Covering Football: Action, Reaction and more

ACTION!

The most apparent photos from a football game are those of the action during the game. If you only shoot this, you will miss much of what the game is about.

Nikon D4,  Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM, Sigma 2x EX DG APO Autofocus Teleconverter, ISO 51200, ƒ/5.6, 1/1600

REACTION

The fans care about the game and its outcome. Look for photos in the stands. The fans’ reactions are just as compelling as the action on the field.

Nikon D4,  Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM, Sigma 2x EX DG APO Autofocus Teleconverter, ISO 25600, ƒ/5.6, 1/2000

Go back and shoot more action. It is best to get the big plays. You can turn the camera away from the field during the time between plays.

Nikon D4,  Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM, Sigma 2x EX DG APO Autofocus Teleconverter, ISO 25600, ƒ/5.6, 1/800

A lot happens in those stands. So keep your ears tuned in around you as well as your eyes. 

Nikon D4,  Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM, ISO 25600, ƒ/5.6, 1/1000

After central touchdowns, many school cheerleaders have traditions of celebrating on the sideline or, like here, in the endzone. 

Nikon D4,  Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM, Sigma 2x EX DG APO Autofocus Teleconverter, ISO 25600, ƒ/5.6, 1/2000

After big plays like this one, fans react. Sometimes, coaches interact with the referees on the sidelines. 

Nikon D4,  Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM, Sigma 2x EX DG APO Autofocus Teleconverter, ISO 28735, ƒ/5.6, 1/2000

The idea is if you are at a game, it is a big event with many people doing different things and roles. 

Nikon D4,  Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM, Sigma 2x EX DG APO Autofocus Teleconverter, ISO 18102, ƒ/5.6, 1/2000

Bands perform before the game, during the game, and at halftime. College bands are a college course, and the games are concerts for them. 

Nikon D4,  Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM, Sigma 2x EX DG APO Autofocus Teleconverter, ISO 10000, ƒ/5.6, 1/2000

Not so obvious 

Nikon D4,  Nikon 14-24mm ƒ/2.8, ISO 560, ƒ/5.6, 1/100

I take photos of people I work with on the sidelines during games. I try to send them a copy of the picture. Taking and giving snapshots to volunteers helps build relationships so that the next round, when I need some help with access, these friends now see me as someone they want to help. Look for different angles. 

Nikon D4,  Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM, Sigma 2x EX DG APO Autofocus Teleconverter, ISO 25600, ƒ/5.6, 1/1600

I like to go up into or onto press boxes to get a different perspective of the game. Don’t shoot all the action from the same position the entire game. Don’t move around so much that you are missing the action. 

Nikon D4,  Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM, Sigma 2x EX DG APO Autofocus Teleconverter, ISO 25600, ƒ/5.6, 1/800

Hopefully, your coverage will cheer editors up. The key is to give them variety. Hopefully, these tips will help you look for different photos at your next football game. 

Nikon D4,  Nikon 14-24mm ƒ/2.8, ISO 4000, ƒ/9, 1/200

Don’t leave early 

Stay shooting after the game. There are still photos to be taken.

Nikon D4,  Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM, ISO 800, ƒ/5.6, 1/100