Touchdown Dive - D300s, 70-300 AF-S @ 75mm, 1/1000 @ f5.6, ISO 800
It’s a powerful angle for sports: shooting from low to the ground. It’s the default option for some sports, like basketball; for many others, outdoor sports especially, it’s not so obvious. But it can make for especially dramatic photos, and the lower, the better!
When you shot from a low position, it maximizes the “on the field” perspective for the viewer, and really draws you into the action. In sports like football and soccer, this is especially dramatic when shooting from the ends of the field, when the players are coming directly at you.
Right-angle finder on D300s
When kneeling isn’t enough, a right-angle viewfinder can help you get to ground level. I an inexpensive, no-name finder like the Pro Optic Right Angle Finder from site sponsor Adorama. At just $70, it comes with adapters for most brands of DSLRs and works well for low angle shooting. Other options include Nikon’s $200 DR-6 (for prosumer and consumer SLRs with rectangular eyepieces) and the $195 DR-5 (for pro cameras with circular eyepieces), or Hoodman’s $130 Professional Right Angle Finder.
It takes a little practice to frame your subject and track the action; it’s a completely different sensation looking through the viewfinder. But you soon get the hang of it. Personally, I use a lens with vibration reduction (VR, IS, OS, or similar technologies) to help me maintain a steady image (through all the rules of thumb about shutter speeds and eliminating camera shake when you shoot from an unusual position).
Penalty Kick
For a modest investment, you can give a dramatic new perspective to your sports images and make your viewers feel like they’re right on the playing field!
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Pro Optic Right Angle Finder
Nikon DR-6
Nikon DR-5
Hoodman Professional Right Angle Finder
1 response so far ↓
1 Steve // Nov 29, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Nice article. I hadn’t considered going that low for sports. Fortunately I have right angle finder from my ” buy everything cheap while living in China” days. Will be looking forward to the spring thaw in Minneapolis to try this one out.
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