Including happy sports fans can often transform a routine player celebration into a far more powerful photo.
The Photo
Colby College's Men's Hockey team was trailing cross-state rival Bowdoin 2-1 late in the 3rd period on their home ice, when Colby forward James Tepper scored to tie the game. As ecstatic Colby players rushed to hug and and celebrate against the boards, the near-capacity crowd cheered loudly, and fans nearest the players banged on the glass to share their joy with the players.
Late in a close hockey game, I often shoot with a long lens, typically a 300MM, from the stand near center ice, so I can capture a winning goal scored by either team, along with any subsequent celebration. After this goal, I initially shot a few players hugging, but when all the Colby players on the ice celebrated near the boards and fans joined in by cheering loudly and banging on the glass, it captured the joy of the moment and of the game's final result, as Colby scored two more goals to win the game 4-2.
3 Tips
1. Many sports provide an opportunity to combine happy players and fans, which can turn an ordinary player celebration into a much more powerful photo.
2. Look for players celebrating near the edge of the playing area, where fans are seated and often trying to share their joy with the happy players.
3. For indoor sports, you may need to adjust your camera settings to compensate for fans having less light shining on them than players do.
