BEST PHOTO POSITIONS: BASKETALL SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 16. 07. 2024
- NBA, NCAA, and high school basketball are all back! So I want to talk about the BEST baseline spots for sports photographers, and why! You're not going to want to miss these sports photography positioning tips!
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I currently work as a director of photography and content at USA Today Sports. As part of our nation and worldwide distribution, you've likely seen my work in many publications including but not limited to USA Today, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated.
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I'm shooting my first ever basketball game tomorrow night so this video was exactly what I needed. I don't know anything about the game, but you sound like you certainly do! Many thanks for this post :)
Fortunately even if you don't know general basketball strategy or tactics... at least you know they always head to the basket so it's one of the easier games to learn to shoot. Have a good shoot!
Iâm shooting my first game on Saturday! Thanks for the video
Jerry your advice is always the most practical on CZcams!!
This is exceptional information. Thank you for keeping it thorough and yet somehow still concise!
Wow this is by far the best sports photography video out there. I've been shooting sports for a year and this video is gonna take me to the next level. Gotta watch all the videos now lol.
Thank you for this video. You explained the REASONS to position yourself better than the other videos I've watched.
Agree totally with your baseline logic for shooting. I like to start the night with a shot list in my head; likely players to be featured in the college web site story, key matchups, variety (shoot from a variety of positions, content mix, offense, defense, time outs, and transition). Once I have punched my shot list I like to move around the arena and capture the personality of the game. Places like the cat walk, a balcony, empty seat in stands, anything elevated are all great for added interest. When the game is over I want my work to look like it was the work of a team and not one shooter. If the game is close I'll come back to a key location for the money shot. The beauty of shooting for one college or high school is that knowing the players and their tendencies leads to the best positioning for good shots. This applies to all sports. Know your sport, know your players. This leads to my golden rule: trash every photo that would embarrasses a coach, player, or referee, parent or fan. It is really hard sometimes to hit the delete key. I want to be welcome in the venue, the locker room, and in the community.
It's like you said in the last comment... take any advantage you can get, and that includes your pre-game prep and research on the game and venue! Great job!
Jerry, I have stumbled upon your channel about a week ago and I must say, your channel is life! I am wildlife photographer but thinking of dabbling in HS sports photographer in the coming fall. These videos are golden!!!
Awesome! Thanks for finding the channel and watching! Welcome!
Glad I came across this video! Learned a lot. I've subscribed already.
Great vid, love the info thank you.
Hi Paul! Glad you found this video helpful. I plan on doing more for other sports as they come into season. Thanks for the support!
Thanks for all the useful info. Just started playing with this type of photography. Lots to learn!
I bet you are hooked already! Have fun!
I am more of a soccer photographer since my son and grandchildren have followed him in playing soccer. I've decided to try basketball. I've never captured a game and tomorrow will be my first time ever. This video as well as some others have been very helpful. Thanks Jerry.
Thanks for watching! Have a good shoot!
I want thank you, Jerry for wonderful and informative videos! This one on basketball is no less great! Thanks again and best wishes!
Thank you so much for the great tips!
Love the videos! I am more of a lane 1 kinda of guy. Our arena with the new led lights allows me to use a 24-120 and I can cover almost all of the court with it and though it is an f4, the led light now are bright enough where I can still get lower ISO's (3200) and still fairly high shutter speeds (1/1250)
I have found that a lot of team photogs prefer the lane. I think itâs probably because itâs more head on and/or since you wonât care about downcourt as much, can get away with a lens like a 24-70 or a 24-120 instead of the usual 70-200. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Great video, just what I needed to know. I am planning to do my very first game this month.
I learned a lot! Thank you â€
This was helpful to me Jerry. Thank you.
I did already shoot basketball games but your video is helpful ! I am learning some tips I didnât know !
Glad I was able to share a few new tips for you!
Thank you for the tips!
Thank you. This info is very useful. Great video.
Very glad you found this video helpful! I hope you will have the opportunity to put these tips in action wherever you are located now that basketball season has started again!
Great.. I agree with you, I do imagine every word you say from my previous shooting experience, and the challenges I have faced shooting the last match. Thank you.
Glad you agree! Thanks for watching Tamer!
This was a really informative video for me and will help me a lot next basketball season!!!! Thanks for uploading this video, sir!!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Great video!!! I will be shooting my second semi pro basketball game this coming Sunday. This is an on time videoâŒïž
Awesome!!! Have a great shoot!
