{"id":15854,"date":"2022-12-28T04:38:32","date_gmt":"2022-12-28T12:38:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.peerspace.com\/resources\/?p=15854"},"modified":"2024-08-21T10:09:24","modified_gmt":"2024-08-21T17:09:24","slug":"sports-portraits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.peerspace.com\/resources\/sports-portraits\/","title":{"rendered":"Here\u2019s How to Shoot Powerful Sports Portraits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Some of the most powerful photographs<\/a> in the world are sports portraits. From Roger Bannister breaking the four-minute mile to a victorious Muhammad Ali towering over Sonny Liston, portraits of athletes in action make us feel like we\u2019re right there in the thick of it with them. But the active nature of sports photography is also what makes it so challenging to get right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even for experienced photographers, getting the perfect sports portrait can seem like the luck of the draw. With moving targets and changing light conditions, there are a lot of variables to keep in mind when photographing athletes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below are some tips to help you find the best equipment, lighting options, and vantage point to create powerful sports portraits of your own, brought to you by Peerspace<\/a>. As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, we not only strive to provide you with access to portrait photoshoot locations across the globe. We also share photography resources<\/a> that make honing your craft and building your brand easy. But now, let’s get to our sport portrait tips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Familiarize yourself with the sport and venue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Peerspace<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of which sport you\u2019re photographing, avoid the mistake of trying to capture the whole scene on camera. That\u2019s what the video team is for. Your job is to set your camera up to capture the most impressive moments \u2014 even if that means missing other parts of the race or game. For example, capturing the highlights of a marathon may involve photographing the start of the race and them hurrying to the midpoint or the finish line to get more shots. Scope out the route ahead of time, and take note of any landmarks or the most memorable backdrops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The same thing applies to team sports played in a field or stadium. Learn the pace and rhythms of the sport so you know when to anticipate a slam dunk or home run. Position yourself where the action will<\/em> be \u2014 not necessarily where the action is now. That way, the most epic moments will come to you, and you won\u2019t have to chase your subjects all over the playing field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

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Book the perfect photoshoot location.<\/h2>\n\n \n \n

\n Peerspace makes it easy to book the perfect photoshoot space. Browse our location library and enjoy no-hassle bookings today. <\/p>\n\n \n \n Find photoshoot locations <\/a>\n\n \n <\/div>\n

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2. Re-create the action in a controlled environment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Peerspace<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Some of the best sports portraits are staged shots<\/a>. If you\u2019re tasked with photographing athletes for a calendar or magazine, then take the opportunity to stage a shot that brings their personality to life. Swimmers, skiers, cyclists, and other solo athletes can really shine in studio settings, but it\u2019s also a great option for team photos, too. Use the right props and poses to create a sense of action that\u2019s as compelling as any photos you might take on the field or race track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re shooting in a studio, be sure to rent a space with a green screen or white cyclorama<\/a> so you can create an infinite background effect. Many of the locations available on Peerspace<\/a> have lighting gear and backdrops available on-site, or you can reach out to the venue’s local host for additional equipment rentals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experiment with action shots, such as leaps or throws, to catch your athlete in motion. Consider staging the shoot in a swimming pool<\/a>, gym<\/a>, or outdoor setting<\/a> to give your subject the most opportunity for movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few indoor and outdoor rentable locations to get you started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n