How to Take Football Photographs

Sports photography can be a challenge for even an experienced photographer, and football photography poses an even bigger challenge. Capturing the perfect football picture requires timing, positioning and a little bit of luck. Shooting a moving target such as a football player is a challenge by itself, adding in potential weather issues, the sheer size of the football field and of course the danger of standing on the sideline make football photography a difficult task.

Things You'll Need

  • A quality camera, preferably one with a high shutter speed
  • Powerful zoom lens
  • Monopod
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Find a good location to set up. The best location would be midfield on either sideline, but under most circumstances this isn't an option. At the college and professional level most photographers are located behind either end zone. If you are in the stands, try and find a seat where you have a clear shot of the entire field without any obstacles in front of you.

    • 2

      Set your camera to 800 ISO or higher. Player movement on a football field is extremely fast, so using a quick shutter speed is important for capturing the perfect shot.

    • 3

      Shoot the ball. The most exciting aspect of any given football play often happens to the player with the ball. As the play develops follow the ball whether it's with a player or in the air. Try to center your shot on the player with the ball. If the ball is in the air focus on the player attempting to catch it.

    • 4

      Shoot early and shoot often. Since football moves at such a fast pace, it's important to anticipate the shot and shoot early. If you wait until the perfect moment, the chances are the shot has already passed you by. Increasing the shutter speed on your camera allows you to take photos in a quick sequence so it's better to start shooting too early than too late.

    • 5

      Take a variety of pictures. While shooting the action of the play is always important, it is just as important to shoot the other aspects of football. Just because the play is over doesn't mean there isn't a good picture to take. Players' expressions on the field or their actions on the sidelines can make great pictures. Shots of the coaches, crowd, referee or even the mascot can all make for a great photo.