P#12 Q1: What Is the Single Biggest Mistake People Make in Action Photography?

You Can't Sit On The Sidelines

Charlie Borland: I think the biggest mistake people make in sports and action photography is that they're too far away from the action. You need to be up close, or maybe even part of the action, to get a great shot.

A good example is rafting. If you've got a raft coming down the river and you're standing on the bank taking pictures, you're not where the action is. Although it's a legitimate way to photograph rafting, it doesn't put you in the action.

Think about getting into the boat where all the action is -- all the water that's splashing into the boat, people are paddling and they're moving and hollering, and you're right there in front of them taking pictures as all this is happening. That's a great way to do action photography.

Audri Lanford: How do you recommend avoiding this mistake?

Charlie Borland: With just about any type of photography, there's the obvious angle and then there's the angle that's not quite as obvious. I always recommend looking for angles that are different from what I've seen.

You want to shoot rafting? Lay in the boat to get the rafting photos from close up. Get in the action.

You want to shoot mountain bikes? How about mounting a camera to the handlebars and photographing the face of the person who's riding the bike?

It's really about looking really for the angles that are a little bit less obvious and trying to get your camera into the action.

In Closing

You want great action photographs? You have to be where the action is.

Look for the angles that aren't always obvious and don't be afraid to get up front and personal with the excitement. According to Charlie Borland, that's the best way to avoid the biggest mistake in sports and action photography.