Totally agree with everything you said there Rob, especially doing sports as well as other things. I’m a sports photographer but have a daytime job as well!
I agree on what you say. For me took 7 years with sports photography and now i have a own team i shoot for. And this sesong i got to be a official photographer for EHF European league in Norway. The EHF European League is an annual men's handball club competition organised by the European Handball Federation since 1981. It was a long way but the past last years the money is start flowing in.
Right on the money with everything in the video. This has definitely gotten me thinking about how I go about shoot sport. A game changer I noticed strait away was when I purchased a second camera, after dropping a lens and breaking it because I had to swap from a 70-200 to a wide angle! Not only does it speed up your shooting but it allows you to diversify shooting and really helps deliver more photos that can tell a story. It also makes you look more pro at smaller events, people comment on how you look like you know what your doing ;) Love the videos, thanks heaps 👍🏽
Well, it's going to take a hell of a lot more than just getting to a pro level sports photographer, and maybe never but only to settle to cover local school games and selling photos to parents. It's going to take special skill and talent, plus a great money investment in cameras, lenses, fast PC, software, and a starting connection with a media partner and newspapers to freelance. Almost all sports photographers shot other genres as making a living today as a freelance sport photographer is but a near impossible dream. The important thing is to love photography, practice a lot by shooting a lot, and show only good work on social media to get better known as an inspiring photographer.
Insurance wise, public liability is top of my list, as in UK it is so easy to try and sue someone for any accident, even if it is not the snappers fault. Football, soccer wise, and many other pro /semi pro events it is a good idea to get permission, especially where one is paying to get inside a ground, as it may be in the ground regulations, for no commercial photography. One gets a fantastic shot, and is wanted by local papers, it could be illegal to release it, by the club or even competition rules. I am the senior freelance photographer for a local paper, a regional paper, which I do get paid to cover local sporting events, soccer UK 8th, 9th, and 10th levels, plus also local cricket. Trying to get payments from the media, can be harder than " getting Blood from a Stone " I have got a great name, as clubs know there should be media coverage. Also I do not send pictures over, without names in the caption text, so the pictures can be used at a later date, and are easier to find in the paper stock files. I have even covered the National Village Cricket cup final at Lords twice for my local paper, with MCC media permission, to get the best shots, and cover myself with pro gear in the ground. Also, finally I would recommend "Photo Mechanic" software for media work, as it is quick to edit and send off captioned pictures to the media. Check TH-cam on how to use it is a good way.
I try to grow my business focusing sport photography but until make a living of that specifically, I do volume photography with all those sport team (youth) and that's enough to keep me afloat so im still in the "sport" photography but a different kind in order to make money. I can't wait to not have to do volume no more and focus on action shots but there's a journey to each destination
Camera recommendation...? I own a Sony A7III, Sony 70-200mm f2.8 GM II (and a 2x teleconverter), 85mm f1.8, and a Tamron 28-75mm f2.8. As well as a monopod. I'm wanting to buy a 2nd camera, the A7III is working fine and I could get another for about $1,300 but I'm thinking a newer camera might be worth the price difference. What do you think? As well as other gear suggestions...? Baseball (little league) seems to be the sport that I've been able to make most of my money.
Spot-on as always. I’m just waiting for my accreditation to come through for my first season with the National league. I’ve been photographing amateur sports since 2016. You’re helpful videos have been a massive influence over the years.
Thanks for your tips! How many images do you take on a 8 hour sport event? Last year I covered a local gymnastics game and shot almost 5000 images and delivered almost 1000 images.
I have improved to the point that I feel ok about charging for my work but I'm not sure I'm up to the standards, just yet, of you and some other guys I've seen. Practice, practice, practice. Great video.
Morning Rob, your multiple screeds about having a back up camera is officially in my head. It helps you have a cool accent. In use to shoot my son’s Rugby team, but since he graduated and in college, want so shoot more and charge. I’ve got Sony A7 IV and my back up camera is what I started with: Sony RX100 M7. I got great shots, but suffered for camera envy on the sidelines. In your Pro opinion would that be enough until I can convince my wife (who thinks money could better spent on remolding the bathroom) to get a better back up rig? Thanks for the wonderful content.
@@RobSambles I do sports photography amongst other things here in Germany, but if you're not a full-time sports shooter here you're not taken seriously and shunned by most, including the 'main 5' Press organisations. will be shortly looking at portfolios etc, I believe that squarespace there's room to sell your pictures, right?
Really thanks for those tips! It’s time for me to start afresh from step one. Iv wanted a website since the pandemic and still it’s just an idea. These steps though really are simple and no magic needed! Appreciate the video!!