Such a great video! I shot a basketball game for the first time yesterday and my position just resulted in so many faces blocked!
Thanks for this! Starting to shoot basketball more, and I'm realizing that positioning under the basket matters more than I thought. Couldn't figure out why I was getting a lot of arm-blocking-face action, thanks for putting it into words for me!
Glad to be of help! Itâs now prime hoops season so hope you find the perfect spot for you!
@@JerryTLai Iâm trying! Gotta solidify a spot early lol
this is moneyyy đ„đ„đ„ thanks alot
Glad it was helpful! I have a video out about baseball and will have more in this series planned. At the very least, definitely soccer (football) and American football.
Solid information thank you.
Thanks for watching. Hope this helps you at your next basketball shoot!
Very helpful, thank you
great video! thank you
Good info, thanks!
Iâm shooting my first game on thursday, this helped a lot
hi, i agree, the best spot is the 3 point line :) i'm shooting kids basketball since few years now, they are small so also the lane position is good because they are smaller the adults players and the still in frame with the 70-200 even jumping but... thx a lot for this video, it is the first i see and i'll for sure watch the other! regards from Switzerland
Many thanks, Jerry.
Thanks for laying this out. I can tell you've been there, done that.
Honestly, I often get pretty good shots from a well placed location in the stands. That's not possible in every venue though. I really appreciate your thoughts on best lens. When an editor pointed out that end of court perspective was what he typically saw, I broke down and bought that high end 24-70 I'd been circling for a couple of years. .... except it really didnt work that well for the reasons you stated: Tiny people on the far end of the court, and honestly, more of a battle to lock focus. I ended up on the far right corner and remounted my 70-200 after a while and felt a little stupid doing so because I had heard 24-70 was the deal. I think you get a little bit tighter DOF with the longer lens, which helps drop out the crowd, and of course better chance of usable long shots. As it currently stands I sometimes pre-stage my gear to swap between these two lenses intermittently. (Maybe, in an ideal world where you can earn alot from sports photog, this would be a two-camera situation). Thank again for coaching us.
Legend thanks
Great video. I am now a subscriber and I expect many others will begin to grow on your list as well. Thank you.
Appreciate the support Andy! Hope you find these videos helpful. Many more to come!
I found this really helpful!
Iâm glad! Have a great basketball season!
I recently have found a need and begun to fill the role in the Baltimore area for âhigh schoolâ basketball. So far I have provided the teams and parents with wows and âthis is amazing.â However, I am certain they just donât know what is out there in better/best quality. I am also the type that will find the need and obsess over perfection. All that to say:
1) Thanks for the video in spotting:position. It really helped to understand the logic and whyâs of my failed shots.
2) Being new to basketball (knowing itâs of some of the hardest to shoot among sports), what do you recommend in education. I donât mind spending some money to a university for a certificate or something. However, self education only goes so far in my opinion.
Thanks.
Thank you I practice and not bad shots
This is perfect, as I've got a game tonight and my 24-70 just failed, so I was going to be back to just my 70-200. Thanks for sharing the info.
How'd it go with just the 70-200? Hope it worked out for you!
Great advice I will be using. PS I appreciate a man with a camera and an instapot.
LOL
Thanks!
great stuff...thank you
Glad it helps! Thanks for watching!
Very nice video, learned a lot.
Hi Jules, thanks for watching, glad that I could help!
I'm shooting my first basketball game tomorrow! I have a tamron 35-150. I think it might be the perfect lens!
Very useful video!! I have been shooting high school basketball and am able to sit anywhere along baseline. I have found that if I am out by the lane or sideline, the refs will block me more often and if I position under the basket, they typically do not do that - they may cross in front of you and move to other side but not stop in front of you.
That is a good point, re: ref positioning. Directly under the basket gets the least obstruction, but still not totally avoidable.
Hi Jerry! I'm enjoying your content. I shoot NCAA sports, and I'm a sideline guy all the way! Another issue with the lane position is the TV guy on a wheeled chair cutting in front of you at times and the fact that lane shooters are more prone to get hit by players. I've seen many tog knockouts...not fun. Keep the great content coming!
All very good points. I've definitely been bowled over under the lane before! Thanks for watching!
