Reflections of a "New" Sports Photographer

During the past few weekends I've enjoyed a somewhat new experience…shooting the competitive sport of high school basketball. In Maine this week the best teams from throughout the state, in the final tournament of the season, are facing off in venues from the Portland Expo and Civic Center to the Bangor Auditorium.

 So far I've shot in the Expo and this weekend I'll be in the Civic Center, both with their own challenges. I've learned that shooting basketball from short range is a lot harder than it looks. Imagine watching the game through a keyhole and you'll get the idea. Learning to keep both eyes open while looking through the viewfinder, an unnatural act to me, is, you'll pardon the pun, an eye opener.

 I've also learned a few other rudiments:

• No matter which end of the court you're on, it's probably the wrong one.
• Ditto no matter which side you're on.
• No matter which focal length you're zoomed to, its the wrong one (what happened to her head?).
• Girls are faster than you think.
• Autofocus is slower than you think.
• The venue is darker than it looks.
• The best action always happens as soon as you release the shutter button.
• Count on the officials to get a hand, elbow, or butt in at least half your shots.
• The camera will get heavier as the game wears on.

And why is it that so many shots are of players with their backs to the camera. Doesn't anyone want their picture taken any more?

Given all of this, I'm amazed and grateful that so many shots come out usable, even incredible. I suppose shooting eight frames per second helps; there's gotta to be a good one in there somewhere.

I'm not complaining, mind you. The job of high school sports photographer may not pay much, but it's a heck of a lot of fun and I'm gaining a new appreciation for the many fine athletes that I would never have known about otherwise. And I'm gaining a special appreciation for the excellent photography of the working press that share their floor with me. It's a high bar worth shooting for.