re at it, swing by my shops – CatPrints by Bsilvia and Graphics Illustrations – to see what’s new. Who knows, you might find something you love!
Have a fantastic weekend, and keep snapping those photos!