Before you read about football photography, I need to explain that the word 'football' in the title refers to 'Association Football', often called soccer. The British often blame the USA for calling the beautiful game 'soccer', but the nickname originated in Britain to differentiate it from Rugby Football, which became known as 'rugger' . American Football is all about touchdowns, not goals, so soccer it will stay in the USA!
Disappointing Results
Many people enjoy taking photographs at football matches, but are sometime disappointed with the results. Reasons for disappointment may include one or more of:
- Tiny, distant players;
- A close player directly in front of the camera, ruining what would have been a brilliant photo;
- Players out of focus;
- Players blurred by movement;
- Too may players in the picture, confusing the view;
- Pictures that are too dark;
- Pictures taken into dazzling sunshine;
- Photos where all you see is a patch of grass;
- Players with heads or legs cut off;
- Officials, particularly Assistant Referees, get in the way;
- Players playing, but no ball in the picture;
- Camera tilted so the pitch and surroundings slope;
- Pictures under floodlights barely work at all.
Hints and Tips
Many readers might want to add to the list, but it is probably enough for starters. Let me use personal experience to provide hints and tips for: