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These are a selection of my football photographs taken at
Hartlepool, St James' Park and Villa Park. It's very difficult to
get into this level of football because it's entry to
photographers is controlled by the FA.
A background makes a football photograph as much as the subject
itself and therefore Sunday league matches never have quite the
same impact.
It is all about anticipating the action, because if you see the
action through the viewfinder, you have probably missed it.
Focusing it hardest. I've tried manual, automatic and continuous
and haven't quite decided which is best yet! I use my camera on
manual exposure mode and take a light reading off the grass. If
it's sunny be aware that there can be 4 stops difference between
the area of the pitch in sun and in shade. At least 300mm is
needed for mid field play though my 70 - 200 f2.8 is ideal for
goal mouth action. I've found, if you're allowed to, sit on the
goal line (about 10 - 15 meters from the corner flag) for one half
and on the side line for the other half. This gives variety to the
photographs. I normally use Fuji 800 asa and use the largest
aperture possible to throw the background out of focus. 1/500 will
generally freeze all action though may show a slight blur to a
fast moving ball. The ball in the picture will make the photo,
though you soon realise why spot the ball is so difficult because it
could be anywhere!
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