Sports Photography: Capturing the Game As It Unfolds
Covering sports as a photographer is a unique kind of rush. Fast-paced, high-stakes, and filled with raw emotion — it’s one of the most unpredictable and rewarding genres to shoot. Athletes are deeply connected to their craft, and capturing those intense, fleeting moments is what makes sports photography truly come to life.
But let’s be real — it’s not easy. Here are a few challenges, lessons, and personal takeaways I’ve learned from shooting sports across the Bay of Quinte region and beyond.
🎯 The Challenge: Fast, Unforgiving Sports Action
✔️ Speed – Things move quickly. If you’re not prepared or anticipating the play, it’s easy to miss defining moments.
✔️ Lighting Limitations – Most sports don’t allow flash photography, especially indoors. Gymnasium and arena lighting can be inconsistent and dim.
✔️ ISO Strategy – Don’t be afraid to push your ISO. Noise doesn’t ruin great moments — and with tools like Lightroom or Photoshop, you can clean things up in post.
✔️ Unpredictability – Keep your camera up, stay alert, and be ready to fire. Burst mode may fill your memory card fast, but it’s worth it to nail focus during fast-moving plays.
🏆 The Reward: When You Nail the Shot
There’s no better feeling than walking away from a game knowing you nailed the shot — the game-winning celebration, the perfect leap, or a raw moment of defeat. Even a handful of keepers can define an entire shoot.
📷 Tip: Set your expectations realistically. Shoot plenty, and aim for quality over quantity as your final outcome. That one perfect frame can carry your entire gallery.
🔁 Repetition Builds Results
I’ll be honest — when I started shooting sports, I didn’t enjoy it. I missed the moments. I struggled with focus. It was frustrating.
But I kept showing up. I kept practicing. And over time, it clicked.
📍 Not every photo will work out. That’s part of the process. When they do? The satisfaction is unmatched.
💬 Off Days Happen
We’ve all been there — leaving an event feeling like we didn’t capture anything great. It happens.
💡 Reminder: Don’t beat yourself up. Not every day with a camera will be your best. But the good days and great shots will always outweigh the rough ones. Keep showing up, and trust your growth.
🧘 A Game-Changer: Meditation
Recently, I’ve found that taking 10 minutes to meditate before an event helps me ground myself. It clears my head, calms the nerves, and sets me up for a better, more focused shoot.
✨ YouTube or Spotify both have great guided meditations — and if you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend giving it a go. It may unlock a new level of presence and creativity behind the lens.
📸 Gear Talk: Fast Glass & Telephoto Reach Matter
When it comes to sports photography, having the right tools helps you adapt to the action quickly and confidently.
I shoot with the Sony A7III, a full-frame mirrorless body known for its speed and reliability. Here’s what’s in my sports kit:
✔️ Sigma 100–400mm f/5.6–6.3 – Great for outdoor games and long-distance plays
✔️ Sigma 85mm f/1.4 – Beautiful for low-light environments and sideline portraits
✔️ Sony 70–200mm f/2.8 G Master – A must-have for fast indoor action
✔️ Sigma 24–70mm f/2.8 – My go-to for establishing shots and closer moments
🎯 Fast glass (wide-aperture lenses) helps you maintain fast shutter speeds indoors without maxing out ISO. Whether it’s the gym or the rink, gear like this makes a big difference in performance.
That said, don’t let gear hold you back. Start with what you have. Rent when needed. Learn as you go. What matters most is your timing, vision, and ability to stay ready for the moment.
📱 Study, Mimic, Build Your Style
Follow sports photographers you admire — on Instagram, Facebook, wherever you draw inspiration.
✔️ Watch how they shoot
✔️ Study their edits and angles
✔️ Try mimicking techniques you like
🎨 Everything has been done before — the best artists borrow from others and shape those pieces into their own unique style. That’s how we all grow.
LISTEN TO MUSIC: Even In One Ear So You Can Hear Whats Going On
📅 Now Booking Sports Photography for 2025 & 2026
Whether you’re organizing a school championship, a community tournament, or a high-profile athletics event in Quinte West, Belleville, Prince Edward County, or anywhere in the Bay of Quinte region — I’m currently accepting bookings for 2025 and 2026 sports photography coverage.
✨ What I offer:
✔️ True-to-life action shots
✔️ Fast-paced, documentary-style event coverage
✔️ Professional editing and polished image delivery
✔️ Experience in both indoor and outdoor sports environments
Email for inquiry: dleclair.visuals@gmail.com
Call or Text: 437-992-9837
Let’s work together to capture the intensity, emotion, and unforgettable moments of your next game.
