How to Get Great Photos of Your Dancer or Athlete

I spend a lot of my weekends in gyms, on sidelines and in the back of dark theaters. Photographing people in motion is my favorite thing to do, and it is also the hardest kind of photography there is. Here's what I've learned, whether you're a parent with a phone or you're thinking about hiring someone.

Light is everything

Gyms and stages are darker than they look. Your eyes adjust; your camera doesn't. On a phone, avoid zooming in (digital zoom throws away quality) and get as close as you're allowed. On stage, the best moments happen when the dancer is in the brightest light, so watch for where the lighting cues land.

Shoot a little early

The peak of a leap or a jump shot lasts a split second. By the time you see it and press the button, it's gone. Learn the rhythm of the routine or the play and press just before the peak. Burst mode is your friend.

Fill the frame with the action

A tiny athlete in the middle of a huge field doesn't tell a story. Get closer, crop tighter, and look for faces. A great sports or dance photo almost always shows effort and emotion, not just the movement.

Look for the moments between

Some of my favorite images are not the big leap or the winning shot. They're the deep breath before a routine, the team huddle, the hug after the final bow. Keep shooting when the action stops.

Know when to hand it off

If you'd rather watch your kid than watch your screen, that's a good reason to bring in a pro. I photograph dance recitals, theater productions, competitions and sports seasons across the Upper Cumberland, and every family gets a private online gallery to view, download and save straight to their phone. Tell me about your event and I'll make sure you get to enjoy it.