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For this month’s News, Sport and Entertainment Spotlight, we’re featuring sports photographer Findlay Rankin. With the football season in full swing, we caught up with Findlay to learn about the preparation that goes into photographing matches, how he has developed his style, and his tips for anyone starting out in sports photography.

LP: Can you tell us a bit about how you got into sports photography?

FR: My first involvement with a camera was on a school trip to Paris. Under pressure from me, my father loaded his box Brownie with a roll of Black and White film, preset the controls, and trusted me to come back with some stunning images. Nothing stunning appeared, but that was me hooked.

LP: What draws you to sports photography in particular?

FR: Like many other sports photographers, I cut my teeth on other genres of photography, but over time I have become more focused (sorry about the pun) on sport. I’ve always been interested in sport and, in particular, the obvious dedication and skill shown by those at the top of their game. Over time I have covered cycling, hockey, golf, athletics, gymnastics, and now, more frequently, football.

LP: What’s your go-to photography equipment?

FR: Probably like many, my equipment history has been many and varied, from an original Zenith E (birthday present) to Pentax Spotmatics and 645’s, Nikons, Hasselblad, and now Canon R3 and matching lenses. I’ve used Canon cameras and lenses for more than 20 years and feel comfortable with the handling, menus, and image quality.

Much is made about equipment for football. Most trackside professional sports photographers work with a 400mm, a 70-200mm zoom, and 24-70mm or 24-105mm. This range covers almost all situations. But if you are just beginning, a mid-zoom can get good goalmouth shots.

Other items are (almost) essential:

1. A comfortable stool, a folding camping stool or a folding kitchen-style step is ideal. Many pitches have advertising hoardings, and you have to sit behind them, so the stool must be high enough to allow you to see over the hoardings but not so high that you might get hit by the ball.
2. Good weatherproof clothing, comfortable but not cumbersome.
3. Weatherproof covers for the camera and lens in case things turn wet.
4. Spare batteries and cards.

LP: How would you describe your style or approach when capturing live sporting events?

FR: I like to look for the confrontational action shots, individual shots of the players, and shots that show the players’ skill. Be ready for the unexpected, watch as many players as you can, and not just the one with the ball, because players run into positions practiced on the training ground.

LP: Sports photography can be incredibly fast-paced — how do you prepare for events to ensure you capture the action?

FR: Football can be quite testing. It is a fast-moving, dynamic, physical sport. So to get the best images, preparation is essential. Knowledge of the teams, players, manager/coach, and playing styles can be helpful. Team websites, Facebook pages, Instagram and Twitter feeds can be good information sources. On the day, teams might provide team sheets, listing players and substitutes, and game programs.

LP: How do you navigate access and positioning at major events to get the best shots?

FR: Having done your research, choose somewhere to pitch the stool. Near the corners usually gives a good view of the goalmouth and the wings. Some teams allow their players to “warm up” during the game along the goal line, and they can block the view. (They don’t care.) Also, you have to be aware of other photographers sitting nearby and not encroach into their view, so many use lenses without hoods. At half-time, it’s permissible to change ends if you’re following one team.
There are some no-no’s:

1. The pitch is out of bounds.
2. The access line is no closer than the back line of the goals.
3. Unless you are the team photographer, the tunnel is out of bounds.
4. The pitch is “live” when any of the players are on the pitch, so crossing in front of the tunnel is forbidden or considered bad etiquette.

LP: What advice would you give to photographers wanting to break into the sports photography world?

FR: Football is probably the most popular sport in the UK, so if you want to start, as I did, find some lesser teams, including amateur and junior league teams who are happy to give accreditation in exchange for some pics for their own use. Then you can be ruthless in editing, without deadlines to meet, and find your own style.

Now that the football season has begun, there will be plenty of local, national, and international games. Press officers for the teams are usually very busy, and if you’re lucky enough to get accreditation, it’s worth remembering that accreditation is not a right and can be removed if you breach the protocols (I know of one or two who have privileges withdrawn).

We hope you’ve enjoyed this month’s NSE Spotlight. Click here to view Findlay’s Collection on 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß
Stay Tuned for next month’s spotlight.