Oops! I Did It Again: Hilarious Photo Fails from a Sport Photographer’s Lens

Life as a Freelance Photographer (and Sometimes a Walking Disaster)

Being a freelance photographer has its highs and lows. Sure, there are days when I feel like a creative genius, capturing moments that make me think, “Yeah, I’m pretty good at this.” But there are also days when I feel like I should just hang up my camera strap and consider a career as a warehouse worker. You know, something a little less… unpredictable.

When I reflect on all the creative work I’ve done over the years, it’s easy to spiral into self-doubt. Did I really get that shot right? Could I have done better? Why did I cut off someone’s head (again)? But you know what? Instead of dwelling in the lows, I’ve decided to laugh. After all, life is too short not to find humor in our mistakes – especially when they make for some epic photo fails.

Now, enough about me. Let’s dive into the glorious, unfiltered world of my photography fails, specifically during my time as a sport photographer – where things go wrong a lot more than you’d think!

The Weight of the World… Or Just My Camera

One of the biggest hurdles when shooting marathons (or any fast-paced sport) is the sheer weight of my gear. I shoot with a Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, which, if you ask my shoulders, feels like I’m lugging around a small child. Yes, it’s one of the lighter 70-200mm lenses out there, but after 5 or 6 hours of shooting non-stop, it feels like I’ve done my own marathon.

So, there I was at the Brugge Marathon a few weeks ago, and then again at the Antwerp Marathon just yesterday. Both were great events, full of energy and adrenaline… for the runners, at least. For me, it was more of an endurance test – how long could I hold up my camera before my arms gave up?

Common Photo Fails: The Struggle Is Real

Now, let’s get into the good stuff: the photo fails. Sport photography is full of unpredictable moments, and no matter how prepared you are, something will go wrong. Here are a few of my most common (and funniest) fails when photographing marathons:

1. The Disappearing Limbs

Picture this: a runner charges toward me, arms raised high, celebrating their victory. In that split second, I snap the photo with my telephoto lens, thinking I’ve captured a perfect moment. But then I look at the result, and – oops! Both their hands are missing, completely cut out of the frame. Who needs hands in a victory shot anyway, right?

2. The Phantom Focus

One of the biggest challenges with my trusty 70-200mm lens is locking focus. Let’s say I’ve locked in on one runner, they’re looking great, the lighting is perfect. Then, out of nowhere, another runner darts in front of them, blocking my subject. I try to refocus, but before I know it, both runners are out of focus and I’ve lost the shot. Classic.

3. The Cropped Heads (and Sometimes Legs)

Marathon photography can be chaotic. People are moving fast, and so am I, trying to follow the action. But sometimes, I pan a little too fast, and bam – half of someone’s head is missing, or worse, a runner’s legs are cut off at the knees. It’s like my camera is doing abstract art without my permission.

4. The Weather Effect

Rain, snow, wind – sometimes, all at once. Mother Nature has a special way of messing with photo shoots, and marathon days are no exception. A sudden gust of wind can send a runner’s hat flying right into my shot, or a downpour of rain can smudge the lens just enough to turn a crystal-clear image into a blurry mess. Of course, the runners keep running, while I’m left cleaning my gear and praying for a break in the storm.

The Art of Failing (And Why I Love It)

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Why would you brag about your photography fails? Isn’t that a bad thing for a photographer to admit?” Well, maybe, but where’s the fun in pretending everything goes perfectly all the time? Besides, these fails aren’t all bad – they’re part of the process, and each one is a lesson in itself.

For example, after reviewing the shots from the Antwerp Marathon, I had a good laugh at the runner with no hands, the out-of-focus sprint finish, and the headless participant. But beyond the laughs, I learned something valuable: to slow down, plan better, and maybe invest in a lighter lens!

And let’s be honest, these fails make for a great story. So, while others might shy away from showing their mistakes, I’m here to share mine with pride. After all, photography is as much about the moments you capture as it is about the ones you miss – both can be pretty hilarious.

How to Avoid Your Own Photo Fails

Now that I’ve shared my epic fails, let me give you some advice on how to avoid them in your own photography (or at least reduce the number of missing limbs and heads in your shots):

1. Watch Your Framing: If you’re shooting with a telephoto lens like mine, remember that the field of view is much narrower. Keep a close eye on your subject’s movements to avoid cutting off body parts.
2. Use Burst Mode: When photographing fast-moving subjects, burst mode is your best friend. Shoot in short, rapid bursts to increase your chances of getting the perfect shot (or at least one where everyone has heads and hands).
3. Be Ready for the Weather: Always check the forecast before a shoot and pack accordingly. A little rain gear for your camera can save you from a lot of frustration.
4. Practice Patience: Whether it’s locking focus or dealing with runners who suddenly dart into your frame, sport photography requires a lot of patience. Don’t get frustrated if you miss a shot – there’s always another runner right behind them.

Final Thoughts (And a Shameless Plug)

I hope this article gave you a glimpse into the chaotic, funny, and unpredictable world of sport photography – and maybe a laugh or two along the way. If nothing else, I hope you feel a little better about your own photo fails, because trust me, we all have them.

And while you’re here, don’t forget to check out my NotebookLM podcast about my ebook, Capturing Moments in Monochrome, which can help you improve your black-and-white photography skills, even on a smartphone! You can grab the ebook on Amazon Kindle here or find more info here.

Also, don’t forget to visit my CatPrints by BSilvia Shop and explore my latest creations at Graphics Illustrations. Maybe even swing by my FiveCatsGraphics Shop on Etsy for a little more feline fun.

Until next time, happy shooting (and failing), my friends!