Basketball Photography: Capturing the Best Images
The best thing about photographing basketball? The continuous, back-and-forth scoring around a very specific area (the hoop). This enables you to capture critical action shots at almost any time. Furthermore, there are a number of different opportunities that exist outside of the action. Player introductions, time-outs, and crowd interaction are all integral in basketball. This gives you a lot more time and creative flexibility as a photographer.
Recommended Photo Positions
- Centre court.
- The baseline, at the three-point line.
- The baseline, underneath the hoop.
- Behind the backboard (remote camera required).
- On the court during player introductions.
- Team benches during a time-out.
Recommended Camera Lenses
- 24-70mm f/2.8 Mid-Range Lens
- 70-200mm f/2.8 Telephoto Zoom Lens
- 16-35mm f/2.8 Wide-Angle Lens
- 300mm f/2.8 Prime Lens
BRAMPTON, ON – Nov. 27, 2016: A ball sits on the Sheridan Bruins' court prior to OCAA basketball action.
Centre Court
The best location to capture the tip-off.
- Game tip-offs.
Game Tip-Off (Wide-Angle)
Game Tip-Off (Telephoto)
Baseline, at the Three-Point Line
The only position on the court with total flexibility to photograph anything.
- Dribbling.
- Jump shots.
- Blocks.
- Dunks/lay-ups.
- Player reactions.
- Bench reactions.
- Crowd interaction.
Dribbling
Jump Shots
Blocks
Player Reactions
Bench Reactions
Crowd Interaction
Baseline, Under The Hoop
When you're looking to be a bit more creative.
- Dunks/lay-ups.
- Rebounds.
- Wide-angle action shots.
Dunks/Lay-Ups
Wide-Angle Action Shots
Creative Locations
There are a number of other unique and creative locations to consider!
As I alluded to in the introduction, basketball gives you a lot more time and creative flexibility as a photographer than most other sports. Below, you'll find a number of other creative opportunities to consider.
Player Introductions
Player introductions in basketball can make for high-energy photographs. Prior to every game, the names of each starting player are broadcast over the public address system. They take the court one-by-one, surrounded by teammates who will try to hype each other up for the game. Below, you'll find some examples of photographs taken from this position.
Team Huddle
Preparing for Introductions
Player Hype
Time-Outs
During time-outs, you have a lot of opportunity to capture the emotion of players and coaching staff. Given that team strategy is frequently discussed during this time, ensure that the team is aware of and comfortable with you roaming around the space. Below, you'll find some examples of photographs taken from this position.
Player Reactions on Bench
Coaching Staff
How to Spend Your Time
- Start by capturing player introductions. If you're specifically being employed by one of the teams, ensure you're on the court to capture the hype surrounding the player introductions.
- Once the introductions have ended, move to centre court and ensure you capture the tip-off. If the game is monumental and your mobility is limited, I would go as far as to suggest skipping player introductions altogether - to guarantee you get this shot.
- When the game begins, make your way to the baseline. I would recommend sitting near the three-point line, but in many professional situations, you won't have a choice.
Other Suggestions
While there are undoubtedly spots around the court that will consistently produce great photographs, you shouldn't hesitate to experiment and move around. I've included some miscellaneous images below, in the hopes of triggering your creative thought process. If you have any additional suggestions or ideas, don't hesitate to share!
Ball on Court
Warm-Ups
Crowd Reactions
