The Five Golden Rules of Sports Documentary
1. Research
Before an assignment, research the full details of the event. Who are the key athletes or players involved and what are the current stories on that particular sport. Read articles in the lead up to your assignment if the topic is commented on within the media. Form an opinion and viewpoint on the topics you’re photographing This will help integrate you quickly on assignment. Finally, see what photographs have already been taken and start to think about how they were taken and why the photographer chose to photograph in that manner
2. Read
On arrival to an assignment, think through what is going on and read a situation, event or people around you. It will help you integrate into your role effectively. You’ll pick up on subtle things which can make the difference later on.
3. Develop a style
Where possible on a job and in time it will be more established but from the get-go develop a style. Think about the end results and the wider context of your commission. Where are the images going, who is the audience, what’s been commissioned by that particular client before and why are they commissioning you. Learn to trust your instinct and confidence when developing your style.
4. Be Selective on your edit
An edit is the most powerful part of communicating your visual story or contact sheet to your audience (on a website) or your commissioning editor (for an assignment)
Take time away from the shots and look for what really stands out with your set. Ask close friends on their thoughts but learn to think independently when choosing your final shots. Remember; if your image doesn’t provoke the slightest of feeling, it’s not working.
5. Keep Looking and look some more.
Being visually informed and educated never stops after formal or informal education. We’re constantly looking and informing ourselves with photography, film, design, documentary work, advertisements or just the way your computer operating system is laid out. This visual language you adapt at an early age is constantly changing and you should always be open to this.
