TAKE SHARP SPORTS PHOTOS | Four Tips For Taking Sharper Sports Pictures

In this video, I share four tips that will help you take sharper sports photos, and improve your sports photography!

0:00 Intro
0:53 Shutter Speed
1:40 Back Button Focus
3:34 Know The Game / Anticipate
4:58 Gear and Lenses
6:39 Recap

ABOUT ME:
I currently work as a director of photography and content at USA Today Sports. As part of our national and worldwide distribution, you've likely seen my work in many publications including but not limited to USA Today, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated.

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#jerrytlai #sportsphotography

[bngr_bngr]

Nice video. My number one accessory to get sharp sports pictures is a quality monopod.

[flw]

Well said Chief, to have top-of-the-range equipment is not necessary can make you a good photographer. Practice made perfect.

[thanhatbuio]

How could i miss this video. Didn't notice the notification. Thank you, Mr.Lai! I'm heading to my first ever sports event on December 3rd and it's a national boxing tournament! Can't wait to test what i've learned!

[robertanderson]

Jerry do you have a video on your best custom settings I just recently got the r6 ll

[stevewohnoutka]

Thank you Jerry for the informative videos. I was glad to hear you mention the challenge of following a QB throwing and then locating correct receiver. I have been shooting kids and HS sports for 18 years with latest setup-D500/70-200 and now finally stepped up to the D5/400mm prime combo and now having trouble locating players down field, albeit only experienced two FB games with 400 thus far. Any suggestions other than anticipating 3rd and long? Also, my keeper (focused) rate is about the same with D500/70-200. I was hoping to improve. My current technique is back button focus, AF-C, single point AF, 9 point dynamic-area, M mode, Shutter 800-1000, auto ISO, f/2.8, using VR. Anything you see wrong? I can bump up shutter to your 1600, turn VR off? Lastly, I accessed Nikon's Auto AF fine tuning to -17. We shall see tomorrow night if this helps. Many thanks!!

[SJHFoto]

Thanks for this video! I can't seem to master back button focus (and I've been doing this over 20 years), but all of the other things I wholeheartedly agree with-especially knowing the sport. I specialise in girls volleyball, dance competitions, and until a few years ago, horse shows. I also know lacrosse and field hockey. I've shot football and basketball only very occasionally, and my shots show this (as I had NO IDEA how to follow the action as I am VERY unfamiliar with those two sports)

[HeroShotz]

For someone on a budget trying to get into sports would a 1d mark iii or IV get the job done better than the newer RP ?

[charliejg]

I'm guessing that most of the time up close and personal shots/crops are the most desired. But, what are the times when you shoot for more context?

[juans]

Jerry, enjoying the videos, great job! Quick question, its either BBF or Eye/face focus correct? I'm assuming BBF would be better when photographing action by a group of players.

[onthegulf]

Hi Jerry, hope you can help me with this. Is it allowed to use a three legged stool shooting college football on the sidelines? I am unable to kneel down, as I won't be able to get up unassisted.

[terrellcwoods]

Splendid content. Jerry, I was wondering how does a publication such as yours receive your pics from your photographers? Are your shooters providing the final, or do you have editors making that final decision. I'm also thinking if we're shooting to the booth @30fps there may be some peeved-off people doing that work.

[acardena]

Great video! the rear auto-focus has also helped prevent trigger finger for me when I'm out shooting.
What are your thoughts on the 28-300mm Canon f/3.5-5.6L as compared to a dedicated 300mm lens? There are scenarios where I'll be going back and forth with a 100-400mm camera/lens and a 18-135mm camera/lens and it'd be nice to carry only 1 camera.

[magicone]

Do you shoot in manual mode or shutter priority

[SJHFoto]

1/1600 second? You must not do high school volleyball like I do! I'm fortunate to shoot at 1/800sec!