At Sideline Media, we specialize in capturing unforgettable sports moments but know we can’t be everywhere. That’s why we want to empower you to take your own incredible sports photos when we’re not around. With just a smartphone, the right tools, and a little know-how, you can capture stunning images of your athlete. Here are 10 essential tips—and one bonus tip that could be a total game-changer—to help you step up your smartphone sports photography skills.
1. Upgrade Your Lens for Sharper Photos
Every photographer knows the lens makes all the difference. At Sideline Media, some of our lenses are more expensive than the cameras themselves! While you may not be ready to make that kind of investment, external lenses for your smartphone can work wonders. We recommend Moment lenses, which offer various options like wide-angle, telephoto, macro, and anamorphic lenses. These can take your smartphone photography to the next level. Check out Moment’s lens selection here.
2. Use Burst Mode and Adjust Your Shutter Speed
Sports are all about split-second moments, and capturing the perfect shot can be tricky. One of the best ways to ensure you don’t miss the action is by using your phone’s “burst mode,” which takes several photos in rapid succession. This allows you to sift through and select the perfect frame later.
In addition to burst mode, if your smartphone camera allows you to adjust the shutter speed, take full advantage of this feature. A fast shutter speed is crucial for freezing the action in sports photography. At Sideline Media, we typically use a shutter speed of 1/1200 or 1/1600 (yes, that’s 1600ths of a second!) to capture sharp, crisp images. A faster shutter speed helps avoid motion blur and ensures the action is frozen in the moment. Adjusting your shutter speed will make a significant difference in the clarity of your sports photos.
3. Stabilize with a Phone Cage or Tripod
Blurry images caused by shaky hands can ruin an otherwise great shot. While smartphones come with basic image stabilization, using a phone stabilization system or camera cage can dramatically improve the quality of your photos. The Rode Phone Cage is a top-notch choice for stabilizing your shots and can even mount an external microphone for better audio. Check out Rode’s phone cage here. If you want even more stabilization, invest in a gimbal or monopod.
4. Use External Editing Software Like Adobe Lightroom
Your smartphone’s built-in editing software is decent, but nothing compares to professional tools like Adobe Lightroom. Lightroom’s mobile app offers the same powerful editing capabilities that professionals use (including us), allowing you to adjust color, exposure, and detail to create truly stunning sports photos. Explore Adobe Lightroom for mobile here.
5. Zoom with Your Feet, Not Your Camera
Avoid using your phone’s digital zoom—it reduces the quality of your photos and makes them grainy. Instead, “zoom with your feet” by getting as close to the action as possible. (NEVER get onto the filed of play!) If you can’t get physically closer, consider using an external telephoto lens like the ones from Moment, which preserve the quality of your image while bringing the action closer to you.
6. Shoot in Good Lighting
Good lighting is crucial for capturing clear and vibrant sports photos. Try to position yourself so the light is coming from behind you, illuminating your subject. If you’re shooting in low light, adjust your phone’s exposure settings or consider using a small portable light to brighten up the scene. If you have a lot of games at night and your sports field is poorly lit, consider investing in continuous external lighting.
7. Experiment with Angles
Shooting from different angles can make your photos more dynamic. Try capturing action from the sidelines, above the crowd, or even at ground level. Changing your perspective can add depth and drama to your shots, making them more compelling.
8. Focus on the Subject
In fast-paced sports environments, keeping your subject in focus is key. Most smartphones allow you to lock focus on a particular area—use this feature to ensure your athlete stays sharp in the frame. This is especially useful when there’s a lot of movement happening around them.
9. Use Continuous Autofocus
Activate your phone’s continuous autofocus feature, automatically adjusting the focus as your subject moves. This is especially useful for sports, where the action is fast and unpredictable. Continuous autofocus helps keep your subject crisp and clear no matter how quickly they move.
10. Practice Makes Perfect
Don’t be discouraged if your first few shots aren’t flawless. Like anything, sports photography takes practice. Keep experimenting with different settings, lighting, and angles, and you’ll gradually see improvement. The more you practice, the better your photos will become.
Bonus Tip: Master the Rule of Thirds
This might just be the most important tip of all. If there’s one compositional technique that can dramatically elevate your sports photography, it’s the Rule of Thirds. Simply put, this rule involves dividing your frame into nine equal parts by using two horizontal and two vertical lines. By placing your subject along these lines or at their intersections, you create a more balanced and visually engaging composition.
This technique is a favorite among professional photographers because it can make a huge difference in the overall feel of your photos. And the best part? Most smartphones have a grid option in the camera settings that will help you apply the Rule of Thirds effortlessly. For a deeper dive into how this technique can transform your photos, check out this article on the Rule of Thirds.
Conclusion
Capturing stunning sports photos with your smartphone is easier than you think—with the right tools and techniques, you can produce professional-looking images that you’ll treasure. By following these 10 essential tips (plus our game-changing bonus!), you’ll be well on your way to capturing your athlete’s best moments in vibrant detail.
And if you ever need professional help for the big game, Sideline Media is always here to make sure your memories are captured beautifully! Click here to contact us today!
