All the Angles? Sports shots?

[jawats]

Ed: seems like this might belong better than another forum, but of course I cannot move it. Thanks to any moderator who could take the time for this.

All,

I have been taking sport photos next to a more experienced photographer this week. He was using a Z8 and a Sigma something-500 lens. I had my 180-600 Nikon.

His photos just came out ...better, I think. Some of his are here:

Scott Baker on Instagram: "This year’s edition of the varsity Holy War goes to the Marian Knights with a 2-1 win over the St Joe Huskies. @saintjoesports @saintjoegirlsoccer #saintjoesports #sjhsgirlssoccer #highschoolsoccer #sportsphotography #maria

185 likes, 1 comments - scottbakerphoto1 on September 10, 2026: "This year’s edition of the varsity Holy War goes to the Marian Knights with a 2-1 win over the St Joe Huskies. @saintjoesports @saintjoegirlsoccer #saintjoesports #sjhsgirlssoccer #highschoolsoccer #sportsphotography...

www.instagram.com

Some of mine are here:

Jonathan Watson on Instagram: "A few from Marian varsity and JV soccer, 9/9.... @marianknightssoccer"

192 likes, 0 comments - jwatson_photography on September 9, 2026: "A few from Marian varsity and JV soccer, 9/9.... @marianknightssoccer".

www.instagram.com

I noticed during the game that he was typically much lower (short stool, sometimes short monopod). He also traveled a great deal more.

Any thoughts as to improving my sports shots?

 

[BF Hammer]

I don't think the lower angle is all that much more dramatic. The other guy is using a wider aperture and yes it looks to me he is considering background as part of the whole photo and that is why he moved around. And the wider aperture might be allowing a faster shutter. With action you have to shoot very fast (preferably in shutter priority mode and auto ISO on).

But I suspect he was in manual mode, wide open aperture, fast shutter, and auto ISO to handle the changing exposure conditions.

 

[Clovishound]

I don't do any sports photography, I'm into wildlife, which not the same, but has a lot of similarities. IMO, a lot depends on anticipating the interesting action and being ready when it happens. The good news is that the Z8 and 180-600 is a very capable combo that has excellent AF and lots of features that can help get that special shot. Looking at the difference between his shots and yours, my opinion is that both are sharp, well focused. His backgrounds are somewhat less busy. Instagram strips the EXIF data, so there's no way for me to tell what settings were used for either one of you. The major difference I see is in the action. He seems to have nailed the perfect time to get a shot that is more interesting than just a good action shot. The ones that stood out were the ones with grimaced faces, and the one grasping at the other player. Those all speak to the grit and determination of the players.

I assume that a lot of that is experience. Some folks are just better at anticipating action, most of us have to work at it, but it is a skill that can be learned and honed. I assume that you are using the highest FPS available and taking lots of pictures. It means having to go through a lot of images, but often there is one in a string that shines above the rest. I often see that in my wildlife shots. I will have a string of a bunch of photos and most are good to OK, and with a little luck, one will shine above the rest. That's the one you edit.

As to technical advice, what works for me with action shots is manual with auto ISO. I can quickly change the shutter speed at need with a quick turn of rear thumb wheel. The auto ISO takes care of quick changing light situations. It is practically the same as shutter preferred automation, but it gives the option of a quick change of the aperture, if needed. The Z8 does a great job of tracking subjects for AF.