Very useful video. Love it. What is your typical setting for an action shot on your 70-200? Aperture, iso, shutter speed
Hi Peter, thanks for the info. I will typically start with 1/1600, f/2.8, and whatever ISO will allow you to properly expose your shot. But again, this is just a starting point. That said, if you are in a very dark venue, you will almost certainly have to adjust your shutter speed lower and your ISO up to compensate for poor gym lighting.
Wish Iâd found this a couple months ago! Iâm a mom of sporty girls who (finally) upgraded from a T5 w kit lenses to an 80D and a 70-200 2.8. Since losing the end of our girls final soccer season to covid 2 years ago, and not much of a fastball season last year, my youngestâs 3rd sport is basketball and I tell you, moving indoors to a game I donât know very well had me stumped! Weâre still not allowed fans so itâs been very weird to go wherever I want during a game as team photographer and interestingly enough, my favourite spot has been the baseline at the 3 point line! This has been super-helpful and Iâm excited to make a few minor adjustments and get some better shots. Thank you.
Well, glad you found the channel! I'm sure moving up to an 80D and 70-200 made a big difference for you. The next step (other than another gear upgrade) is just getting more experience and knowing what makes for good positioning and good pictures. Hope the rest of the content on this channel can help!
Yes i agree with the sideline position, although I've tried all three and always end up ar the 3 point line. Great video
Under the basket v 3-point line often comes down to personal preference if the space is available, but yeah I'm the same. I usually end up drifting out towards the 3 point line. Thanks for watching!
@@JerryTLai any time thank you
I think another âpositionâ is getting low which may seem obvious but I didnât think of it for a while. It makes the action feel a lot bigger especially right under the basket. Great video thanks.
Very true! And to take it another level - if you think about other sports particularly field sports, there is a surprisingly huge difference in perspective and feel to your images when standing, vs kneeling/sitting. Thanks for watching!
Great video! Canât wait to apply some of these tips as soon as the our NBA Champion Raptors return. How about a hockey video?
Hey Kevin, hope you are well! Ha can an American be qualified to give a Canadian hockey tips? đ
Hope we get our floor spot back when NBA does return, even if it is on the left!
@@JerryTLai Auston Matthews is from the USA so you guys are more then qualified LOL.
Excellent advice
Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching!
@@JerryTLai Nice to see a video on sports in a continuous lockdown here in Ireland đźđȘ
I actually liked shooting the left side more because when driving to basket the defender is usually on (my) right and the help defender (usually center) coming from the right too, so two guys blocking the offense player and shooting their back. On free throws the ref is on the right and there 3 guys on the right trying to rebound so you can get them looking up and shoving for position. Even in NBA i kinda feel like footage from the left camera is shown more, also more likely to get run into by player tho.
Of course, parent and fan photographers [especially high school] don't have access to the court and must shoot from the stands. It is noted that best photography is at those designated baselines and squatted down on a pillow or soft floor seat for low angle shots. As a media photographer covering both teams, I will alternate sides between periods or halves for team actions. On occasion, going up into the stands at perpendicular eye level to the hoop is also go for nteresting shots, including dunks. Taking snaps of the coaches are good too, especially during reactions. Camera settins will vary as there is lower gym lighting brightness in high schools, but this is another topic to cover elsewhere.
I like the middle. While the ref does get in the way occasionally. Thatâs my preferred spot. A little of both worlds. But I do like the look inside. But like you said 70-200 can cut some limbs off.
Nice job!!
Hey Steve! That you in Nashville? Nice to see you and thanks for watching!
@@JerryTLai Yes, Good stuff.
Subscribed and liked. Thank you for the info. I am a beginner, what camera would you recommend as a first camera to film my boyâs basketball games? Tia!
Hi Diana - thanks for the support. That is a surprisingly difficult question to answer, because a lot of factors are involved (of course the big factor is cost/budget). The hard part is the camera manufacturers have a really bad tendency to market all DSLR cameras as appropriate for sports, when that is not going to be the case. The other factor is how close or how far you will be able to sit at your boy's hoops games. If you can sit on the baseline, you can get away with shorter lenses, but if you are in the stands, you will need longer (and usually more expensive lenses). If you want to send me an email we can chat more. My contact is on my "About" page
Hi Jerry...a little late to this game, no pun intended but your channel is much needed , in particular shooting positions videos. Can I suggest one on soccer? That would be really helpful. If you could also include strategy on shooting penalty kicks, and corners that would be super. Thanks for considering.
