I’m sure I’ll miss quite a bit here, but I thought some of you might benefit from insights if you’re looking to get into the professional side of Sports Photography. Here is my latest experience for a nationally ranked D1 Football Program.

Week before game: Receive email request to work the game. Work out details regarding media credentials, photo formats/size, frequency of shoot through email. Confirm spot in stadium media room for in-game processing. Client wants photos for media at arrival, each quarter, and post-game, and any major events immediately. 3x2 JPEGS only for in game, open to other crops following the game.

Day before game: Charge all batteries, clear all cards, pack up:

1. Nikon z9 attached 70-200 f/2.8 for close-up work.

2. Sony A1 attached 600 f/4 for cross-field work.

3. Laptop for in-game processing. Portable mouse, charger, etc.

4. Additional lenses in bag: Sony 400 f/2.8, Nikon 24-70 2.8, Sony 135 mm 1.8

5. Two extra batteries for Sony (has the extended grip with 2 in). 1 extra Battery for z9.

6. 2 512gb CF-B’s for z9 in camera, two extras. 2 1920gb CF-A’s in camera for Sony, two extras.

Confirm upload location for in-game photos is live for the team’s media group.

Night Before Game: Lie awake debating 600 f/4 vs 400 2.8. I can’t decide this, so I use both in game.

Pre-Game: Arrive 3 hours early to set up in media room. Walk about a half mile from media parking carrying way too much stuff. Some people are smarter than I am and use pushcarts. Don’t drink too much water as bathroom breaks are few and far between.

Shooting begins, Capture:

1. Team arrival off bus. Take about 200 photos. Head to media room pick 5, process and upload.

2. Q1. Very early touchdown, run to media room, pick 2 photos, process upload. Return to field. 3 minutes before quarter ends, return to media room as opposing team is on offence. Process 5 photos, upload.

3. Q2. More of the same. Lots of touchdowns in this one and lots of running back and forth to the media room.

4. Halftime. Have a couple of minutes to breathe. Process 5-10 photos, upload, return to field 2 minutes before kick-off to catch team coming back on field.

5. Q3. More of the same.

6. Q4. More of the same.

7. Postgame: My team wins. Photographing celebrations, walk-offs, fans, etc. Run to media room, send the best 5-10 of the postgame immediately. Start processing the other photos thereafter about 4 hours in total after processing. (I keep a notebook on a fly-fishing cable in game to write down the best photos of each set of shots to help this part speed up.)

Next Day:

1. Receive call asking for player specific adds inside 1 hour. Provide 8 photos of the players.

Totals:

1. 8,000+ actual photos. The Z9 and A1 shoot exceptionally fast and I tend to be on the high side.

2. 100-120 finals provided.

3. 15,000 steps.

Overall: An absolute riot to shoot football this way IF you don’t mind chaos and crazy speed.