How do YOU get the best sports picture?

Just go out and shoot. Practice with a purpose.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ what TC said
thats why he was on my list

topdslrs wrote in post #16321968
Well that's great, I'm sure you know this but a photo showing the happiness, anger or other facial expressions is worth more than a crisp photo with a boring subject. Here's a photo I took a while back, I know it's not crisp and with a better lens or camera AF could have come out better. I always get compliments on it, and by the way it is a crop.

http://www.flickr.com/​photos/karimnn/5549612​270/#

I agree emotions can make great captures
but IMHO if its not sharp it loses quality
your best pics have both
quality image and quality action IMHO
good pic

burnet44 wrote in post #16321608
Since mine ain't the best I don't qualify. But I do the following

1. Shoot at the lowest ISO possible
2. Shoot at the highest ss possible
3. Shoot at the highest app possible 3.2 is higher than 2.8 ect
4. Shoot raw
5. Shoot manual
6. Get the fastest lens you can
7. Get the best low light camera you can
8. Know your camera like the back of your hand
9. Read POTN like the bible
10. Know the sport and the team you shoot like their coach
11. Shoot low
12. Use monopod
13. Learn your pp software like the back of your hand
14. Flash can be your friend
15. Know the stadium field gym ect
16. Shoot shoot shoot shoot

Move along nothing to see here.

17. Make Dr Z, elray, Thomas , LD, Malone , Chico ect your friends

Gotta call BS on this one. I've seen the dude's site and he's better than he wants you to think he is.

You always have to watch those guys!

One of the most profound statements on photography I've heard was a throw away line from Scott Kelby. He said about an insight of his: "It's just a little thing, but they're all little things." I'll add that it's dozens and dozens of little things.

The more skillful the photographer, the more little tips or insights are brought into play.

Quality images have layers of skill, knowledge (of the sport, photography, and gear), luck, equipment, work, and planning. Yes, luck is important but consistent luck isn't really luck at all.

If you search the internet to find the answer to your question, you will find lots of useless and wrong answers.

http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=2POWUZtJzko

Attempting to provide a helpful response to photographers of various skill levels is a daunting task. I've attempted it for football in 2009 and recently in volleyball.

http://zivnuska.zenfol​io.com …-to-photograph-volleyball

I'm certainly not the best shooter at either sport and I'm sure some of you could do better but attempting to put my knowledge into writing has been a worthwhile challenge that has forced me to sharpen my technique and approach to the task. Try it even if you never publish your results. Once you learn and master the rules, you'll be ready to break them for maximum effect. Some of the best sports images of all time were outside the box.

This shot of Y.A. Tittle was one of the iconic images of it's era but the photographer had it rejected by his editor because he wanted action. Later, the photographer entered the image in some contests and won. Only then was it appreciated as one of the all time best. It's grainy, the horizon is off and there is no ball in the shot. However, it tells a story of the life of an NFL MVP who was injured, beaten and at the end of his career.

http://blog.sfgate.com …iants-sept-20-1964-ap.jpg

SI selected that image as one of the top 100 sports images of all time.


Phil

by writting about it that makes you better
as has been suggested read
you are reading as you write
and getting better
I agree Dr. Z
see why you are on my list

and
the harder I work the "luckier" I get

PhotoGeek is such a liar
you gotta watch out for those guys lol

Im not it Phil or TC's league
Im on the JV

thanks PG for looking at my stuff
I appreciate it

burnet44 wrote in post #16322123
by writting about it that makes you better
as has been suggested read
you are reading as you write
and getting better
I agree Dr. Z
see why you are on my list

and
the harder I work the "luckier" I get

PhotoGeek is such a liar
you gotta watch out for those guys lol

Check out the guy in the blue track suit clearing the hurdle on Burnet44's site. Phenomenal shot! Got the eyes, got the emotion, got the action, got it all!

Just found this collection. While not technically perfect, they are awesome!

http://listverse.com …ntly-timed-sports-photos/

Back on topic, try to capture the competitive drive and the emotion of the moment.

Shoot lots and hope I'm in the right place at the right time.

PhotoGeek wrote in post #16322167
Check out the guy in the blue track suit clearing the hurdle on Burnet44's site. Phenomenal shot! Got the eyes, got the emotion, got the action, got it all!

If its the one I'm thinking about that's a girl lol

Technically it's all the same. Expose the picture right. For sports that wear helmet's/hats expose for the face.

My big thing that a lot of people don't get is that, expose for the face. It adds so much more to the picture.

Otherwise, timing and some planning. If a team is notorious for passing set yourself up so that you get the receiver facing you. It all requires some sort of research.

I'll be honest, it isn't that hard. Just have to push yourself to do better.

burnet44 wrote in post #16322301
If its the one I'm thinking about that's a girl lol

Might be. Is her name Pat? (Based on the SNL skit from years ago, not your name.)

Just kidding. Still a great shot.

jonathanheierle wrote in post #16321425
Title says it all.

1: fast lens if indoors, like a canon 85mm f/1.8,set apature at f2.0shutter speed of 1/640
2: outdoors, shutter speed of 1/1000 or above depending on sport
3: set focus to ai servo
4: single point focus
5:indoors, custom white balance
6:max shutter burst

Of the top of my head