Hi Dennis! Thanks for watching. I recently did a baseball one since that is starting up again here in the US. I unfortunately have the least experience with soccer, so while it's in the works, it may take a bit for me to come up with a proper video and photo samples to use.
Thanks for this Jerry. What sideline position(s) would you recommend if you did have access to them please? I am from a country town in Western Australia and the side of the court opposite the benches is usually available as crowds are not too bad.
Interesting! I've not seen too many places with sideline positions. In this case I think I would shoot as close to the corner as possible as it would very similarly replicate position #3 in my video. This would still give the players a lot of opportunity to come towards you. I think anywhere further towards the middle of the court too much of the action would be going away from you. Thanks for watching!
I am getting back into shooting hi school basketball after a 10 year hiatus. I am shooting with the canon 85mm 1.4 fs. Monday night was my first game shooting and I was having a hard time figuring out a good location to shoot from. I couldnât get my subjects in full frame a matter where I went. Do you have any suggestions on where I should sit? Of the locations in this video which one would you suggest or do you have any other suggestions? Thank you kindly.
Hello Jerry! I'm from Ukraine. Thank you very much for the interesting and informative video. All recommendations are very clear. We do not have such videos either in Ukrainian or in Russian. Very soon I will try your advice in practice))
Great video. Iâm thinking of trying to take some photos of my hs basketball team this season, and I was wondering if a canon powershot530 hs is an ok camera to use for this kind of photography. Itâs the only high quality camera I have.
Hello and thanks for watching. I am not familiar with the Canon Powershot530. It will certainly have a few limitations - I suspect that it's low light capability for basketball particularly at the longer end of its zoom range will struggle in dark gyms. You no doubt will have to be more selective in what you shoot. So perhaps more before/after the whistle type images where players aren't moving so quickly is what you'd try to shoot. I'm a firm believer you can always make an image, but doing so requires understanding the limitations of the equipment you use.
Pretty awesome video you have of you ever shot wheelchair basketball
Good day sir.. How to set up my camera to get a perfect shot for those who are playing basketball
I am able to move from side to side when shooting to avoid the ref. Would that change your assessment of the middle position?
Very interesting points. I've been shooting high school basketball this season (33 games in total), and I've gotten some great pictures, but also have struggled to be consistent. I've generally migrated to the 'middle', shooting a 24-70mm f/2.8, which has given me (what I think) good results. The clarity and quality of the pictures at less than 70mm isn't the best, so I'm playing with the AF microadjustment settings, and trying to work on my post production skills. The referee issue is real! My urge is to go to the lane, which I think can produce more dynamic shots, but I also think it wouldn't be as productive as the sideline. My last game of the season is this Friday, and I'll take your advice and move to the sideline, and I'll use my 70-200mm f/2.8, as I like those images better than from the 24-70mm anyway. I have a backup camera (6D), which isn't really suited for sports, but I used it early this season before I got my 1Dx, and although it can only do 4.5fps, the quality is actually on par with my 1Dx....so I may keep the 6D with the 24-70mm handy, just in case.
One thing you didn't mention, is although the down-court shots don't produce much, it's not too bad for high school ball. I can catch the defender's front side/face, as well as defensive traps, and also some decent bench reactions. Definitely need the 70-200mm for those though.
Thanks for watching. The 24-70 seems like it would be a great choice for basketball - but you're right. Once you start using it you actually realize it doesn't get you close enough to the action unless they are right on the baseline by you or driving the lane. It's nice to mix it up with it sometimes, but you will be far more productive with the 70-200 for sure.
@@JerryTLai so, have shot a couple games with the 70-200, and I've gravitated to the baseline within a foot of the 3 point line. Farther out is hard because I've found its hard to track the ball through a bunch of players. At this spot, I can avoid the ref most of the time, and I still get players driving the lane. The 70-200 is really good for isolating 1-2 players, but it can't really get group action like I can get with a wider lens. I'd really love a 50-150 f/2.8...... but that's not a thing.....
I'm pleased with this, but it takes practice.
I donât know why you think a 6D is not suited to basketball/sports! I use mine all the time and get spectacular shots!!!
