As a regular corporate and event photographer operating around Scotland, one of the things I have found, is that if you keep plugging at event photography, you will get lots of opportunities. I started of by photographing rugby, football and hockey for local newspapers and from this platform I was able to photograph motor sport and the+ company that commissioned me to do motor sport asked me to photograph bungee jumpers. I will also photograph a golf tournament in August. The domino effect is that once you are trusted to do one sport and people see the images on your site, they have the confidence to employ you for their sport, even though you don’t necessarily have the experience. the basic principle of sports photography is the ability to capture a moment. There are other specific skills, such as being able to use long lenses, although not necessarily long telephoto lenses (they are only required for low light situations), positioning yourself in the correct place – especially important for sport. Also working outdoors and a certain level of fitness are required. Its not all glamour – ask me how I feel when its pouring of rain and my camera is pointing directly upwards to catch a bungee jumper who is hesitating – cue the sore neck. However, most of the time it is great fun, especially the bungee jumpers, catching them just at that point when they have been released and they feel as if they are flying like a superhero. You cant beat it.
Anyway, until next time.
Col
