NAKGEELA.comAthletics Photography

Taking pictures of track and field athletics with a digital camera is one of the most challenging aspects of sports photography.

The first important point to remember is safety - both for yourself and the athletes. Be careful where you stand so that you do not interfere with the competition. Only go inside the competition area if you have permission from the meeting organiser. Look both ways when crossing the track and ensure you are not in the way of the officials. Remember that athletes will use the track for warming up and not just during races. Be aware of where throwing events are taking place - you do not want to be hit by any thrown implements such as javelins or shots - this will certainly hurt and could result in serious injury or death.

General tips

i) for most events look for tight action shots

ii) isolating individual athletes tends to make for the most dramatic shots

iii) understand any shutter delay that your camera has and learn to anticipate where to focus so that the action is in the right place

Digital SLR tips
i) to use a narrow depth of field to isolate the athlete from the background

ii) use a fast shutter speed to freeze the action - 1/500 second or faster for most events