Ah September is here. The word September means so many things; kids are back in school, cooler mornings, shorter days, gardening is winding down, canning is in full gear and of course the best for last. IT IS FOOTBALL SEASON!!!!!
Chances are you may attend a football game this season, be it pro (not in Montana), college, high school or your youth playing contact or flag football. No matter what game you attend, at least in my mind, it is fun to bring along a camera.
So now the question is: How to Photograph a Football Game?????
Cloudy weather will become your friend, it is great lighting, it is even, no direct, bright sun light. With clouds there are fewer harsh shadows.
A fun way to shoot a sport, like football is from the ground. It adds an interesting element and you are more able to catch the eyes of the person you are photographing. Shooting from the ground in the fall can cause its own challenges, so bring a blanket or coat that can act as a ground barrier, or a wet butt could be the end result.
A trick to photographing sports is to photograph an athlete and try not to follow the game. Usually by the time you want to photograph a play, the play is over. Follow a player, or follow the ball. The game is very interesting to observe from a players point of view or the balls point of view. Put your good listening ears on to catch breaks in the game, time out, and other things that could be good photo opps.
Get to the football game early, some great shots can be caught during practice, the game nerves, chatting with friends, player conversations, referee conversations and maybe even girls, ew, hope not.
Move around the field, shoot from up high (in the stands), on the ground, from the sideline, try the end zone for a unique perspective. The 15 yard line can bring some great shots, plays may break away at this point. Catch facial expressions after a play, agony, excitement, etc. Catch other players, the coach, the referee, and the crowd.
After the game is over is NOT the time to leave. Catch your favorite team or your athlete with the coach. Catch the emotion of the game after the game, when the crowds are gone and it is just your team, your athlete.
Remember the Three Parts to a Photo: Know your subject, Focus on the subject, Simplify your subject.
So you think you got the shot, missed the shot, was it in focus? WHO CARES. Just keep on shooting. Take lots of photos.
See you at the next football game.
Remember the Three Parts to a Photo: Know your subject, Focus on the subject, Simplify your subject.
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