action shots are the ones I’ve
taken without too much thought
and are unplanned”.
Keeping Fit
When you watch TV camera crews,
in particular, running up and down
the side lines at many matches,
you’d have to think that many
sports photographers also need
to be physically fit.
Javier explains, “Generally
at these big sporting events we
don’t choose where we sit, we
are allocated seating areas so
we aren’t required to do a lot
of moving around. I do think,
however, that it still helps to be
fit to ensure you that have a clear
mind and, of course, if required,
you are able to move around and
chase the action.”
Big telephotos look to be the
standard weaponry for a great
many sports photographers, but
Javier Garcia maintains that the
camera equipment is a secondary
consideration
“An eye for a picture and an
ability to be flexible comes first,”
he asserts. “The equipment helps,
but without ability and passion you
can soon make a $6000 camera
and a $12,000 lens deliver very
ordinary material! My personal
choice for the last 20 years –
save for a brief flirtation with
Canon for a couple of years –
is Nikon cameras and lenses.
Both systems are fantastic, but
I know the Nikons inside out
and I happen to live a couple of
miles from the Nikon UK HQ so,
whenever there is a problem that
needs sorting out, the team there
can help with repairs, ideas and
equipment loans.”
We tend to concentrate on the
on-field action, but there’s often
also plenty going on behind-the-
scenes too.
“Absolutely! People love
seeing behind-the-scenes shots at
“I’ve found that
usually the best
action shots are
the ones I’ve
taken without too
much thought and
are unplanned.”