Sports photography master class: Tips for stellar shots

iReport
Edward M. Pio Roda, CNN
Updated 2:52 PM EDT, Tue July 31, 2012
Use a fast shutter speed to stop action and a large aperture to create a shallow depth of field. If you prefer to use an automatic mode, use the "sports" program. Your camera will automatically select a fast shutter speed and large f-stop.
Tips for shooting sports —
Use a fast shutter speed to stop action and a large aperture to create a shallow depth of field. If you prefer to use an automatic mode, use the "sports" program. Your camera will automatically select a fast shutter speed and large f-stop.
Edward M. Pio Roda/CNN
On the other hand, you can use a slow shutter speed and "pan" with your subject to convey motion. This image was shot at 1/60th second.
Tips for shooting sports —
On the other hand, you can use a slow shutter speed and "pan" with your subject to convey motion. This image was shot at 1/60th second.
Edward M. Pio Roda/CNN
The narrow depth of field created by the wide-open aperture used to make this picture draws your attention to the girl's face and sets her against a soft, out-of-focus background. Try to anticipate dramatic moments in order to convey the intensity of the event.
Tips for shooting sports —
The narrow depth of field created by the wide-open aperture used to make this picture draws your attention to the girl's face and sets her against a soft, out-of-focus background. Try to anticipate dramatic moments in order to convey the intensity of the event.
Edward M. Pio Roda/CNN
A short or wide lens can be used capture an establishing shot to set the scene.
Tips for shooting sports —
A short or wide lens can be used capture an establishing shot to set the scene.
Edward M. Pio Roda/CNN
Try to find a clean background. This will focus the viewer's attention on your subject. Also, concentrate on your timing so you can capture exact moments, such as the ball leaving the pitcher's fingertips.
Tips for shooting sports —
Try to find a clean background. This will focus the viewer's attention on your subject. Also, concentrate on your timing so you can capture exact moments, such as the ball leaving the pitcher's fingertips.
Edward M. Pio Roda/CNN
Another composition technique used to direct the viewer's attention is called the "rule of thirds." Positioning your subject off to one side of the frame can make your pictures more interesting.
Tips for shooting sports —
Another composition technique used to direct the viewer's attention is called the "rule of thirds." Positioning your subject off to one side of the frame can make your pictures more interesting.
Edward M. Pio Roda/CNN
When shooting sports like baseball, be prepared for action to occur in certain areas, such as home plate, and pre-set your focus and exposure.
Tips for shooting sports —
When shooting sports like baseball, be prepared for action to occur in certain areas, such as home plate, and pre-set your focus and exposure.
Edward M. Pio Roda/CNN
Try to stay prepared as much as possible. Sometimes, nice moments happen during breaks in the action. I found this composition during a pitcher change.
Tips for shooting sports —
Try to stay prepared as much as possible. Sometimes, nice moments happen during breaks in the action. I found this composition during a pitcher change.
Edward M. Pio Roda/CNN
At the end of any game, be on the lookout for celebration pictures.
Tips for shooting sports —
At the end of any game, be on the lookout for celebration pictures.
Edward M. Pio Roda/CNN
Tips for shooting sports

Story highlights

In honor of the London Olympics, CNN helps you up your sports photography game

Check out the tips above, then submit your best sports photos to CNN iReport

The best images will be featured on CNN.com!

CNN  — 

Sports photographers from all over will descend on London for the 2012 Olympics to capture some of the world’s best athletes in the heat of competition. You may not be headed to the games, but that doesn’t mean you can’t join in the fun! Welcome to the CNN iReport sports photography master class.

Check out the tips above from sports photography expert Edward M. Pio Roda. Then grab your camera, attend a local sporting event and submit your best shots to iReport by August 15. The best images, as selected by Pio Roda and other CNN photographers, will be featured in a photo gallery for CNN.com.

Looking for a few more photography pointers? Check these out:

Photography 101

CNN photojournalists illustrate their best composition tips and more in this beautiful photo essay.

Classic Olympic photos

Check out famed images from Olympics past and read about what makes them great.

The dos and don’ts of photo editing

Take the hundreds of photos you just shot and edit them down into a cohesive and compelling story. Plus, learn what kinds of photo modifications are and aren’t OK in photojournalism.

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