I started this photography thing to take nice action shots of my kids playing soccer and volleyball. That was probably 5 years ago and today I still can’t get enough of it. While at the games I would take shots of the entire team and share them with the parents. Now, I don’t do that as much. During high school season, I shoot for Maxpreps.com which has really made me a better photographer. Maxpreps demands you fill the frame with your subject and like the photos somewhat overexposed for my liking. But that’s OK because it has made me really dial in my camera because I find it easier if I get the exposure right before I get to post-processing. It’s hard to fill the frame on a big field sport such as soccer or baseball with a 70-200mm lens, so I got crazy and bought a Nikon 200-400mm f/4 and it’s awesome.

Nothing special about the photo above except it’s my daughter (she’s awesome) who couldn’t find a shin guard…that never ends at any age for you soccer parents out there with youngin’s

I took it out for a test drive yesterday and it’s “as advertised.” Although, I’ll really have to work on my technique because I’m zoomed in so much, it’s actually pretty difficult to follow the action and keep it in frame. I’m not a sprayer…at most, I take 3-4 frames at a time. I think it’s because of my Air Force training on the M-16 rifle. In full automatic mode on the M-16, you’re trained to take 3-4 controlled shots so you keep your aim stays true. I found that same technique works in sports photography as well.

During breaks, I do like to catch players goofing off and it’s amazing how teenage girls can spot a camera from 40 yards a way and give a pose just in case it’s actually pointed at them. The shot below is a prime example (I added some glowing effects just for fun).

At any rate, I still need more practice with this beast of a lens and hope to capture some great shots this coming season. I’m glad soccer season is starting.