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| Photo by Jack Howard |
| Click photo to launch a gallery of baseball and softball images. |
It's going to happen. There's going to be a great play, but someone, be it the umpire, a base coach, or a fielder is going to obstruct your view. If possible, quickly move a foot or so in either direction and try to re-frame the photo. It happens all the time, and it is just part of the game. Our advice: don't worry about the shots you miss! Do the best you can with the shots you've captured! If you notice that the umpire or base coach continually gets in your line of sight, change your position to accommodate for this, and hope for a cleaner view on the next play.
Keep Your Eye on the Ball!
A line drive or a pop-up, even in youth leagues, has some serious power behind it. Don't get so wrapped up in your shots that you don't have time to react to protect yourself or your camera. Reviewing shots for exposure and timing is one of the great advantages of digital, but do not get so engrossed in the shots you've just taken to possibly miss a great jubilation or dejection moment after the play, or worse, not be paying attention as the next batter drives a foul right in your direction.
Never argue an umpire's call, even if you think you've got proof it was wrong -- that's not your job, and it is a good way to get yourself ejected from the field.
Pay attention for little moments and interesting off-action images, such as players in the dugout watching anxiously during a rally, celebrating a home run, or looking downhearted as the long ball is caught deep in center field.
Don't be afraid to experiment and try your own angles and impress your own style on the game: give a Lensbaby a shot to add a funky twist to your action shots. Slow down the shutter and stop down the aperture to try some panning as a baserunner rounds the bases. Try framing both the batter and pitcher from position 2 and try to focus on the ball, halfway between the two.
Most importantly, get out there, have fun, and play ball!
For Animated Moments, Look Away from the Action
By George Ponder
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| © George Ponder |
| Click photo for more images. |
Children's sports are full of animation, and little league baseball is a perfect illustration of this. The boys and girls who spend their weekends on the baseball diamond are very illustrated, not only from behind the plate or on the mound but also away from the action.
While it's easy to focus in on the pitcher or batter, don't forget about the little girl in the outfield picking wildflowers, the player using their dad's glove that's three sizes too big or the second baseman patiently waiting for the pitch but can't hold off the yawn.
It's easy to forget about these moments because they are often dominated by the action. I like the image of the five-year-old girl dragging her bat to the batter's box that's taller than she is. I like the picture of the first base coach on the edge of anticipation watching his son at bat.
Away from the action shots aren't limited to baseball. With basketball, look to the benches for animation such as kids sitting on the edge of their seats as a player attempts a foul shot. At the foul line, look for players lining up for the rebound.
Photographs are the best means to preserve childhood memories in my opinion. In looking for those away from the action shots, you capture memorable moments that illustrate the fun and enjoyment of youth sports. It captures the kid in the player really well and at times puts things into perspective much better than an action shot ever could.
Click here to see a gallery of George's images.
More Information
Learn more about the cameras and lenses Jack used for this article in our Buying Guide:
Canon EOS 1D Mark IIN
Canon EOS 20D
Canon 400 f/5.6L
Canon 400 f/2.8L IS
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