How to Take Great Hockey Pictures

For immediate release from the New York Institute of Photography


Most photographs taken at a hockey game show the entire rink and tiny figures in action if you can see them at all. Other than proving you were at the game, this type of picture really has little to say. And this is the problem if you try to take a picture from your seat "way up there" using your SLR's normal lens or with a point-and-shoot. Our opinion: Don't waste your time.

What type of picture are you looking for? A strong closeup action shot is much better.

How do you get such a picture? Here are some pointers from the New York Institute of Photography (NYI) the world's largest photography school.

1. You have a better chance to get close to the action in a high-school, college, or "PeeWee League" game. Chances are, you won't get "on the sidelines" at a professional game.

2. Generally, don't position yourself behind the goal because most of your pictures will show the goalie's back rather than the action.

3. Since hockey action occurs all over the rink, position yourself on the side, but toward one of the goals.

4. Watch out for reflections in the glass panel separating you from the action. If you use an autofocus camera, make sure it's focusing on the action, not on the glass.

5. Watch out for reflections in the glass panel separating you form the action. If you use an autofocus camera, make sure it's focusing on the action, not on the glass.

6. Don't forget to look for reaction shots too. Yes, the action on the field during the battle may be intense. But many a great picture of tragedy and triumph occurs after play is over or in the stands.

For more complete information about How to Take Great Pictures of Hockey, see the article on the NYI website at http://www.nyip.com/tips/topic_beeballhockey.html.

NYI's web site at http://www.nyip.com features tips to help you take better photos, answers to questions, contests, breaking news, gallery, student newsletter and info on our training videos and home-study courses.


This page is maintained by © 1998 Andria Hunter (andria@cs.toronto.edu).

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