Comments on: 11 Tips for Breathtaking Soccer Photography

By: Helena

Helena — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 06:32:56 +0000

Very useful article, thank you! My boyfriend plays football and I go to his games occasionally to take some photos and make a slideshow of them (btw here is a good article on how to make a sports slideshow), but I often end up with so many pictures being blurry or just entirely out of focus. Gotta use some of these tips for sure, thank you!

By: Emmoceb.com

Emmoceb.com — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 15:15:14 +0000

Tips for Breathtaking Soccer Photography: Capture the magic of the beautiful game through the lens of your camera! As the players weave their stories on the field, you have the opportunity to freeze those moments into timeless images that ignite passion and evoke emotions. To achieve breathtaking soccer photography, remember to focus not only on the action but also on the emotions and raw intensity of the game. Timing is key, so be patient and anticipate the decisive moments that unfold during thrilling plays and celebrations.

By: Mr_Electability

Mr_Electability — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 10:30:47 +0000

Although the author recommends at least a full-frame, I’ve taken perfectly good soccer photos with an X-Pro 1 (2012-era APS-C camera) and a manual focus camera (Soligor 135mm adapted to the camera). I have a few nice ones with an X-S1, too (compact camera with long-zoom lens). So don’t despair if you can’t afford the latest and greatest: learn to use what you have. But, yes, the better-featured the equipment and the larger the sensor, the easier it will be to take great photos. (“Breathtaking” may be a bit exaggerated for the photos shown here, though they are indeed superb!)

By: Mr_Electability

Mr_Electability — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 10:21:25 +0000

In reply to Donna Artis.

This may be obvious, but:

1. You’ll need to increase the maximum ISO and/or minimum shutter speed. Make sure it’s at least 1/500.

2. Use burst mode (hint #3 above) so that you take many shots quickly, rather than just one at a time.
3. What’s the maximum aperture on your 70-300 lens? you’d want as small an f-stop as possible, since smaller f-stop means larger aperture.

By: Anne

Anne — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 15:45:35 +0000

Just curious why you said start with ISO of 400 on a sunny day. I would typically start at f100 and move up. Your reasoning? Thanks

By: Donna Artis

Donna Artis — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 11:57:30 +0000

Hi, I’m a secretary for an adults football team and having been taking photos of them for quite some years now, but the only time I have issues is when the weather conditions change, I’m ok when the sun is out, but struggle with getting the right settings when it’s raining. I have a 70-300mm lens.
Also, do you have any tips for taking photos during floodlights?

By: mrobrien

mrobrien — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 10:06:22 +0000

I’ve been photographing my son for several years (he is 11 years old) and often get some incredible shots. However, I’m always looking for ways to get better and these were great. I especially liked the one about sitting on a camp stool so you don’t get too much field in the shot. Thanks so much!

By: bill

bill — Wed, 16 May 2018 21:06:00 +0000

do you think todays super zooms like panasonic fz300 or 1000 . nikon p900 will work at soccer games?

By: Sireag

Sireag — Thu, 03 May 2018 12:37:00 +0000

A friend of mine asked me to take video his last soccer game. Which lens would you think that is more suitable? I have a Canon 600d and my lenses are 18-200mm, 50mm(1.8),10-18mm and 18-55mm. Any other tip would be much appreciated. Thank you very much in advance. Kostas

By: Mike Cushing

Mike Cushing — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 15:46:00 +0000

Great article! I tried shooting a soccer game when visiting the US recently as my son was taking part in the match. It’s very tricky to get the action in shot! I found keeping both eyes open (one viewfinder, one trying to track the action instead of being shut) helped. Also, rapid fire helped to try and make sure at least some of the action was captured! Using AI Servo helped the focussing. Anticipating things was helpful as well – try this when a corner is being taken as you pretty much know where the ball is likely to arrive. One example of a shot I took is attached. This is 1/640 at f4.6, shot in RAW and processed in Digital Professiona and Elements 10.

For these, I used a Canon 70-300 lens. Nice lens and not over-expensive!
. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b186fa927f4e133e4f17fb3f459d31857a7d8e9875735339dd441bfd4b8f5682.jpg