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This post is number five of twenty one subjects that will help you focus when on your next journey and you wish to bring back a well rounded story of where you were. If you're just going on vacation and only want pictures of yourself by the pool sipping boat drinks, then you can probably skip this one. These posts are not intent on telling you everything you need to do, step by step, to capture perfect, cookie-cutter pictures while traveling. Instead, they are intent on pointing out some vital elements to capture when on the road and ask thought provoking questions you may want to ask yourself. My hope is they help guide you to find your own means to better expressing what your travels have meant to you and present that in the best light possible.
It's easy with the World Cup happening right now to see many countries' interest in sports. Indeed, soccer or football or fútbol or whichever name you give it, is the most played sport by any account. I've seen it played along the Inca Trail in small villages with not enough space for a full field (pictured here) and in the town of Moulay Idriss along the Moroccan countryside. Kids in the streets of Ireland, Nepal and the USA will pick up games with little provocation. It blankets Latin America and many parts of the world with its influence.
Beyond the professional teams, sports can be viewed and photographed a couple of ways when traveling. First, there are the players and action. The younger crowd of any sport can usually be found out in the streets. And by that I mean open lots and fields or recreation areas. If you're trying to catch the older, more serious crowd, you'll often need access to a sports club. If you're unfamiliar with the sport, just sit with your camera off for a bit and try to get a feel. Ask a likely spectator to help you understand. Learning about how the game is played will help you anticipate the best time to take a photo. But don't forget to also get some shots when there is no action. It's often comical to catch a baseball outfielder zoning out while a new pitcher warms up. Also look to faces when capturing action. The concentration most sports require shows on the faces of those playing in vastly different manners. Emotions are high and often extreme depending on the fervor of the match. Turn to the spectators too and get some photos of those cheering on the players.
Second, take a look at how the sport has impacted the country. From clothes to street names to the massive stadiums built for professional events, the love of certain sports will make itself known in any fanatic country. Are the major teams logos and likenesses plastered every where you see? Does getting around a city turn to a standstill when a match is about to start, or just finishing? Where do locals congregate to watch a game? Does the favorite sport change as you move around the country?
Lastly, take a moment to set down your camera and join in on a game if you get the chance. Sports, especially team sports, can be an excellent tool for bridging a language or cultural barrier when visiting a foreign country. A strange photographer standing on the sidelines quickly becomes a deserving teammate who gets a beer and makes new friends when she takes the chance to ask to enter the game.
If you have favorite sports photos from your travels, please share them in the comments section below.
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Previous articles in the Travel Photography Subjects series include Water, Old People, Young People and Religion. Be sure to subscribe to the this site to receive the other 16 subjects as they are posted!
Post from: Digital Photography School - Photography Tips.
Travel Photography Subjects: Sports
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