Access
Most photographers covering a college football game for a publication get a press pass that give them sideline access to the game. This let's them get those photos that the fans cannot see from their seats. The idea is simple, if you want your photos to be better get closer.
What I like the most about getting tight photos like this of the defense taking down the running back is you can see their expressions. I think this helps tell the story. Capturing the emotion of the players really helps engage the audience.
The downside to these photos is that every photographer who is given access to cover the game gets the same photos. Look on the sidelines of any college or pro football game and just start counting all the photographers and video cameras. It will surprise you as to how many are there to capture the game.
Turn around
If you are on the sideline, just turn around and look for moments from the fans. You see they can tell you as much about the excitement as the players.
From the Stands
Don't shoot an entire game from the same perspective. Mix it up. I like to go up high and shoot down on the field for a different perspective.
Before the Game
Arrive early and capture some of the pre-game activities. Here I capture three generations all showing how proud they are of being apart of the game.
Mix It Up
The tradition at Georgia Tech is the Ramblin' Wreck comes on the field every pre-game home football game. I really don't need the same shot every single week to look the same, so I moved around looking for a different view of this tradition.
Traditions
There are traditions like the Ramblin' Wreck and at The Citadel the Summerall Guards half time performance that are just as important to cover as the game itself.
While capturing the Summerall Guards makes for good photos you still need to make the most of the day.
Arrive Early
When you arrive early you can get the photos outside the stadium and capture the pageantry of the day.
The Corp all marches over to the stadium and attends the game together. Capture this early and you have something different.
Fans hang out to see the teams arrive and you can show the excitement here.
Many college bands play mini concerts before the game for the fans. Go find these events and show how this is truly a community event involving more than just the football players on the field.
Show how families are involved by capturing face painting of kids.
Look for Different—Not Better
Don't get caught up on capturing a better photo always. Sometimes the most effective photo works because it is different. People are not use to seeing that perspective or moment.
This is an example of a different photo. Not all that interesting, but the access to behind the scenes will make someone stop and maybe read that caption.
Sometimes using a special lens will help you get something "different" as I did here with a fisheye lens of the fan trying to catch a winning ticket in a booth.
Now if I shot most all the shots that day with the 16mm fisheye lens the photo here wouldn't be different, so do so sparingly.
For more tips on covering the story read some of these blog posts:
Oct 02, 2008
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