Perspective changes the view of the game

Nikon D4, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/1250

To get this photo I am in the end zone on my knees shooting down the field with what is a 600mm lens. I am actually shooting up to the players face.

Nikon D4, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/1600

What is obvious in the comparison is I am no longer on the sideline shooting the game. I moved to the press box, which is where much of the TV coverage is shot from of the game.

The perspective changes how the players appear to the audience. I believe when you are down low and shooting up at the players you give them the sense they are like the Roman gods where they tower over men.

Nikon D4, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/1250

I think shooting from the lower angle is much better most of the time, but there are times that the different perspective helps.

On those close calls the TV will go to multiple angles to see which one the angles gives a better angle on the play. This is why most major news services have many photographers covering the game so they will have a better chance of having the play covered in case one angle just doesn't show the game play as well as needed to help the audience understand the call.

Nikon D4, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 12800, ƒ/4.5, 1/1250

This is one of those plays from the game where you want to see another angle to verify the touch down.

When I shot the game from different perspectives I wanted to capture the branding of Chick-fil-A from different views. While the shooting from down low on the players from the field is a great perspective, had I stayed with that angle only I would have missed this photo.

Nikon D4, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/1250

This is a great scene setter because I now know which game this was and that is due to the logo in the middle of the field.

Nikon D4, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/1250

My suggestion is to always get down low when shooting sports as one of your main angles, but always mix in some other angles to help give your audience a different perspective of the game.