Sports & Action Photography For Beginners

Name: Sports & Action Photography For Beginners
Rating: 4.4 (582 reviews)

A foundational course for beginner and novice level photographers who want to learn how to photograph dynamic subjects.

Created byDon McPeak

Last updated 1/2018

English

What you'll learn

Students will learn to think like a pro shooter to help them understand how to improve their photography skills.
Combine technical mastery, artistry, game or event knowledge, and understanding of the human condition to make great photos.
Learn what is possible when you combine passion with knowledge.

Course content

4 sections • 20 lectures • 3h 59m total length

An Overview of Sports & Action Photography: (The Story, What & Why)16:38
This is an overview of the entire course; offering insights into the methods the instructor will use to create 'new thinking' relating to sports and action photography.
There are also two assignments in this lecture that will help the student lay the foundation for learning in future lectures.
Equipment Part 1: Cameras & Lenses (Questions to Ask, Things to Consider)9:33
This lecture is the first of two parts about selecting what equipment and accessories you may need. It is primarily a discussion about the fundamental differences between pro and consumer / prosumer level gear. The instructor provides careful insight for the student to make decisions about their equipment needs and how it might apply to their budget.
Equipment Part 2: (Options, Accessories & Essentials)17:47
This lecture is a continuation of Lecture 2. The instructor offers a cursory overview of the accessory items needed for sports and action photography; covering a wide range of topics, from rain gear and weather related items options for transporting and carrying gear.
Light: It Is Our Friend: (So, let's not be afraid of it and learn how it works)9:25
This lecture is a primer for the next three. Cameras offer three basic tools to manage light: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. But, it is not enough to know how to use these tools. We must first understand what we are managing and why. Lecture four is a brief overview of light and the characteristics we typically need to manage, using the tools discussed in lectures five, six, and seven.
Image Quality Part 1: (The Light Triangle - Aperture)6:51
This is a brief lecture about aperture: what it is, how it works, and the trade offs involved.
Image Quality Part 2: (The Light Triangle - Shutter Speed)9:20
This is a brief lecture about shutter speed: what it is, how it works, and the trade offs involved.
Image Quality Part 3: (The Light Triangle - ISO)10:35
This is a brief lecture about ISO: what it is, how it works, and the trade offs involved.

Access & Position: (Sports Shooting is not a spectator sport!)18:17
This lecture provides insights and advice for gaining access to events and coaching on getting into the mindset of being the spectator advocate: a proxy for the viewer.
Your Subject: (Understanding what you are after Part 1)9:44
This lecture challenges your understanding of defining what you really want to shoot.
Your Subject: (Understanding what you are after Part 2)12:36
This is a continuation of Lecture 9. It focuses on helping you understand your plan for shooting an event and defining what photos you need to have to tell your story.
Your Subject: (Understanding what you are after Part 3)5:59
This lecture will stretch your thinking around why you are seeking the shots you are after. Sometimes understanding your real motivations can help you decide what to shoot and how to shoot it.
Not Your Subject: The Importance of Background and Environment (Sense of Place)21:07
Too often, the beginner will concentrate so much on the action and subject, they completely overlook other important elements of the shot. Backgrounds are critical to producing great photos and with just a little attention, you can make huge improvements by managing background elements.
The Windows to the Soul: And Other Cliches (It's not always about the QB)13:38
It's OK to get that great action shot. But, the money: what people really pay for, is in the eyes and facial expressions. Learn to incorporate this into your shots, and you will get paid for your photos... :-)

Using Light To Our Advantage: An Overview11:03
This lecture takes the building blocks of light management from the first part of the course and provides insights into proper application.
The Mechanics: Readiness, Anticipation, & Reaction (Situational Awareness)21:24
In this lecture we will explore the mechanics of shooting action. Much of it can be summed up in three concepts: Readiness, Anticipation, and Reaction. These three things combine to form the 'Perfect Shot Matrix'.
Composition: (Yes, you really can compose sports photos)10:23
In spite of what many people believe, you are not completely bound by the limits of your subject's actions and position. To a certain extent, you can compose some of your shots to create a more interesting and compelling 'story'.
Conclusion: Putting It All Together (Making that great sports photo)4:49
A final homework assignment and farewell message of encouragement from your teacher.

Seasonal Basics: Shooting Basketbal Part 111:11
This is an eleven minute video I produced for my YouTube channel about working on basic skills for shooting basketball. It is by no means an all inclusive study of the work required, but a brief tutorial about perhaps what to concentrate on first as foundational skills.

This video is a good example of the supplemental lectures I will be adding from here. So, your decision to enroll in my class is the gift that keeps on giving...! :-)
Lecture 19: Seasonal Basics: Shooting Basketball Part 29:39
This ten minute video is a continuation of the content from Lecture 18; produced for my YouTube channel about working on basic skills for shooting basketball. This lecture concentrates on some basic elements of covering a high school basketball game for local media.
Lecture 20: Cross-Over: Commercial Work9:42
This is a supplemental lecture about what is involved with covering a major sporting event from a commercial perspective.

Requirements

Students should have a basic understanding of DSLR cameras.
Students should know how to change settings (ISO, F-Stop, Shutter Speed).
Students should be prepared to take photos as part of this course.

Description

Using sports as a platform, this course provides beginner and novice level photographers a foundation for shooting dynamic subjects in a variety of settings. The student will learn valuable insights into getting those professional level photos at sporting events, music venues, plays, presentations, re-enactments, and many others.

In order to shoot like a pro, you have to first think like a pro. Knowing what camera settings to use is an absolute necessity, but it is the equivalent of knowing how to use the features of your car. Knowing how to turn on the wipers will not make you a better driver. In a sense, this course assumes you know how to start your vehicle. It is my job to help you become a Formula One driver.

Many forms of photography rely on the photographer to manipulate the subject and environment in which he, or she, is shooting. This course helps you understand what to do when your subject and environment are totally out of your control. You will learn how to anticipate and compose great photos in the most difficult of shooting conditions.

Action photography (Sports, street, weddings, candid, event, and basic photojournalism) is not a spectator sport. If you have a desire to learn how you can take great photos of dynamic subjects in interesting venues, then this course is for you.

Who this course is for:

Beginner or novice level photographers who want to learn how to take great sports and action photos.
Parents who want better shots of their kids playing sports or 'budding' sports photographers.
Really, anyone who wants to be a better photographer

Sports & Action Photography For Beginners

What you'll learn

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Course content

The Basics: Foundational Info (Do not skip this even if you are experienced)7 lectures • 1hr 20min

What Are You Shooting & Why: (Is this for personal use or for profit?)6 lectures • 1hr 21min

How You Will Shoot It: (Some advanced concepts but you can handle it)4 lectures • 48min

Supplemental Lectures (Bonus Content to be Added Periodically)3 lectures • 31min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: