Sports Photography: How to Capture Action and Emotion

It's an O.K. read. Maybe a little dated... For example: Digital or Film. Really? Seemed to state the obvious too often... like to get good at sports photography you have to go out and shoot sports... Good end of chapter recaps: "Points to Ponder"... Not much depth in any topic... Some good tips in each chapter but you have to watch for them because he doesn't dwell on any one thing too long... Good chapter introducing photographer interested in getting into the business.

I am a teacher with a side business in photography. I am my school's official photographer. For my situation, as a semi-professional photographer who is frequently faced with shooting a sport with which I am not intimately familiar, this was an excellent reference. It would also be great for a parent who is into photography and wants to get great shots of their kids' games. The best part of this book was its detailed discussion of "peak action" - the moment when the One Great Shot happens. It goes sport-by-sport to talk about how to predict and capture peak action - technical camera details, mental aspects, where to stand to get the best shot, and how to get coaches and officials to let you stand there. The book also included a brief discussion of when to get a release and how to market your photos. Although neither was dealt with in detail, it provided a framework for further research into these two topics.

I have a lifelong interest in photography, read and collect in a broad area of subject matter. Although I was always intrigued with sports photography, reading about it escaped me. So out of curiosity, I happened to browse, Sports Photography, How to Capture Action and Emotion, by Peter Skinner. Seldom do I read "how to" books chapter by chapter, page by page. Usually, I jump to the sections that interest me most, or skim to find specific solutions. Skinner's new book was a pleasant surprise, as I found myself unable to put it down until summoned to the dinner table. Skinner's book is well thought out, comprehensive, and packed with practical advice. The content is aesthetic as well as philosophical. There is a nice balance in each chapter between technical aspects and the broader issues behind demanding sports photography moments. Credit the editors with finding great examples among top-flight professionals, and then discussing the major points of capturing great shots in this far-ranging subject. You will learn what it takes in preparation, planning, precision and passion to create the great sports photos so easily taken for granted. I highly recommend Peter Skinner's, Sports Photography, How to Capture Action and Emotion to anyone hoping to improve and expand their knowledge and skill. L. Watters

Being an instructor of Photography, I am constantly on the lookout for a book which can help teach my students the "softer art" of picture making. Whether you're a novice nature photographer or a seasoned professional photojournalist, capturing emotion, drama, and a sense of spirit in a photograph, is something every serious photographer strives to achieve in their work. It is this ability that is at the core of a photographer's success, and yet, it is the most difficult aspect to teach. When a master of this craft creates an easy to understand, comprehensive guide, on how to accomplish this, it is worth taking notice! This book, Sports Photography - How to Capture Action and Emotion, by Peter Skinner, is a shining example of a master photographer realizing and sharing this gift with others. Starting out with a general overview of the concepts behind Sports Photography, Mr. Skinner takes the reader on a quick narrative journey through many past successful images that he and other great photographers have shared with us over the years. The photography in this book, contributed by Mr. Skinner himself, as well as many other top professionals, is absolutely stunning! Although this book concentrates more on composition and capturing "peak" moments, and less on the fundamentals, like exposure, Mr. Skinner did include the advanced "tricks of the trade" all of us should know, like sunny 16 rule, use of a grey card for proper exposure, and other helpful bits of knowledge usually reserved for the more advanced photographer. It's knowing and applying these subtle tricks that help us all create better images. I also appreciated the author's emphasis on the use of film cameras and digital point and shoot technology. Not everyone can afford to purchase a new digital SLR system. If all you have is a point and shoot camera, that's great! This book will show you how to get the most out of your equipment, whatever you use - understand the limitations of your equipment and make your weakness your strength. Whatever system you have will work fine, as long as you are out there creating images! Yes, "going digital" does offer a huge leap forward in taking an idea from the mind to the wall, but film cameras (especially used SLRs) do offer a great, and an initially less expensive, way to explore photography and learn about proper exposure, composition, and all the other aspects you'll need to know to be a success. After a broad look at what it takes to be a successful sports photographer, Mr. Skinner then begins to break down many of the sports we, as aspiring photographers, will likely be covering like football, basketball, and baseball, as well as cycling, hockey, golf, etc.... With each discipline, the author not only explains specific techniques for capturing great shots, but also the individuals you'll need to know and contact in your sport of choice. Knowing the right people and what to say can be essential in creating great images, and setti