At times in the career of a sports photographer we field many questions. I’m no different from any other in my field. I could be cruising through a parking lot on my way to the media entrance or inside working at a host of venues. The questions are as plentiful as the beers from a stadium vendor.
Questions have no gender or age boundaries, as a plethora of questions flow from the mouths of all, sometimes in rapid fire succession.
At times I may be running late, could be frazzled, exhausted or just having a bad day. Whatever the reason, I always make the time to answer at least one question courteously. If someone takes the time to be inquisitive, I should take the time to politely acknowledge them.
To the person asking, they deem their questions as fair, no matter if they’re personal or business. I’ll always answer openly and honestly to everyone.
Some of the questions I field on a routine basis range from simple to complex. How long have you been a photographer? How much money do you make? Are you from around here? Do you get to travel and who pays the bills? Who do you shoot for? What gear do you use — Canon, Nikon, Sony? What’s the cost of that camera body? Wow, that lens is huge, how much did it cost and what size is it?
The questions can be endless at times; however, the one constant comment is, “I dabble in photography.”
Perhaps my favorite question is, “I shoot my kids games, I want to be a sports photographer, how do I get started in the business?”
The world of professional sports photography gives the appearance of being all glitz and glamour. Unfortunately, that is far from the truth.
Photography, like many other businesses, can be very cut-throat at times, especially if you’re under contract doing freelance or spec work for clients. They seem to have it much worse than the people who have established a working career as a staff photographer.
Looking into what it takes to get started and subsequently being established in this industry will not be easy.
Just because you purchased a point-and-shoot or bundle package camera, showing up at your kids games doesn’t classify you as a sports photographer. That makes you a parent who is an amateur shutterbug doing what some parents do.
To get started in sports photography you must do your homework. The endeavor you are about to undertake can and will become very expensive. You must read, research, read again, then research more on equipment.
We have established that the first thing you’re going to need is obviously some camera equipment. Canon, Nikon and Sony are the mainstays of the industry offering a wide variety of gear for every situation. The only real difference is the cost. Deciding which company to go with is a matter of personal preference. Remember to select the gear that you can best afford with the capability to perform under the settings in which you will be shooting.
Second, select and purchase the camera digital cards (name brands) appropriate for your setup and buy extras. Remember these cards are what house all your images, good or bad. The last thing you need is a generic card that didn’t record your Pulitzer Prize-winning image. Don’t be cheap.
Third, invest in extra batteries for your gear as most only come with one battery upon your initial purchase. The worst feeling is having your battery die during a shoot and the game is nowhere near its end.
The above are just some easy-to-follow suggestions. I totally understand how it is to operate on a so-called shoestring budget. Trust me, I’ve been there.
Fourth, learn how to use what you purchased. Become familiar with every aspect of what you just spent your hard-earned money on. Practice, practice, practice, then practice some more. This is the digital age; you have no slide or print film to deal with as far as developing and editing slides or negatives on a lite box through a loop. Your images will appear instantly on the back of your camera’s body for you to view, easy and hassle-free. Take full advantage of that fact.
There are no age restrictions in getting started in photography. Being younger and in high school or college will certainly give you the advantage, as either place lets you enroll in on-site classes.
If you’re serious about the profession, sign up for as many as your schedule allows. Some high schoolers will have a media arts department, take advantage of that because the knowledge you gain is valuable. You will also have the opportunity to utilize the school’s equipment as opposed to having to purchase your own as you begin.
If you are beyond the age of high school and college, don’t worry. Research photography classes in your area presented by a certified instructor with impeccable credentials and sign up. You’re never too old to learn; take advantage of a return to the classroom.
Next, you’ll need to install on your laptop or your home’s main computer an established software program for editing your images. Yes, this will also entail some research and more schooling to learn how to use it.
Most media arts departments in school offer an editing class as part of the curriculum, and outside photography classes will do the same to show you the basics. You can also sign up for some online classes at home. Some of the top programs are Photoshop, Photoshop Elements and Lightroom. Again, this is a personal preference as the choice is yours.
Forging ahead, build yourself a portfolio of your best finished work. Continue to expand upon it and attach it to your resume. Your portfolio helps in seeking employment. Employers want and need to view your work. You wouldn’t hire someone to paint your family portrait simply because they call themselves an artist without viewing any of their work. Photography is art.
Moving along, you have successfully completed all the tasks at hand. You’ve learned, practiced, built your portfolio, updated your resume, feel confident and are ready. What’s next? More research.
Compile a list of employers hiring sports photographers for their publications and begin the application process. We all started somewhere.
You will not walk into an entry-level position with the Associated Press, Getty Images, Reuters or any other major daily news outlet without having spent some time honing your photographic skills. Given all that, starting on a smaller scale is in your best interest. Small publications are always in need of part-timers and freelance people to complement their staffers.
You’ll gain valuable experience on assignments and learn how to deal with obstacles you encounter, mainly being on a deadline.
Personally I believe that the biggest asset in my sports photography career is the fact that I have always been a sports nut, constantly watching or playing. Knowledge of every sport you cover is huge and pays big dividends. You can somewhat anticipate what could potentially happen next as you’re setting up your shot. Sometimes it works; other times you’re completely fooled.
I’ll leave you with some tips that helped me in my sports photography journey.
Start small and work your way up the ladder; gain valuable experience on every rung. Refine your skills every chance you get. Above all, treat others with the respect they deserve.
If a career as a professional sports photographer is your game plan of life, I hope this column helps you and I wish you success.
Photos by Mike Longo Jr.
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