Sports Action Photography

[corkyg]

I saw this photo and tip by photographer John McDonough (Sports Illustrated) in the current issue of Arizona Highways. This is one of the most awesome shots I have seen - and for you paranoise freaks - it was shot at ISO 1600.

Lebron James

 

[Jawo]

what an amazing shot! James could have only been airbone for a split second....and being able to catch that shot is just incredible! That is when using high ISO is acceptable

 

[vo]

wow ... I've done that a lot with my PS camera since I could not capture the 'live' moment like DSLR; I've learn to anticipate the next action and fire off multiple shots and hope that I got lucky

 

[soydios]

the hardest thing about shooting basketball is following the action. you lose track of what's happening outside of the viewfinder, and tracking the ball through such a long lens is challenging, though not impossible. but once you've got the ball and faces in the frame, pro cameras and lenses these days will focus incredibly fast, allowing you to rattle off 20+ frames in 2 seconds that are all in focus.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: soydios
the hardest thing about shooting basketball is following the action. you lose track of what's happening outside of the viewfinder, and tracking the ball through such a long lens is challenging, though not impossible. but once you've got the ball and faces in the frame, pro cameras and lenses these days will focus incredibly fast, allowing you to rattle off 20+ frames in 2 seconds that are all in focus.

Very ture! But then, I find this type of preparation for the job to be incredibly professional with great attention to detail. This quote is from the article:

"...For example, when he shoots an NBA game, he uses up to 10 digital cameras, all placed in various locations throughout the arena, where each one can be triggered remotely from his baseline position on the floor. Backboards, catwalks, low angles and high, McDonough has embraced technology. And he?s made it work with his personal style and vision."

John's photo tip at the bottom is essentially what Soydios has nicely pointed out.