I have the joy and privilege of photographing two distinct areas of people’s lives: athletics and portraiture. Portrait photography includes seniors, families, or even homecoming dances. These are usually posed and curated specifically for the person or clients I am working with. Athletics, on the other hand, are fast-paced events where I (or the photographer) have little to no control over what is going on. Skills needed for this include anticipation, multitasking, and, in the areas I’ve worked closely with, teamwork. I don’t take lightly that these are hard areas to get into and do well. By no means have I learned everything, but throughout the past couple of months of portrait photography, I have wondered what skills I can translate between the two. These photos showcase what I saw and how these skills can create beautiful work.
To get into definitions, positive transfer occurs when two skills require similar motor skills, tactical demands, or requirements. Learning to handle the camera equipment is probably the most crucial skill when beginning photography. A specific example that I find necessary for both portrait and athletic work is back-button focus. This setting lets the AF-ON button (on Canon cameras) handle autofocus. Half-pressing the shutter button often led to missed moments or one out-of-focus image in a series. Learn more and how to do it on a Canon camera HERE. Secondly, attention to detail is a skill that comes wherever photography takes me. In portrait work, I must notice the hair on her face and the twisted strap. Or for a detail shot, the way the light reflects on the button or perfume bottle. These details are what make me appreciate a photo for more than just the edit or composition. Seniors work hard for those honors sashes and show choir medallions, showcasing what makes their high school experience their own. In athletics, attention to detail is essential for making the feeling of an event come to life. From high school to MLB, people on social media and news platforms want to feel what the fan felt in the first row. Personally, I love shooting the fireworks, the smile, the handshake as much as the game-winning touchdown. The in-between moments are what make the players feel something while looking back at their photos.
Overall, there are many areas, nooks, and niches of photography, but learning your camera and learning your environment is essential to capturing every moment authentically and thoughtfully.
