Flash Photography
For most sports, you won’t be able to get very close to the action. That’s why professional photographers need such long lenses. Being far from your subject means that your flash will be practically useless and will only drain your battery.
However, if your subject is close enough and if you have permission to use flash in the venue or at the sport, an on-camera or off-camera flash can be used to give your shots that extra edge. It adds controlled light to the subject and freezes the action, resulting in tack-sharp images.
“In the pursuit of that perfect shot, eager photographers often lose perspective of how their actions, location or lighting might affect the event they are covering. The most prominent factor in determining photography guidelines is safety. This includes the safety of the photographer, as well as the players, coaches and officials. Similarly, another highly-significant factor is the continuity of the contest itself without interruption or distraction.
A common misconception is that camera flashes are not noticeable to an athlete in competition. Some sports have specific regulations with regard to flash photography, but in general, anytime the outcome of an event or the concentration of an athlete can be altered by a flash — it should not be used (the start of a race, the “start” whistle in wrestling, a golf swing, a tennis serve, etc.). Flashes should never be aimed directly in the face of any competitor, regardless of the sport. Ceiling-mounted strobes are much less distracting than camera mounted strobes and are preferred, when possible.
Game officials have the discretion to ask a photographer to change vantage points if the official feels the players’ ability to play without distraction is being jeopardized by the photographer’s location or her camera flash. For safety reasons, tripods should not be kept near the competition field/court at any time. Photographers should always respect the view of those who may be behind them (such as spectators at basketball, volleyball and wrestling events) during play. Finally, when there is any doubt with regard to what access a photographer may have at a high school event, ask the host management for any site-specific policies or the best area from which to shoot action shots.Working in advance with the administration and officials can often prevent embarrassing situations once the contest has started.” (Source: Missouri State High School Activities Association)
Baseball, Softball – National Federation playing rules prohibit any photographer from entering the playing field (including foul ground) during play. This generally includes any area inside the fenced playing or “live ball” area. If the field has no photography box, the playing field may not be entered. Specific focus techniques allow for shooting outside a fenced area, and generally fence work beyond the dugouts is low enough to allow photographers a great vantage point without obstructions. Climbing atop dugouts, fences and scoreboards is highly discouraged and is prohibited during all postseason events. Team bench and dugout areas are restricted to team personnel only, unless access is approved in advance by officials and coaches.
Basketball – Camera and ceiling-mounted strobes are permitted for postseason games, if previously installed. However, flashes may not be used during any free throw situations or in the face of any competitor. Photographers should shoot from the baseline, and outside the lane areas and remain at least 3-feet from the baseline at all times.
Football – Per NFHS Rules, all photographers and non-team personnel are to remain at least 6 feet from the sideline at all times, and are restricted from the team bench areas and coaching box (extends to each 25-yard line). Generally, flash photography poses no problems in football, but should be avoided before the snap of the ball to avoid a potential offside or encroachment penalty for either team.
Volleyball – Flash photography is generally permitted in volleyball. Photographers should be aware of where the “playable” (live ball) area ends on each specific court, and remain outside that area at all times. Generally, the best vantage point for volleyball is the sideline opposite the team bench area and outside of the playable area. Distance is critical due to the potential for play to extend beyond the court boundaries.
Track, Cross Country, Swimming – Flashes should never be used at the start of a race, and any noisy camera mechanism (such as loud auto advance/rewind systems) should also be avoided to ensure a fair and clean start. Camera operators are to stay off the course, running track and bulkhead at all times. Photographers should never cross a running track or cross country course during the race itself, and deckside photographers in swimming should remain at least 3 feet from the edge of the pool at all times.
Wrestling – Flash photography generally poses no problem, but should not be used before the official blows his whistle to start competition (from neutral or referee’s positions). Photo personnel should remain at least 10 feet from the edge of the mat, and never sit on the mat itself.
Tennis, Golf – Competitors are usually very sensitive in these two sports with regard to being photographed during competition. If possible, shoot during warm-up or practice. Generally, the greater the distance between the photographer and the competitor, the less the chances of a potential confrontation. Tennis should be shot outside the fence or from an adjacent court, but never in a “live ball” area inside the fence of a competitor’s court. Always shoot from behind or slightly-behind a golfer, and stay off the greens at all times.
(Source: Missouri State High School Activities Association)
