How to Become a Sports Photojournalist
Stunning images of athletes competing in their sport fill pages of newspapers and magazines all around the world. In order to become a successful sports photojournalist, you need to be both a creative and competent photographer and be willing to travel and work under the pressure of deadlines.
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Things You'll Need
- Professional digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera.
- Telephoto lens, anywhere from 200 mm to 400 mm depending on the sport.
- Rain and snow (where applicable) gear for camera and lenses.
- Monopod.
- Laptop computer
Instructions
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How to Become a Sports Photojournalist
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1
Photograph as many sporting events as possible. Before any newspaper, magazine or website will hire you, either full-time or for a specific event, they will want to know you can shoot. If you are interested in shooting football, start with local high school or college games. The action may be a little slower, but you will learn the flow of the game and where to stand for certain types of pictures. For example, a running back taking the ball from the quarterback is best shot from the sidelines, while a running back crossing the goal line either on his feet or jumping is best shot head-on from behind the end zone.
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2
Set up a website. There are a number of free websites where you can create your own page to display your work. Pick your best work from three or four different sports. Make sure to include your contact information and indicate the work is available for sale. Many sports photojournalists started by selling pictures to the parents and grandparents of players.
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3
Identify and select publications and markets. Probably all sports photographers want their pictures in Sports Illustrated. But if you are just starting out, identify local community newspapers or magazines dedicated to covering the sports you have been shooting. Email the editors and send them the link to your website. Be sure to follow up.
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4
Ask for the job. Sports photojournalism is a very competitive business. Next time you are watching a major sporting event, keep an eye out for how many photographers are covering it. You need to be persistent in your efforts to find work. Ask the editors for the assignment to cover the next sporting event for their publications. Don't let rejection deter you. There will be a number of "nos" before you get a "yes."
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Study other photographers. You probably have a favorite sports picture or maybe even a sports photographer. Try to determine what it is about the picture you like. Is it the angle, the lighting, the composition? Where was the photographer standing when it was shot?
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Ask for additional copies of the publication in which your photos are used. Keep a file of all your published work. For online editions or standalone websites, bookmark the page with your photos. You can use this archive when you start to approach larger-market or national outlets.
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Tips & Warnings
Meet with editors who publish your work to get feedback.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit guantone baseball image by Stefano Tiraboschi from Fotolia.com
