Practice, practice, practice

Photographers are no different than any other job and not much different than many sports. We have to be conditioned. We have to be quick. We also have to practice. The more we take pictures, the better we can judge a good shot versus a so-so shot literally on the move. Sports photographers should have a good understanding of the sport they are photographing. This way, you can anticipate a play, a move or certain actions/reactions based on the movement of the players. Action happens in a fraction of a second and there are rarely ever do overs. If one happens, it's really not a repeat but another opportunity to capture a moment in time in a fraction of a second.

I have taken pictures in practices before. I normally don't like to because no one is wearing a jersey to match as a team. But the situation is much more relaxed. I can be on the field of play. There also isn't as much pressure to "win" and so on. Here are some shots from a recent practice. So as the boys practiced, I too worked on my timing, composition and camera work.

Note: The light during the practice was beautiful, warm evening light. Unlike the harsh midday light I usually have to deal with.

Gear


High kick


Juggling


Lonely


Watch out


I got it


Who got it


HIgh kick II


Like this


Kick, pass, stop


Pass


Pass II


Pass III


Pass IV