variety of lenses, high shutter speeds, strobe lighting, fast film, and a motor
drive. An exposure that is a little too late or a little too early isn't good
enough. The punch in sports photography lies in recording the instant when the
player's intensity of expression and effort are at their peak.
(1) A telephoto lens is indispensable for bringing the action in close.
The camera position and angle, as related to the action, often prevent getting
the shot with a normal lens. A telephoto lens lets you get into the action and
catch the intensity of the players.
(2) Many sports activities take place under conditions that require
supplemental lighting. Under these conditions, the use of strobe lighting has
become almost universal. The strobe is also ideal for stopping fast action at
its peak.
NOTE
Remember that a strobe has only one-fourth of its normal
effect when used in a large arena or outside.
In
addition, make sure that your lighting does not
interfere with the performance of the players.
c. Shooting a sports assignment requires mental and physical agility to
stay ahead of the play. You must anticipate the action.
Be prepared. Move
fast. Be alert for human interest shots off the playing areas as well, such as
the expression on the face of the coach; or the excitement or despair of the
crowd.
11.
Spot news.
Spot news is events that are happening now and must be
covered immediately.
Spot news coverage can be summed up in one word --
URGENCY. You must arrive on the scene, get the coverage, and return to the lab
to process and print your photos. All of this must be done in time to meet the
deadline, sometimes a matter of minutes.
a. An arriving dignitary, an airplane accident, or weather damage to your
base are all spot news events. If you didn't get the shots during the event,
you'll have a tough time getting your memories published in the paper. If you
did get some shots, but too late, you didn't get news, you got history.
b. In addition to being on time, spot news photographs must have impact -
both visual and emotional. They must tell a story that is complete and to the
point.
They do not have to be tear-jerkers, they can be humorous or
informative. Whatever mood your pictures portray, it is only temporary. But
you must capture the mood and get it to the audience immediately. If it's not
out immediately, it isn't news.
c. Spot news assignments require that you give your best effort.
You
will not have time for researching, planning, organizing, or time-consuming
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