Sports photos capture iconic moments, emotions and the drama of the game. Oftentimes, however, viewers only see the final product, overshadowing the steps photographers take to achieve that “perfect picture.”
People can use photos as a tool to remember events in our lives. Whether it be a sunset, a family gathering or an outing with friends, a photo captures a singular moment, creating a tangible memory that can transport us back to special moments. Sports photos, in particular, preserve memories and achievements, creating a record of individual or team moments.
When discussing what makes the best sports photos, Elisa Walker (IV), a varsity girls’ soccer player, states, “What’s captured in the heat of the game really brings sports photos to life. Looking at pictures afterwards reminds me that we’re one team.” In team-focused sports, photos give players an opportunity to reflect on moments where the team is playing a sport they love and celebrate their bonding and accomplishments.
Boys’ varsity soccer photographer Eric Sutton comments on how he uses photography to capture the high intensity nature of sports: “Sports photos are no different than other photos, in that the really great ones capture emotions. Emotions are high in every game.”
In sports, it can be hard to find the right moment. Whether it is the emotions in the middle of the action, a full sprint before scoring a touchdown or the silence in the arena while shooting an all-important free throw, photographers strive to capture a moment that encompasses all emotions in the game. Boys’ varsity basketball player Michael Tran (II) says, “I think the best moments are after a big play, when players are showing emotion […] My favorite photos are ones that are either in action, like me dribbling or going for a layup, or one with me in front of the crowd.”
It is one thing to relive exciting moments through photography, but it is another to capture them. Sutton describes how he attempts to capture the perfect picture, saying, “I like to take soccer photos from a low angle. It makes everything look more heroic, and you’re more likely to see the player’s eyes.” The low angle Sutton uses makes the viewer feel as though they are in the moment, connecting with the players on the field. He adds, “I also like to move around and experiment to capture the feel of that game and place. Sometimes, shooting into the sun just looks cool.” Being experimental is important to create the best product in sports photos.
Sutton, however, hopes to go beyond the individual images. He says, “My ultimate goal is to build community around the team. There’s something magical about letting people see the action in a way that feels like they are on the field.”
What is just as important as playing the sport are the memories the photos create. Tran claims, “When I am looking back at old photos, I see how much I have changed.”
Photos not only serve as measurements of progress, but they can also share the moment to players and people who are not able to see the games in person. Athletes commit their time to competing in the sports they love, and it is vital to document their amazing achievements and capture moments of joy.
