How do I get started in sports photography?

Sports photography can be a very exciting and rewarding field to get into, but above all, it is still a job and a profession. While it may sound like a good deal of fun to be at the game and on the sideline every time a team is on the field or court, there are duties that must be performed. The best way to get started in sports photography is to prove you understand those demands and show how you can meet them. There are a number of ways to get started in sports photography. The best way involves either finding a newspaper or a sports team that needs, or would like, some additional photos. In most cases, this is likely to be a high school team, but there may be some semi-professional teams, or even minor league teams, that would appreciate another photographer. These initial jobs will likely pay minimally, or even not at all. The one thing they will do is provide valuable experience and clips for your portfolio. In most cases, finding a major paper to volunteer for may be difficult. ...  more

I started at high school, taking photos of my classmates playing in their teams. I would photograph the game, process the film and prints in the darkroom at night and sell the prints at school the following day. Most sports players NEVER get to see a good photo of them playing a sport that they LOVE - they will buy LOTS of your photos at GOOD prices. It still amazes me what I can get for a good shot by selling directly to the athlete. Photograph the sports you LOVE, stay away from the sports you dislike or don't understand. Knowledge of the intricacies of the sport allow you to search out that defining image. Start with local school sports and clubs. Get to know the athletes, let their personality shine through in your photos. Submit your photos to local newspapers and magazines - get to know the editors personally. Develop relationships with the editors and with the teams and athletes you photograph - become an INSIDER - it takes time, but once IN you'll never be out! Being a sports ...  more