he 2019 FIFA
Women’s World
Cup, held in France
over June and July,
highlighted just how
popular the women’s
game has become,
with capacity crowds
at many matches and heightened
interest around the world. That
meant lots of demand for stories,
footage and photographs, and
plenty of pressure on the people
who were tasked with producing
all this content. Among these was
Javier Garcia, who is the UK-based
Director of Sports Photography at
Shutterstock, the American photo,
video and music library that was
one of the agencies covering the
Women’s World Cup.
Not surprisingly, right at the
start, Javier emphasises the
importance of being fully prepared
for whatever event you are
photographing.
“It’s so important to be
prepared, so having the right
equipment and positioning yourself
in the right spot are key,” he says.
“However, typically when it comes
to tournaments organised by the
likes of FIFA or UEFA – the World
and European governing bodies
of football respectively – your
position on the pitch or in the stand
is pre-selected.
“Once you have chosen your
spot, there are a couple of options
for image delivery which are
dependent on variables such
as the teams involved, kick-off
times and the weather conditions.
I find sometimes the best images
are the ones that aren’t planned.
They are more natural and these
often end up being the ones I like
the most.”
Presumably it helps if you have
a good knowledge of a sport so
that, for example, you’re better
able to anticipate what may
happen in terms of the action?
Presumably, part of the preparation
would include studying the teams
beforehand so you have a better
idea about who the play-makers
and stars might be?
“It’s good to have an
understanding of the game and
of the teams playing beforehand,”
agrees Javier, “but it’s not
essential for getting the perfect
action shots. There are a lot of
variables for getting the ‘perfect
action shot’ that go beyond
anticipating a player’s next steps.
I’ve found that usually the bestOn The Ball
IN PRACTICE
Preparing for a major sporting tournament is almost as demanding
for the photographers who cover it as it is for the athletes... almost.
Javier Garcia, Director of Sports Photography at Shutterstock,
outlines what goes into the making of a great final image.
ShOOTinG The 2019 FiFa WOmen’S WOrlD CuP