I have been a photojournalist for 26 years, I concur with your sentiments, I consider two camera bodies the bare minimum. I prefer to travel with three bodies with the third body kept in a safe place. Murphy's Law is real, what can go wrong, will go wrong!
I'm not even an amateur sports photographer, but I'm definitely interested in starting out. Where can a beginner like me (with a Canon 70D) take photos at a sporting event, when it's most likely that the organisers won't allow anyone with a DSLR/long lens to sit in the stands and take photos? Is there any place at sporting events for sports photography "newbies" to take photos, or is it just pros that get the best seat in the house, next to the sidelines? How do I gain access as a complete beginner in this photography genre? Cheers.
Great advice as always Rob. I am getting to the point where passion does not cut it anymore. I've been burnt twice this season working for RFL teams where their normal photographer was not available.....supposedly for a fee....nothing...Nada...Happy to use images etc but no reward. Gear aint cheap, getting to and from games is more expensive than ever and exposure is not good enough now. And if you can't demonstrate paid work you don't get accreditation......disheartening TBH
One thing to prepare yourself for is not to exspect fellow photographers like You and mark kerton to be as nice. Its very rare another photographer wants to help you and see you as the enemy.
Totally agree with everything you said there Rob, especially doing sports as well as other things. I’m a sports photographer but have a daytime job as well!
This dude is quickly becoming my favorite photography TH-camr…
This dude appreciates that 🙏
Totally agree with Point 10 - very well made argument Rob.
I agree on what you say. For me took 7 years with sports photography and now i have a own team i shoot for. And this sesong i got to be a official photographer for EHF European league in Norway. The EHF European League is an annual men's handball club competition organised by the European Handball Federation since 1981.
It was a long way but the past last years the money is start flowing in.
Right on the money with everything in the video. This has definitely gotten me thinking about how I go about shoot sport. A game changer I noticed strait away was when I purchased a second camera, after dropping a lens and breaking it because I had to swap from a 70-200 to a wide angle! Not only does it speed up your shooting but it allows you to diversify shooting and really helps deliver more photos that can tell a story. It also makes you look more pro at smaller events, people comment on how you look like you know what your doing ;)
Love the videos, thanks heaps 👍🏽
Solid advice, especially about insurance and charging for your work. Cheers from Michigan, US.
Well, it's going to take a hell of a lot more than just getting to a pro level sports photographer, and maybe never but only to settle to cover local school games and selling photos to parents. It's going to take special skill and talent, plus a great money investment in cameras, lenses, fast PC, software, and a starting connection with a media partner and newspapers to freelance. Almost all sports photographers shot other genres as making a living today as a freelance sport photographer is but a near impossible dream. The important thing is to love photography, practice a lot by shooting a lot, and show only good work on social media to get better known as an inspiring photographer.
I agree 👍
I needed this video so much. Thanks a lot!. 🙌🙌🙌
Great video. Excellent tips. Thank you for the free download. Keep the vids coming. Good luck with your TH-cam channel.
Insurance wise, public liability is top of my list, as in UK it is so easy to try and sue someone for any accident, even if it is not the snappers fault. Football, soccer wise, and many other pro /semi pro events it is a good idea to get permission, especially where one is paying to get inside a ground, as it may be in the ground regulations, for no commercial photography. One gets a fantastic shot, and is wanted by local papers, it could be illegal to release it, by the club or even competition rules.
I am the senior freelance photographer for a local paper, a regional paper, which I do get paid to cover local sporting events, soccer UK 8th, 9th, and 10th levels, plus also local cricket. Trying to get payments from the media, can be harder than " getting Blood from a Stone " I have got a great name, as clubs know there should be media coverage. Also I do not send pictures over, without names in the caption text, so the pictures can be used at a later date, and are easier to find in the paper stock files.
I have even covered the National Village Cricket cup final at Lords twice for my local paper, with MCC media permission, to get the best shots, and cover myself with pro gear in the ground.
Also, finally I would recommend "Photo Mechanic" software for media work, as it is quick to edit and send off captioned pictures to the media. Check TH-cam on how to use it is a good way.
I try to grow my business focusing sport photography but until make a living of that specifically, I do volume photography with all those sport team (youth) and that's enough to keep me afloat so im still in the "sport" photography but a different kind in order to make money. I can't wait to not have to do volume no more and focus on action shots but there's a journey to each destination
Camera recommendation...? I own a Sony A7III, Sony 70-200mm f2.8 GM II (and a 2x teleconverter), 85mm f1.8, and a Tamron 28-75mm f2.8. As well as a monopod. I'm wanting to buy a 2nd camera, the A7III is working fine and I could get another for about $1,300 but I'm thinking a newer camera might be worth the price difference. What do you think? As well as other gear suggestions...? Baseball (little league) seems to be the sport that I've been able to make most of my money.
