Random schools for sport photography

[Diminished29]

So, I gotta quick question, maybe this sounds dumb, but I'm curious. How many of you all that are amature highschool sports photographers actually go to schools in which you we're never a student or may not even know anybody of that school just to shoot a game? Do you ever feel out of place?

Because I almost think it would be a smart idea in a sense, (nobody would know you and you wouldn't be hasseled while shooting. :) )

[blinking8s]

I am a photojournalism student in University, I often will contact highschools a week or two before a game and say that I am shooting for class, 95% of the time I am given access to the access to events...

We have to shoot a lot of random assignments in school that require finding events that arnt in our territory per say, sometimes things feel weird, but we're there with intents of doing the best job possible...

would i ever just walk onto a random school's sidelines and start shooting? probably not...those are usually the people pushing their way in front of you on the line and the newspaper crew is about to smack over the head with their 300 2.8's

[Croasdail]

If you are looking for places to shoot sports, I would look at some of the local colleges and universities in your area. Everything is better... the action, the lighting, the venue, everything. For most sports universities\colleges have little to no restrictions on shooting, and for those sports you would actually need credentials for, many are willing to work with you. The better the subject, the better the chances of coming up with that special image. You can get some really great shots at Div 2 and Div 3 schools.

On a tangent here, part of getting really great photos is having really great subject matter. I am finding taking the pictures is only a very small part of my getting shots. Finding ways to get into situations where the odds of getting truely great shots has a lot more to do with it then do most people know. Equipement helps a lot, but location helps more. Relationships with local Sports people who can grant access is huge. It is all part of the relationship/business side of photography which is too often not taught. At least 50% of getting great shots is having the guts to go upto someone who you don't know and ask permission to shoot....

[JX]

Hi Diminished29,

Most high schools now have web sites. Call the Athletic department and ask them for permission to shoot and in return you will give them some shots for their website.

Jim

[Diminished29]

Alright thanks for the info guys, I'm looking at getting a DSLR in the coming months and this upcoming fall I'm thinking about perhaps trying out a little sports photography (mainly football) so again thanks for the info.