Shari Photography Photographing Water Polo
Photographing water polo is an exhilarating challenge that demands precision and skill behind the lens. To truly capture the dynamic energy of this sport, mastering camera techniques is essential.
Selecting the Right Equipment
Begin by choosing a camera with fast autofocus capabilities and a high shutter speed to freeze the rapid movements of the players. A telephoto lens will allow you to get close-up shots from a distance, capturing the intensity of the game without interfering with the action.
Framing and Composition
Anticipate the action and position yourself strategically to capture the most compelling moments. Keep the players within the frame, focusing on their faces and body language to convey the intensity of the game.
Utilizing Burst Mode
In fast-paced sports like water polo, timing is everything. Use burst mode to capture a series of shots in rapid succession, increasing your chances of getting the perfect shot amidst the chaos of the game.
Embracing Motion Blur
Experiment with slower shutter speeds to create dynamic images that convey the speed and motion of the players. This technique can add a sense of drama and excitement to your photographs.
By mastering these camera techniques, you can elevate your water polo photography to new heights, capturing the thrilling moments that define this intense sport.
For more action photography tips and tricks, visit Action Photography Tips.
I love photographing sports- esp. water polo.
Water polo (polo) is an amazing sport to play and photograph. The key- as in all ports- is anticipation. I like to sit just to the right on one goal. That allows me to get the faces of players as they play both defense and offense. I can also get my fav shot- the goalie in focus with an attacking player with ball out of focus. What I really think makes this game so amazing to photograph are:
a) the eyes of the player- such intensity- and
b) the added feature of water. Whether you freeze it to drops or blur it slightly with a slower shutter- water ads a new level to the composition that you cannot find in any sport.
The added challenges of the indoor event make it a tricky event to shoot. On Saturday I had the 100-400 L f 4.5 IS Canon. Not the ideal lens. I had to crank the ISO to 1600 and I still had to lose some exposure to shoot at a high enough shutter to capture it. The BEST lens for this event is the 300 L f.2.8. It gives a level of sharpness that is amazing. This lens is my favorite.
On a side note- Primes- I love using them. More than zooms. I have only L lenses and the rimes are simply incredible when it comes to sharpness and clarity.
Canon 1D Mark3
300mm f2.8 L
2.8 1/500 ISO 1000
