| 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 |
ACTION!
The most apparent photos from a football game are the action during the game. If you only shoot this, you will miss much of what the game is all about.
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| 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 the outcome. Look for photos in the stands. The fans’ reaction is just as compelling as the action on the field.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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, you will find fans reacting. Sometimes you will see coaches on the sidelines interacting with the referees.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
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| 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 and then send them a copy of the picture. Taking and giving snapshots to volunteers helps to build relationships so that the next round when I need some help with access, these friends are now seeing me as someone they want to help.
Look for different angles.
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| 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.
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| 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, you will have editors cheering with your coverage. The key is to give them variety; hopefully, these tips will have you looking for different photos at your next football game.
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| 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.
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| Nikon D4, Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM, ISO 800, ƒ/5.6, 1/100 |