This video means a lot to me. I'd like to have a question: What lens(es) should I use to shoot basketball on a Canon 1D Mark IV (1.3 crop sensor). I often have to shoot at courts which are smaller than those in the US, and in poor lighting condition? I'd be grateful for your reply. have a nice day Jerry.
Hello and thanks for watching. I shot basketball for a long time with the 1.3x 1D series cameras. Even with that camera, the 70-200 f/2.8 was what I used most of the time. You have to however shoot by the three point line otherwise the action under the basket gets pretty tight. If you want to mix it up, the 24-70 f/2.8 is a good one to have if you want to sit under the basket, but my preference with a smaller court would be to still use the 70-200 f/2.8 because then you can potentially get away with shooting a game with just one lens and one camera.
@@JerryTLai Thankyou so much Jerry. :D
perhaps a 24-105 len is a acceptable choice? but the aperture is truly a problem except for cannođ€Ł
@3:18 đ„
Thank you so much! These tips are great, but I do have a quick question:
As a student in college, how can I get access to sidelines at places such as school sporting events and such? Iâve tried emailing everyone under the sun but havenât gotten any responses, nor have I been able to find any opportunities to work on a portfolio for shooting sports
If your school as a school paper, that's the best place to start. I've not heard of any school turning down access to a school paper.
Show up and be prepared. Practice shooting from places open to the general public until you get your chance. Knock on doors and forget the email. Start with the high school and help them get a web presence with your photo galleries.
I shoot high school football and I have the 70-200 2.8. Where would you think would be the best place to shoot?
A good rule of thumb is to try not to let the action get more than 10 yards per 100mm of reach you have. For football your best bet is probably to stay about 20 yards in front of where the offense is headed. You will be getting your steps in for sure! âșïž
Thank you so much for that good explanation.
You are welcome! Thank you for watching!
My gym pictures of my son's basketball games are often noisy/grainy and the camera has a mind of its own on focusing. Any tips when using a Canon Mark IV would be much appreciated.
I own a 35, 50, 70-200, and 85mm lens and I've been using the 70-200mm.
Hi Stacie, Happy New Year, thanks for watching. Which Canon Mark IV are you using? The 1D or the 5D? Regardless, both should be pretty good cameras paired with the 70-200.
First, you're almost certainly going to have noise and grain when shooting basketball. Most gyms have pretty poor lighting, so high ISO will result in noisy pictures. There's almost nothing you can do about that, other than consider lowering your shutter speed, to also reduce your ISO. But the trade off is you may introduce more motion blur.
If you're struggling with focus, another thing to try is do you have all your focus points enabled? Or just a single point? Most sports photographers find better luck and success using only a single point - usually the center one - instead of letting the camera decide.
Hope this helps.
Under the basket where the action is with fish eye only face on pictures count
I am definitely more of a lane guy
Can a beginner get a chance at shooting a pro basketball game? If so how. I am sure if the team is lower rank, that will make dufference.
Truth be told, it will be difficult getting into a pro game as a beginner unless you have really good connections. Your best bet is just like any job, take your opportunities as you come, continue to practice and improve your skills, and with a little bit of networking and a little bit of luck you may find yourself there one day.
I love this. I want to be your caddy for a game. Will work for free :)
Where is the best position with 100-400mm lens?
I would probably choose out by the three point line because otherwise 100mm will be too much lens in the lane
One added issue with sitting in the "lane position".....You will eventually get landed on my a player or two.
LOL so true! Kind of fun getting pix from the photographers on the other side when that happens though!
I'm sad sir jerry lai đ„
good info , but the music is so annoying
Thanks for the feedback. I've seen that comment pop up a few times before, and unfortunately I cannot remove from videos already posted or scheduled. I am however, working on tweaking it so it's quieter during speech or just gone all together.
Why do you have the 3 rules? You requiring faces to be in the shot can hold you back from creating art. I think you should open your horizons.
Hi Eric, this is a great comment. The "rules" are definitely more like "general" guidelines. I did skip over it a bit in this video, but I did explain that a lot more thoroughly in that Three Rules video. You are correct, there are always exceptions depending on who you are shooting for or the look you are looking for. That said, generally if you are shooting editorially or for a newspaper those "three rules" tend to hold up as to what is going to get published. Thanks for watching and leaving a note!
@@JerryTLai No problem & I watched the original "rules/guidelines" video.