How to Photograph Golf

Golf is one of the hardest sports to photograph. Golfers don't want to hear the clicking of a shutter during their swing. There's the possibility of being hit by a golf ball. And finally, being able to catch the action requires experience and good equipment. Follow the steps below to guide you through your day at the links.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Professional digital camera
• Telephoto lens
• Credentials

1. Make sure you have the right equipment. A good sports camera like a Nikon DX2 or something similar is a good start. Telephoto lenses are also a necessity to photograph golf.
2. Get permission from the golf course. Members of the media can request credentials. Talking to the course director will point you in the right direction for obtaining the proper permissions needed.
3. Locate a good place in which to shoot a photograph. Forward and to the right of the tee box provides a good angle when you want to photograph the golfer in his swing and during the follow-through.
4. Take lots of photographs. The more photographs you take, the better chance you have of capturing the perfect shot.
5. Move to the green once you are satisfied with the amount of photos you have from the tee box.
6. Find a good spot which has an unobstructed view of the green. Some major golf events provide a photographing tower in which to photograph approach shots and putts. If you have a good telephoto lens, take advantage of using the tower if it's available.

Tips & Warnings

• When photographing golfers at the tee box, be sure you are out of the line of flight of the golf ball. If a tree is available, stand near it so you can duck out of the way if the golf ball is headed your way.
• Adjust your camera's settings to take advantage of the sunlight. It's better to have the sun at your back.
• Once you are comfortable with tee box and green photos, expand your golf photography to sand traps. Also consider your background. Some golf courses have excellent backdrops.
• Do not take a photo when the golfer is in the middle of her swing if she can hear the shutter clicking. That is very distracting to the golfer and can affect the flight of the golf ball. You will likely be asked to leave the golf course if it happens repeatedly.