Capturing the Action: A Guide to Photographing Kids' Sports

Photographing youth sports can be as rewarding as it is challenging. Whether it's your own child out on the field or you're covering a local league, capturing the energy, determination, and joy of kids in action makes for meaningful and memorable images. Here's a guide to help you nail those shots.

1. Know the Game - Take some time to understand the sport you're shooting. Whether it’s soccer, baseball, or gymnastics, knowing when key moments typically happen (like goals, passes, or celebrations) helps you anticipate the action. Also, get to know the team — names, jersey numbers, or standout players — so you can focus on the most impactful moments.

2. Use the Right Gear - You don’t need pro-level equipment, but a camera with fast auto focus and a decent zoom lens (something in the 70-200mm range) can make a big difference. Use shutter priority mode (Tv/S) and set your shutter speed to at least 1/1000th of a second to freeze the action.

3. Focus on Faces and Emotions - Yes, action shots are great, but the real gold often lies in the expressions — the excitement after scoring a goal, the determination in a sprint, or even the tears after a tough loss. Look for those moments that tell a story.

4. Stay Low and Get Close - Shooting from a lower angle — near eye level with the kids — makes your photos more engaging and personal. If possible, get closer to the action (safely) to avoid overly zoomed or cropped shots. This also helps isolate players from distracting backgrounds.

5. Watch the Background - Cluttered backgrounds — like parked cars or crowds — can ruin an otherwise great image. Whenever possible, position yourself with a clean background behind the action. Fields, fences, or out-of-focus trees often work well.

6. Shoot in Bursts, Select the Best - Use burst mode to capture a series of frames quickly, then choose the best from the bunch. Kids move fast and unpredictably, so this increases your chances of getting the perfect moment.

7. Celebrate the Little Moments - Sometimes, the best shots happen off the field — high fives, team huddles, goofy expressions, or a parent cheering from the stands. Don’t stop shooting just because the play is over.