Photographing a baseball game is one of my most favorite things to do. I enjoy spending time behind the viewfinder during a baseball game and figuring out where the peak action might next take place. The thrill of trying to capture the story as the game unfolds is an exciting challenge to me!
Trying to capture the peak action of the plays on the field is my most favorite subject during a game, but many other little things happen during a game as well. Coaches call time out to talk to a player or visit the mound to talk with the pitcher. Celebrations often occur throughout the game and are sprinkled in with all the exciting action. For example, a player gets safely to second base and claps his hands in enthusiasm or a player high-fives another player after a great inning or game.
Today I am posting four celebration images that serve as good samples of what I am talking about here. They all happened in one game and just serve to show that capturing these little celebrations can really help to tell the full story of the game. This is always my goal: capturing the story of the game as it unfolds to the best of my ability. They say “a picture is worth a thousand words.” If this is true, then I wonder how many words a photo gallery of a baseball game is worth? When a photograph tells a story without having to say a word, then I know I’ve done my job.
Bob,
I have not tried photographing sports, but understand what you mean and have found that recognizing and capturing key moments and telling a story are very crucial to successful photography.
I used to be happy with photos of an animal grazing or standing alert as though posing for a portrait and the later is often a valid shot, and there are even times when one wants them grazing, etc, but it is good to be looking for the unusual that tells the story. I remember Hal Korber saying years ago that one should try to capture animals doing something.
Whatever the case, your post is spot on and following that advice leads to better story telling with either stills or video.