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A Lesson in Sports Photography

By Chris Corradino on July 02, 2014

 
The 2014 World Cup has gripped soccer fans all over the globe.

This stunning exposure by Michael Steele strips away all distractions to reveal the purity of the game. Silhouettes are a powerful tool to eliminate unnecessary objects and highlight a subject’s shape and form. It also allows a viewer to use their imagination, forming their own conclusions on the scene presented.

By underexposing the scene, the brilliant colors in the sky become deeper and more dramatic. The photographer has chosen to emphasize this by placing the horizon line in the bottom third of the frame. It’s a thoughtful composition, with the sun behind the goalkeeper, exactly where the kicker wants to place the ball.

Suspended in mid-air with a fast shutter speed, we wait for the moment of contact. Will his athletic efforts prove successful, or will he be denied? This is the type of anticipation that keeps soccer fans on the edge of their seat.

Spectacular sports photography is not reserved for professional events and sold out arenas. In fact, scenes such as this can be found in small towns across the globe.

Silhouettes are a great way to turn an ordinary frame into a beautiful fine art print. Use your creativity to make the most out of every possible opportunity.

Want more? Learn photography with the New York Institute of Photography, the largest and longest running photography school in the world. Get started today.

About the Author

Chris Corradino is the head of the photography mentor program at NYIP. Just like all of our mentors, he is also a professional photographer.