Although sports photographers work in an exciting and glamorous profession,
it's hard work that requires specialized training and an artistic eye. Some
are full-time staff members for publications and sport teams. Others work
as freelancers, picking and choosing who they want to work for.
Creating commercial quality photographs requires technical expertise and
creativity.
Corky Trewin is a sports photographer in Seattle. He says light, focus
and composition are the three main elements of a photograph. "Without light,
you don't have a picture. Without focus, you don't have a picture," he says.
You may have a picture without composition, if you have the other two.
But composition is the difference between a truly great photograph and a mediocre
one.
Sports photography is both an artistic and technical occupation. Many pictures
not only reveal technical skill, but also are so beautifully composed that
they can be considered works of art.
Sports photographers take pictures of sports figures, places, events and
objects. They may use digital or film cameras.
Some even develop and print film as well. This requires a fully equipped
darkroom and the technical skill to operate it.
Sports photographers use a wide variety of cameras that can accept lenses
designed for close-up, medium-range or distance photography. They also must
use many kinds of film and lighting equipment when necessary.
Finally, photographers must be able to arrange whatever they are photographing
so that it will show up clearly in the finished picture.
Working conditions for sports photographers vary considerably. Some may
shoot athletes only, some shoot game,s and some cover extreme sports like
snowboarding or rock climbing. This means they often work long and irregular
hours and must be available on short notice.
Chris Noble has combined a passion for adventure with the art of photography
to explore the interaction of man and wilderness.
"My photographic art has exploded into a thriving, successful career, with
lucrative editorial and advertising accounts worldwide," says Noble.
Self-employment allows for greater autonomy, freedom of expression and
flexible scheduling. But income is uncertain and freelancing means continually
searching for new clients. Some photographers hire an assistant solely for
this responsibility.
One way self-employed photographers can earn additional income is by licensing
the use of their photographs through stock photo agencies.
These agencies grant magazines and other customers the right to purchase
the use of a photograph, and in turn pay the photographer a commission. Stock
photo agencies require an application from the photographer and a sizeable
portfolio.