Sports Photography - Past, Present & Future of Photography with SI's Steve Fine - Part II

In part 2 of a multi-part series, Peter continues his discussion of the changing world of sports photography. With decades of experience, no one has been exposed to more in the world of sports shooting and Peter has seen the incredible growth and massive recent changes, and offers his thoughts on both.

AP/Sports Illustrated Photographer and Canon Explorer of Light Peter Read Miller is among the most accomplished photographers of all time, now enjoying teaching his sports photography techniques. Today, Peter sat down at an Oakland A's game to chat with 40 year Oakland A's team photographer and 49'ers team photographer Michael Zagaris.

Peter Read Miller has been photographing athletes, events and the sporting life for more than 40 years. He is has worked as a staff and contract photographer for Sports Illustrated for more than 35 years. His images have appeared on over 100 Sports Illustrated covers.

His editorial clients have included: Time, Life, People, Money, The Associated Press, Playboy, Runner’s World, Newsweek, USA Weekend and The New York Times. In addition to covering 9 Olympic Games and 40 Super Bowls, Peter has shot 14 NBA Finals. He has covered the Stanley Cup Finals, the World Series, the Kentucky Derby, the NCAA Basketball Final Four, and the Men’s and Women’s World Cup Soccer Finals.

[JeffreyHauser]

These two gentleman are well respected professionals in our industry. Their points are valid with respect to speed of getting the images out, which trumps the quality of making images. The industry no doubt has changed & no doubt will continue to change. I loathe the future of photography with respect to AI, that may negate the possibility of even having a photographer present to cover a major event. I will ALWAYS choose to have a camera at my side as opposed to have a computer “make” a photograph for me.

[anthonyhall]

Hello Mr.'s Miller and Fine thank you very much for this great overview of the current sports photography scene. The video started off a little rough for me with the whole 'it was much better back in my day' attitude, but it turns the corner @22:40. Taking advantage of local school or club level sports is a great learning ground where expectations aren't high and growth is almost assured.
PRM thanks for all you share to help make us better sports photographers.

[ChadWithCameras]

Thank you for putting out this video. It was a pleasure to watch, and put into words (better than I could) many of the thoughts I’ve had about the way of the industry today. I left my final newspaper job a few years ago to do some other things, and I’ve found my way back to the sidelines with cameras. Honestly, where I’m having more fun than I’ve had in a long time, shooting high school freshman football this season. There is nobody covering these kids. Nobody. The parents and the school athletic directors absolutely love the pictures. I did have one fellow shooter at a game poke fun at me because I was rolling with three bodies and big glass. I explained to him I shoot those kids exactly the same as I did when I was a regular on the Indianapolis Colts’ sidelines. It’s not for everybody to do it that way, but that’s how I do it. Now because of it, I’m getting more and more paid gigs from local media as well as parents. Anyway, thanks again for making this video.

[robertlawrence]

Only half way through watching this but I'm already very much in agreement with what's being said. I'm here in Wales (UK) and it's the same here. I can honestly say that I cannot remember a single outstanding image that I have seen on digital media. Yet, my mind is crammed full of amazing images that I have seen in print over the years. I believe that the instantly accessible images seen on digital media are just as instantly forgettable.

[gregfisher]

Steve and Peter are right on the money with everything they have said on this video. I am so lucky and grateful to have been tutored by both of these gentlemen and continue to work each and every day at being a better photography. Yes speed today is paramount but if you want to be good you have to make time and work harder to make those differentiating photos even if it means those on remotes don't get sent to after the game. Make good photos during the game for quick distribution buy also take the time and effort to make ones to differentiate yourself. It's amazing how things have changed. Last week at an NFL game I shot I had to deal with the fact that the young 20 year old had access to shoot video for the team and NFL on an iphone and that they could just step in front of you and be closer to the sideline because they had preferred credentials. It's just the way it is even if we don't like it. There is still opportunity if you want it bad enough, work hard enough and constantly objectively get better at what you are doing! Thanks Steve and Peter for all you taught me. I will never forget it!!

[robedwards]

Fascinating, insightful conversation. Thanks so much for sharing.

[truckerzachbell]

17:40... That's truth and why only a handful of guys are allowed to take still photos in the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association. They like the control...

[TopGarageTV]

Seen you working the Bills/Cowboys game on Thanksgiving Peter. I admire your work ethic.... in addition to so many other positive qualities.

[TubaSolotheHiker]

Great information. I've been shooting high school sports anywhere from 3-5 times a week. It's been an absolute blast having unbridled freedom to take pictures pretty much anywhere I want during whatever game I'm at. Hope to be doing that for many years to come.

[bradholbrooks]

Just finished my second year of high school and jr high band, auxiliary, and cheer. It's very challenging. There are usually around 20 people (some of which are different) every game. The light is constantly changing. I try to get at least 30 different, very good pix of each person. Around the fourth high school game this year, everything started to click. It was an away game. I couldn't shoot in front of the cheerleaders, there was no room, the lighting was virtually nonexistent, and I had to totally change everything I had been doing. Not only did this open up a whole new world of possibilities, but it was very inspiring. I spent the rest of the season trying to perfect the new and old shots...can't wait till next year!

[woolybugger]

As usual fabulous insight and information.  Is sports photography a viable vocation? Absolutely no....t think of it as a hobby and if you make a few bucks selling your time or images that's a bonus. Treat it as a hobby and you will love it, treat it as a job and you will hate it

[orion]

I shoot my local Rugby teams..plural because most teams do not have a photographer shooting every game and my images are or may be the only ones that season. I am lucky because I am the only one on the sidelines 90%of the time.

[THECYCLISTENVE]

My favorite Chanel on photography! These long format interviews are amazing essentially a podcast and I think you should do more of these maybe even in like a Joe Rogan type of format👍🏻

[thothheartmaat]

3:30 you also need to have the ability to predict the future. What I realized after a while was I was missing a lot of shots because I'm only snapping it after I see what I like. But the reality is you have to be able to predict a likely good shot and time it for when it's most likely going to happen. Basically realize ok something is about to happen and I need to shoot.. now.. rather than, oh that looks cool, I'll take a picture of that, you already missed it.

[BooTangClan]

“when I was a boy, we had to walk 10 miles to School in the rain”

[lukezacharias]

Hey Peter, great stuff so far. I enjoy listening to the insight you both have to offer. Have to stop short for now, but what do you think about Red Bull Photography and their shoots?

[thothheartmaat]

The fourth quarter is too late for a picture? I guess taking my camera home and plugging it into the computer after the game is out of the question..

[Spartanshaq]

It's a shame what's happened to Sports illustrated. They were a powerhouse for years. And now they've been reduced to shooting bikini's and things that have nothing to do with the sports. Really sad.

[MLeeMedia]

42 minutes of actual content. Very rare to see, but very welcomed! Thank you both.

[JohanSchmidt]

They might sound a bit pessimistic, but they understand the reality at high end nowadays