A new year beckons us forth as we move towards 2025. It carries with it emerging trends and advancements in camera technology that promise to redefine the face of sports photography. As an experienced photographer and the owner of Charlie Patric Photography in Frisco, Texas, I’m going to share my top ten tips for capturing stunning sports photographs in 2025.
1. Prioritize High-Speed Photography Equipment
Before we delve into shooting techniques, let’s talk about your gear. In the heart-pounding world of sports photography, high-speed equipment is vital. Fast shutter speeds freeze an athlete in motion, ensuring you capture those significant moments with clarity. In 2025, less noise at higher ISO levels and improved autofocus are expected to feature in upcoming photography equipment.
2. Learn to Anticipate the Action
A seasoned sports photographer not only captures the present moment but anticipates the next. To master the art of anticipation, one must understand the sport in question. The more you know about the game, the better you can anticipate where the action will occur and capture those decisive moments.
3. Make Use of Burst Mode
Burst mode, or continuous shooting mode, allows you to take several photographs per second. This feature is vital in sports photography, where a split second can make the difference between a good and a stunning shot. Make sure to utilize this feature to get the best out of sports events in 2025.
4. Capture Emotions and Expressions
Beyond action shots, aim to capture the emotions and expressions of the athletes. A triumphant cheer from a player or the disappointed face of a coach can bring vibrancy and drama to your photographs.
5. Embrace Backlighting
Lighting is paramount in photography. In sports, dynamic backlighting can lend to the creation of arresting silhouettes and emphasize the shape and movement of the athletes. Experiment with backlighting in 2025 to bring a new dimension to your sports photography.
6. Use a Monopod for Stability
In sports photography, a heavy zoom lens is often used to get close to the action. As such, a monopod becomes an essential tool to provide stability without sacrificing mobility. Get great sharp images without having to lug around a cumbersome tripod.
7. Experiment with Angles and Perspectives
Sports offer countless opportunities to experiment with different angles and perspectives. Try getting low and shooting athletes from below or find a vantage point for a bird’s eye view. Such varied shot angles can breathe life into your sports photography collection.
8. Include the Environment
While focusing on the athlete, do not forget to take in the surroundings. Whether it’s a roaring crowd in a packed stadium or the coach intensely watching the game, incorporating the environment into your photographs lends a sense of place and context.
9. Understand the Importance of Timing
Timing the shot is everything in sports photography. It can mean the difference between an ordinary photo and a powerful image. A photo of a basketball player suspended in mid-air, a moment before making the winning shot, speaks volumes and is far more visual than him holding the ball on the ground.
10. Practice Regularly
Like any creative pursuit, sports photography requires regular practice to master your skills. Cultivate your eye for recognizing key moments in a game and stay up-to-date with all the latest technological advancements in camera gear.
At Charlie Patric Photography, we pride ourselves on capturing compelling sports images that not only commemorate crucial moments but also capture the essence of the sport. We look forward to accompanying you on your sports photography journey in 2025!