Sportraits are photographs that capture the spirit of an athlete. They convey their relationship with the sport. Use light in a dramatic way to enhance the mood and composition. Use props, and the uniform to help tell the story of the athlete. Use backgrounds that enhance the photo such as a court, pool, mat, ice rink, or field in which the athlete performs their sport.
Instructions:
Shoot two totally different photos using two completely different athletes that play in two totally different sports. You may shoot both images on location or you may shoot one photo on location and the other with the use of a portable studio background. When shooting on location, you must use a background that coincides with the sport such as a pool, court, ice rink, mat, field etc. Points will be deducted if you use an arbitrary background.
Do not use arbitrary backgrounds like this:
Do not shoot headshots like this:
Pay close attention to composition. Avoid the bullseye approach with your subject in the middle of the frame. Avoid smiles unless there is a reason. Smiles can be cheesy. Smiles may be what your subject wants but remember, these photos are for the public and must be universal.
Examples:
A beautiful example of location light “sportraits” by Eric Bronson who works as a photographer for the athletic department at the University of Michigan.
Examples from Alum, Jeff Smith
Below are examples from Jake May (studio) and Ken Kadwell (on location)
Take a look and see what you like and what you don’t like and why. It will help you with your Sportrait.
Do not alter images using Photoshop!
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