ABSTRACT
Sports photography is a massive sector within the news gathering industry. Sports photography also drives camera and lens technology development to a surprising degree. Image stabilisation and high-speed continuous shooting were pioneered for sports photographers before being made available in consumer cameras and lenses. Understanding the game and the flow of play is vital for a sports photographer who always needs to be one step ahead. As has already been mentioned, sports photography is the proving ground for the long lens and the fast camera. The creativity comes from an understanding of photography as a visual language and conscious assault on the big themes in sport: struggle and endeavour, triumph and defeat. The sports photographer needs an almost preternatural awareness and an ability to 'see the moment' you need to be someone who not only creates their own opportunities, but also identifies and responds to what many people would call 'luck'.