Great tips Rob you talk a lot of sense mate.
Spot-on as always. I’m just waiting for my accreditation to come through for my first season with the National league. I’ve been photographing amateur sports since 2016. You’re helpful videos have been a massive influence over the years.
Thank you mate
Thanks for your tips! How many images do you take on a 8 hour sport event? Last year I covered a local gymnastics game and shot almost 5000 images and delivered almost 1000 images.
Great tips Rob. Really useful stuff.
Cheers Steve 👍
Good tips Rob. Looking forward to seeing your R7 sports review !
So pleased you did this , I'm trying to make the leap so thank you 👍
Cheers Adam
Hi rob great video do you think changing my 7 d mk 2 to a 1dx eill give me an improvement for wildlife i use a 300 2.8 mk 2 eith my 7d
I have improved to the point that I feel ok about charging for my work but I'm not sure I'm up to the standards, just yet, of you and some other guys I've seen. Practice, practice, practice. Great video.
Great Video!
Hey Rob. Really like your videos ;) What would you recommend for team pictures in low light such as arenas (ice hockey) or other? Lens and settings?
Depending how many people you'll want a deeper DOF so maybe F7 ish. Slow that shutter down and set iso accordingly. You'll need a wider angle lens
Morning Rob, your multiple screeds about having a back up camera is officially in my head. It helps you have a cool accent. In use to shoot my son’s Rugby team, but since he graduated and in college, want so shoot more and charge. I’ve got Sony A7 IV and my back up camera is what I started with: Sony RX100 M7. I got great shots, but suffered for camera envy on the sidelines. In your Pro opinion would that be enough until I can convince my wife (who thinks money could better spent on remolding the bathroom) to get a better back up rig? Thanks for the wonderful content.
Good stuff Rob. 👍🏾
Great advice. All ten tips!
Top vid Rob, agree with all what you say. have a cracking weekend!
You too 👍
@@RobSambles I do sports photography amongst other things here in Germany, but if you're not a full-time sports shooter here you're not taken seriously and shunned by most, including the 'main 5' Press organisations. will be shortly looking at portfolios etc, I believe that squarespace there's room to sell your pictures, right?
Really thanks for those tips! It’s time for me to start afresh from step one. Iv wanted a website since the pandemic and still it’s just an idea. These steps though really are simple and no magic needed! Appreciate the video!!
Thank you
I have been a photojournalist for 26 years, I concur with your sentiments, I consider two camera bodies the bare minimum. I prefer to travel with three bodies with the third body kept in a safe place. Murphy's Law is real, what can go wrong, will go wrong!
Im sick of Zenfilo there support is the worst. Did you set up your web site or do they have someone?
I did mine myself. To be honest I don't think I really had to use the support function much but I setuo my own with both Zenfolio and Squarespace
Thanks Rob. Great advice. I’m at the stage we’re I am still shooting amateur sport 👍
Thanks for the tips
Where, what bag, do you keep your 400mm f2.8?? With the lens hood. It doesn't fit anywhere.
For me normally my amazon roller bag (link in description of my videos)
I'm not even an amateur sports photographer, but I'm definitely interested in starting out. Where can a beginner like me (with a Canon 70D) take photos at a sporting event, when it's most likely that the organisers won't allow anyone with a DSLR/long lens to sit in the stands and take photos? Is there any place at sporting events for sports photography "newbies" to take photos, or is it just pros that get the best seat in the house, next to the sidelines? How do I gain access as a complete beginner in this photography genre? Cheers.
has a great voice
Love this. Lots to think about. Thanks!
Agree.
Great advice as always Rob. I am getting to the point where passion does not cut it anymore. I've been burnt twice this season working for RFL teams where their normal photographer was not available.....supposedly for a fee....nothing...Nada...Happy to use images etc but no reward. Gear aint cheap, getting to and from games is more expensive than ever and exposure is not good enough now. And if you can't demonstrate paid work you don't get accreditation......disheartening TBH
If you've agreed a fee then invoice them. It's not optional for them to pay you if you'd agreed it
One thing to prepare yourself for is not to exspect fellow photographers like You and mark kerton to be as nice. Its very rare another photographer wants to help you and see you as the enemy.
I would add, you need to be able to tell a story with your photos. Single shot portfolios are insufficient!
𝐩𝓻Ỗ𝓂Ø𝓈Ｍ 😔
The difference between an amateur and a pro isn't skill, it isn't presence, it isn't equipment - it's having someone willing to buy your images.
Having buyers is necessary, but not sufficient! Too many buyers crappy images, not worthy of professionalism.