If you’re passionate about capturing the thrill of hockey, then it is better to know the right hockey photography tips. It can make all the differences during the intense sports photography session. Your shots might end up blurry or miss those key moments without the right technique.
In this article, you will get to know about 11 different hockey photography tips with details. You will get to learn how to handle tricky shots, right camera setting, position and others. Both intermediate and beginner level sports photographer will be benefitted from it. Let’s slide down to the main details.
Use a Fast Shutter Speed
A fast shutter speed is a must for hockey photography. The action is quick, and a slow shutter will leave you with blurry shots. Freeze the players and the puck with at least 1/1000 of a second in shutter speed. If the lighting is good, push it even faster for crisper shots. The goal is to catch every detail like the players’ expression, puck’s fight and celebration.
Choose a Wide Aperture
You can make your subject pop with a wide aperture like f/2.8 or f/4. This gives you that nice background blur or bokeh that keeps all eyes on the player. It also cuts out distracting backgrounds, so your shots look clean and focused. Besides, a wide aperture is a lifesaver in those dimly lit hockey arenas. It lets in more light, which helps keep your shutter speed fast. This means less motion blur and sharper photos for better hockey photography.
Focus on the Eyes
You should always focus on the eyes. It is a golden rule in hockey photography tips just like any other sports. The eyes will show emotion and intensity to make your shots more powerful. Hockey is fast game, so this can be tricky. You can also switch to continuous autofocus (AF-C) mode to track the players’ eyes as they move. Practice regularly to nail those sharp shots.
Use Continuous Shooting Mode
Burst mode is your best friend in hockey photography. It snaps a bunch of shots in quick succession. Hockey goals, saves, and big hits happen in a flash. You’re ready for those split-second moments with burst mode. In this way, you will get multiple frames of the action, so you have plenty to choose from later. No more missing that perfect shot because you were a second too late.
Follow the Puck
You always need to keep an eye on the puck. It is the center of the action and the key to capturing the best shots. The puck moves fast, so use continuous autofocus to track it. If you know the game, it will become easier for you to predict its path. Practice more and get better at following the play. Get those game-defining shots that every hockey photographer dreams of.
Experiment with Different Angles
You need to get creative with your angles. Don’t just stick to the basics. Low angles can make players look larger than life, while high angles capture the whole rink vibe. Move around if you can and find cool spots to shoot from. Break away from standard shots and find something unique of your own. It will give you an identity as a hockey photographer.
Capture Player Expressions
Player expressions tell the real story of the game. You need to focus on their faces to catch those intense, frustrated, or joyful moments. Hockey photography tips revolve around that emotion to make your photos relatable and powerful. Besides, you should not forget the coaches and teammates in the bench. It is the emotion that makes hockey photography truly engaging.
Use a High ISO and Burst Mode
Hockey arenas can be tough to shoot in because of the tricky lighting. You need to bump up your ISO to keep your shots bright and sharp. A higher ISO lets you use faster shutter speeds, which is key for freezing the fast-paced action. Pair this with burst mode to fire off a series of shots in quick succession. It’s a winning combo for capturing all those split-second plays.
Shoot Through the Glass Carefully
It is tough to shoot through the glass. But it is often a must in hockey photography. You can cut down on reflections and glare by getting as close as possible to the glass. Lens hood can be very effective in this scenario to avoid unwanted reflections. But don’t press your lens against the glass because it can cause vibrations and blur. Be patient and find the best angle for the day.
Capture Celebration Moments
Celebration moments are gold in hockey photography. They’re packed with emotion, energy, and excitement. Hockey photography tips are meant to capture the unforgettable shots of this special moment. Stay alert after goals, big saves, or game-winners. Burst mode will the right choice for it to capture the whole sequence and pick the best frame. It is all about being in the right place at the right time.
Use a Telephoto Lens
A telephoto lens is essential for hockey photography. Most often you will shoot from a distance, so you need to have telephoto lens by your side. It will allow easy zoom-in on the action and capture close-ups of the players. A 70-200mm lens is a popular choice for tight shots and wider views of the rink. It will also let you shoot through crowds and over barriers.
Avoid Motion Blur
Motion blur can mess up a perfect hockey shot. You need to crank up your shutter speed to avoid it. This will keep the player and puck sharp in the focus. Besides, you can also increase your ISO for a brighter shot, but watch out for noise. Panning need to be avoided too if you don’t want the motion effect. Practice your timing and settings so that you are always ready for those fast-paced plays.
Final Word
Hockey photography is all about capturing the fast-paced action and emotion of the game. You already know about some great hockey photography tips to improve your game shots. Fast shutter speed, burst mode and wide aperture will be used often to capture the high energy moments. Follow the puck closely and experiment with different angles. Stay with us for more updates shortly.