6 answers
Milan
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
4
Questions
Asked
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What are the opportunities for photographers?
At my high school, I'm in the yearbook program. I take pictures of sports (usually volleyball) I'm a sophomore and this is my second year in the yearbook. I'll admit I've definitely gotten better at taking photos and getting action shots, but I want to get better. I know I for sure want to continue taking photos of sports but what other opportunities are there for photographers?
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6 answers
Bill Southworth
retired
6
Answers
Updated
Bill’s Answer
Your question brings back a lot of memories. I also started doing sports photography in high school. I'm an ancient dude so this was a very long time ago. My first camera was a 1960s vintage Exacta with an f2.8 50mm Tessar lens. Everything was manual, of course. I initially shot a lot with flash, until one day I ran out of flashbulbs when I stuck my hand in my camera bag and all the bulbs went off from static electricity. I wasn't hurt but my hand was covered with soot and looked like an overcooked burger.
That's when I discovered available light and started shooting basketball games with TriX film pushed to about 1600 or 2400 ASA with Diafine developer. Because I got in pretty close to the action with discrete shooting, the pictures looked d___ed good. I shot all the sports photos for the school newspaper and yearbook and started getting some pictures published in the local newspaper.
So enough rambling from an old man. Follow your eye and your heart. Experiment. You can make spectacular shots with a point-and-shoot camera. iPhones make great shots, but you'll need to use live or video to capture the critical moment. Don't be afraid of grain, or black-and-white, or a little motion blur. Shoot for what feels like magic to you. If you make what you love, others will love it too.
Good point in an earlier post. Get some skills that can pay the rent
That's when I discovered available light and started shooting basketball games with TriX film pushed to about 1600 or 2400 ASA with Diafine developer. Because I got in pretty close to the action with discrete shooting, the pictures looked d___ed good. I shot all the sports photos for the school newspaper and yearbook and started getting some pictures published in the local newspaper.
So enough rambling from an old man. Follow your eye and your heart. Experiment. You can make spectacular shots with a point-and-shoot camera. iPhones make great shots, but you'll need to use live or video to capture the critical moment. Don't be afraid of grain, or black-and-white, or a little motion blur. Shoot for what feels like magic to you. If you make what you love, others will love it too.
Good point in an earlier post. Get some skills that can pay the rent
Hey Bill, there are some useful tips in your advice but could you say more on the student's original question of other things photographers can do other than take photos of sports?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
David Wuerth
Freelance Photojournalist/ Sports Photographer
103
Answers
Nampa, Idaho
Updated
David’s Answer
Hello Milan, It appears you have uncovered a passion that I share with you. Up front, I will tell you making money in photography, or any of the arts is difficult. I would suggest you look at the work of photographers who shoot sports for a living. Sports Illustrated is an excellent start. That will give you an idea of the quality of work you will eventually have to produce.
There are various genres of photography, besides sports, that you can consider; weddings, portraits, advertising, travel, photojournalism, events, editorial and more. Check your local libraries for books that discuss photography careers. I have looked at a Google search for photography careers and I did not see a lot of good information. Maybe, you could shadow a photojournalist for a local newspaper? Or, a commercial photographer in the Twin Cities. A commercial guy, or gal, generally works out of a studio.
I suggest you go to college and get a degree that allows you to make a living while establishing yourself as a professional photographer. You do not need a degree in photography to be a photographer. But, you will have to own a DSLR camera and lenses and be able to use them to produce images that your clients will pay for.
Following your passion can be very rewarding and frustrating. But, I would never tell you not to pursue your dream.
Best of luck!
There are various genres of photography, besides sports, that you can consider; weddings, portraits, advertising, travel, photojournalism, events, editorial and more. Check your local libraries for books that discuss photography careers. I have looked at a Google search for photography careers and I did not see a lot of good information. Maybe, you could shadow a photojournalist for a local newspaper? Or, a commercial photographer in the Twin Cities. A commercial guy, or gal, generally works out of a studio.
I suggest you go to college and get a degree that allows you to make a living while establishing yourself as a professional photographer. You do not need a degree in photography to be a photographer. But, you will have to own a DSLR camera and lenses and be able to use them to produce images that your clients will pay for.
Following your passion can be very rewarding and frustrating. But, I would never tell you not to pursue your dream.
Best of luck!
Nathanial Landy
Filmmaker
1
Answer
Oakland, California
Updated
Nathanial’s Answer
I can only speak to you as one photographer to another. There have been long periods in my work where I was unable to identify what is good or bad about it. But the only thing that has allowed me to continue to take photographs is my ability to continue through the most painful moments and at the end of it. You may have a body of work that points you in the right direction.
Sean Junqueira
Photography
1
Answer
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Capturing sports moments through the lens is an exhilarating experience for me, and the sports industry is brimming with opportunities for photographers. The thrill of live-action sports is unmatched, and if you're passionate about staying in this field, numerous magazines and news platforms are constantly on the hunt for compelling action shots. I recommend showcasing your portfolio to local newspapers and magazines, aiming to get some of your images published, or even securing an internship. This will help you build a robust resume for larger companies and sports news outlets. Additionally, consider diversifying your portfolio by photographing athletes off the field, creating a unique athlete portrait collection!
Michael Anthony Hermogeno
Photographer
2
Answers
Glendale, California
Updated
Michael Anthony’s Answer
There is a whole slew of fields you can get into with photography. If you have a passion for sports photography, continue to do so, even as a hobby. As you hone your skills, produce a portfolio of your work and present them to local teams. I would suggest starting small like little league teams, volleyball clubs, flag football teams, etc. You can't get anywhere if you don't put yourself out there.
As for other opportunities, it was mentioned previously portraiture among others is an option. I feel that portraiture is an easy way to start and can segway into other fields. From my experience, portraiture led me to performers' headshots, and that led me to bigger opportunities in the Hollywood entertainment field, and that somehow landed me into women's fashions for a major clothing retailer. The world of photography is a vast landscape with roads branching off in so many directions. While you are young keep your mind open to the possibilities and explore genres that may peak your interests. You can find pointers and experiences of other professionals on platforms like YouTube or at the local major book retailer by reading.
As for other opportunities, it was mentioned previously portraiture among others is an option. I feel that portraiture is an easy way to start and can segway into other fields. From my experience, portraiture led me to performers' headshots, and that led me to bigger opportunities in the Hollywood entertainment field, and that somehow landed me into women's fashions for a major clothing retailer. The world of photography is a vast landscape with roads branching off in so many directions. While you are young keep your mind open to the possibilities and explore genres that may peak your interests. You can find pointers and experiences of other professionals on platforms like YouTube or at the local major book retailer by reading.
LeTrey Langston
Internal Communications Manager
3
Answers
Macon, Georgia
Updated
LeTrey’s Answer
The possibilities are virtually infinite! I have a passion for portrait and event photography. If you like action, capturing events could be a likely choice. It gives you the freedom to watch the action and select the moments that tell the best story. You also have more creative freedom to follow your instincts; very similar to capturing that great spike, or team embrace.