How to Take Golf Pictures
Being able to tell the story through a picture defines good photography. Capturing a good action shot in sports reflects the ability and skill of the photographer. With slow-paced sports like golf, taking photographs can be difficult. The photographer stands far away from the action and any movement or involvement from the photographer can distract the golfer and directly affect the athlete's performance. But with a few tips, the perfect picture is only a snapshot away.
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Instructions
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Capture your subject. When framing the shot emphasize your subject. Focus on the golfer and enhance any attributes that contribute to making him the center of your pictorial story.
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Use a single-lens reflex camera. For sports photography it's best to use a single-lens reflex camera instead of the basic point-and-shoot. Many photographers try to capture the golfer's swing at its peak, however, with the one to two second delay feature customary to point-and-shoot cameras, photographers may miss the critical shot. A single-lens reflex camera takes the picture as soon as you press the button. If you use a different type of camera, push the shutter seconds before the action, otherwise you'll miss your opportunity. Become familiar with the timing of your camera.
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Use a telephoto lens. This provides the best photograph for teeing off or sand trap photos. The photographer is not in the golfer's line of vision nor will he be hit by the golf ball. It also presents a great opportunity to capture the swing, flying sand and best of all, the golf ball, if you're skilled enough.
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Adjust your camera's settings so that multiple pictures can be taken during important shots, such as the "big swing." A classic golf photograph involves driving off the tee or hitting down the fairways. Through a series of pictures, the photographer displays the golfer's swing, form and follow-through. When you develop the pictures, you'll have a broader range of photographs from which to select. The key to shooting great golf pictures is to take many of them.
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Simplify your picture. With golf being such a slow-paced sport, the action shots remain minimal, therefore you have to make the golfer or his swing the center attraction. Reduce visible distractions such as other golfers, background scenery or equipment. Putting on the green provides the easiest shot for a photographer. The golfer's stance, swing, ball, and pin encompass the desirable attributes of the golfing game without making it look too cluttered.
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Change your angles. Every position on the greens or fairways offer a different perspective. As a photographer you have to be flexible and willing to move to various locations, if permitted, in order to get the best shot. Take into consideration the sun's position and it's affect on the photograph.
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Switch between formats. Vertical and horizontal formats offer different perspectives and highlight the subject differently. Take photos in both formats to ensure that you've captured the most appealing shots of both the golfer and the action.
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Photograph the player. Reaction shots add character to photographs. With golf, these types of photographs present various options, just be sure to honor the golfer's concentration and not distract him before he takes a swing. Sometimes emotion plays a bigger part in the story, than the action itself.
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