If you're an aspiring sports photographer, I think it's equally important to stay focused outside the lines. Often, shooters get so committed to shooting action, they forget the human element and the emotional collateral that exists away from the field, or in my case, off track.
I rarely leave the media center without grabbing my Leica M9 Rangefinder with either a 35mm Summicron f/2 or 50mm Summicron f/2 mounted up. I've found people much more open and relaxed when I'm hanging around with this camera. I've also found they respond later when they see the photos... it's become a very effective tool for me.
Atmosphere is very much a part of the job, so I thought I'd post a few "off track" examples.
JT
Anthony Downs - Driver for Merchant Services Racing
Pretty girls...
Scott Sharp - Driver Extreme Speed Motorsports Patron
ELWOOD B wrote:
Nice, I like the Sharp and Magnussen shots. The eye contact makes them more interesting to me.
I understand your point, but to be honest, I prefer to catch them candid. Maybe it's because I have so many where they look right at the camera... they tend to look promotional. Of course, you get guys like Bill Auberlen who really knows how to stare the camera down and you get a that bad-ass look which is great. Then of course, Patrick Dempsey... you can immediately tell why this guy makes a living doing what he does. The guy is a natural... and extremely cooperative - great guy.
I posted on another thread, but here they are for the convenience of demonstrating the point.
