Tennis novice

Somehow, in my ten years as a photographer (two of those at the Gazette) I have never photographed tennis.  So when I was assigned to shoot the girls state tennis team tournament, I walked in a bit nervous and completely clueless about scoring and how the game is played, aside from “hit the ball over the net.”  Luckily, there were plenty of coaches and parents around who were more than willing to explain it all to me, and I left somewhat more familiar with the game.  First up, a few singles matches (still working on my terminology, forgive me if it’s actually a game or a set or something else).. The serve is a pretty easy way to get the ball in the photo. (In sports photography, you generally want the ball in the photo — which can be difficult in fast moving sports like tennis).  I shot this photo from the viewing area, above the court, with a 300mm lens, all of which helped clean up the background.

I moved down to the court, where the background is a little messier but gave a perspective that spectators don’t really get. I incorporated the viewing area to give a sense of environment.

Back up to the viewing area for doubles.  I left the second racket in the frame for that extra context – a way to show that it’s doubles, without having to show the second player.

Another important aspect of sports photography is to show conflict. Not easy with a sport like tennis, where there’s no tackling or blocking or fighting. So, just a hint of the opposing player helps give that sense of competition, and gives the Kennedy player a place to look in the frame.

-liz

~ by Liz Martin on June 11, 2009.