Do you love sports and photography? Have we got the job for you! Find yourself in the exiting field of sports photography. In the professional realm, Sports photography falls under the category of journalism, photojournalism in particular. Sports photographers work for newspapers, magazines, TV networks and advertising companies.
So what’s so great about being a sports photographer? Well, there’s the fact that you get to be on the field enjoying all the sports you love as you take photos. You get to meet great athletes and capture their victories and failures in action. You’ll get to enjoy travel locally, national and internationally to cover events –from the high school football kick off to the Summer and Winter Olympics.
There are many successful spots magazines to work for, from specialty magazines like (skateboarding), Surfer, Runner’s, ESPN , Bicycling, NASCAR Illustrated or Fitness Magazine. Or you could work for one of the many publishing arms of the world’s number one sports magazine, ; they employs the world’s best sports photographers- many of whom established their reputation as great photojournalists while working for the publication. Two well-known photographers, Walter Looss and Neil Leifer had an ongoing rivalry of who could get the best shot and be featured on the cover, an example of good sportsmanship transferring into the photographic realm. And you might even be lucky enough to shoot for the SI Swimsuit Edition.
How does one become a sports photographer? A great education is a start. A degree in photography or journalism will set you on the path to this career. According to the photographers make about $29,000 a year, but since this particular field falls under the category of journalism, you’re looking at salary of around $36 thousand.
Then there’s equipment and style to consider. Digital SLR is the preferred camera for professionals, due to high shutter speeds and ISO capabilities, and the ability to snap and store hundreds of pictures. Try the Canon EOS-1D or the Nikon D4. Tripods or monopods, wireless remote triggers and long focal lenses are key in capturing the high stakes action of sporting events. You’ll want to carry an equipment belt or bag to quickly access any tools you might need, while still taking in all the action. But leave your flash at home. Flash photography is strictly prohibited at professional and college sporting events.
Get information on photography degrees by using the form on this page. School representatives will guide you through the process and answer an questions you might have.
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