Sports Photography Tip: Find a Clean Dark Background

We should all be enjoying this extra rec time with our kids. Now let's get a shot of them in-between the plays.

I couldn't find any professional sporting events going on today, but I did find this football player passing time in the yard.

Sometimes the action just isn't happening. Why don't we take this time to get an updated portrait.

We previously talked about the importance of a clean background. Now, go the next step and make it a clean background that is dark. Do you notice how the subject pops out even more?

For more photo tips on how to take better sports photos, go to www.PavelyPhotography.com

Camera Settings: 1/800 sec; f4.5; ISO 1600

Backyard:

NFL:

Philip G. Pavely / USA Today Sports Images

Sports Photography Tip: Find a Clean Dark Background

We should all be enjoying this extra rec time with our kids. Now let's get a shot of them in-between the plays.

I couldn't find any professional sporting events going on today, but I did find this football player passing time in the yard.

Sometimes the action just isn't happening. Why don't we take this time to get an updated portrait.

We previously talked about the importance of a clean background. Now, go the next step and make it a clean background that is dark. Do you notice how the subject pops out even more?

Camera Settings:

Backyard: 1/800 sec; f4.5; ISO 1600; Manual

NFL: 1/1000; f4; ISO 1000; Manual

Philip G. Pavely / USA Today Sports Images