Lighting for Sports Photography

To work with available lighting, sports photographers must know how light affects photos. A strong sports photo uses light well to put the picture in focus, stop the action and offer correct exposure.

How a Camera Uses Light

• To produce an image that is neither too light nor too dark, photographers must allow in just the right amount of light. A digital camera sensor reads the incoming light, and photographers control it by changing settings, according to professional sports photographer Jerry Lodriguss on his website.

Sports Considerations

• Lighting affects sports photography like nothing else, although photographers cannot control the conditions, Lodriguss pointed out. Using a fast shutter speed, good sports photographers stop the action -- a pitcher's arm in mid-toss, a gymnast in a leap -- which is difficult in low light. Some sports allow a flash, but it often does an insufficient job. Harsh sunlight, on the other hand, can cause shadows and overexposure.

Setting the Camera

• In poor lighting, setting the camera becomes crucial, including learning the correct shutter speed, ISO -- or light sensitivity -- and F/stop -- or opening to light. Slow shutter speeds let in more light, changing the F/stop by one stop either cuts the light in half or doubles it and the ISO setting also gives further control over light.