How I got started in SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY. Building your portfolio.

How I got started in SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY. Building your portfolio.
In this video I run through how I got started with Sports Photography and how to build your portfolio.
As usual, comment below and I will reply as soon as I can.
Thanks for your continued support guys, it really is much appreciated.
Stay safe and catch up soon.
🛎 Please subscribe and hit the notification bell
KO-FI page - Support the channel by buying me a coffee.
ko-fi.com/mark... - Scotland trip in the planning!
Any support is MUCH APPRECIATED!
BUY LIMITED EDITION PRINTS - www.markkerton...
TUITION - www.markkerton......
Website - www.markkerton...
Insta - / mark_kerton
FB - / photographychat
Twitter - / kertonphoto
Music - epidemicsound.com
Amazon affiliate links to my gear-
Canon 1Dx - amzn.to/3d5557v
Canon 5D mkiv - amzn.to/3jIImzn
Canon M50 - amzn.to/3qdcYeG
Canon 7Dmkii - amzn.to/2MTfk4d
Canon 400 f2.8 -
Canon 70-200 f2.8 -amzn.to/3qldCHg
Canon 100 f2.8 Macro - amzn.to/3d9w5mk
Canon 17-40 f4 - amzn.to/2NrJNGs
Canon 16-35 f4 - amzn.to/3aYqqgd
Canon 24-105 f5-5.6 - amzn.to/2OCzCPX
Canon 600EX Flash - amzn.to/2LQ7nfw
DJI Mavic 2 Pro - amzn.to/3dlDLlF
Tenba Axis Backpack - amzn.to/2Z9B529
LowePro x200 Roller Case - amzn.to/3pkTmEa
Sirui P-326 Monopod - amzn.to/3jI78zH
Neewer Mini Tripod - amzn.to/3pglFDN
Huawei 5200 Dongle/Powerpack - amzn.to/3jK8auU
Zomei Star burst filters - amzn.to/3qgE3xv
Circular 77mm Polarizer - amzn.to/3ahkf7I
10 Stop 77mm Filter - amzn.to/3qdeNIy
PD/Park Design Strap Anchor Links - amzn.to/2OB6Per
Lexar CF Card Reader - amzn.to/3jKa2ng
Pig Iron L Bracket - amzn.to/2MSi2qD
Rode Mic Pro - amzn.to/2ZaT3RA
Think Tank medium emergency rain cover -amzn.to/379y3Pw
Cokin 77mm Adapter Ring - amzn.to/3qj7aAe
Cokin ND Grad Filter Kit - amzn.to/3rPSY29
CooWoo Lens Warmer - amzn.to/3adG3RM
iCap Weather Tent - amzn.to/3pfPfcB
Sonnics 1TB Hard Drive - amzn.to/3d5RNri
Mini-Max Stool ALTERNATIVE - amzn.to/2Zcw9cK
Filter clamp tool - amzn.to/3b2yqwz

[@markstevenson3047]

Its brilliant that your hard work & passion is paying off, VERY well done & deserved.

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Mark. Lots of blood, sweat n tears but we’ll worth it. Thanks for watching👍🏻

[@davec5937]

Hi Mark - I’m on year 2 of the same journey shooting with Cove Rangers who have just been promoted to SPFL 1 in Scotland. I’m still trying to get my editing up to speed with Photo Mechanic and Lightroom. But it’s difficult when your under time pressure to get the images sent just after the game ! I’ve seen your workflow video and can’t wait to get back to Football again.

[@MarkKerton]

Hi Dave. Thanks for getting in touch. Greta that you're already covering a side and sounding like you are building a nice portfolio. Keep going as you are and I'm sure the rewards will come! fingers crossed we're back pitchside again soon! Keep in touch and let us know how you get on.

[@grouchomarxmusic]

This is a seriously good video, pretty much everything is covered, and a great insight into what it takes to get into this industry. Thanks!

[@MarkKerton]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching👍🏻

[@davidfeatherstone5078]

I took a slightly different path starting at the top rather than the bottom rung of the ladder which was a big mistake! I accompanied a freelance friend of mine to a Manchester United game and got in using his colleague’s pass who was covering the British Lions tour of South Africa at the time. The experience was overwhelming as you could imagine for any budding amateur like myself and my settings (like your early shots lol) were all over the place. This was in the early 80’s and the days of film. I had snapped the only goal of the match and had to unwind the rest of the blank reel to hand to a ‘runner’ who went on to process the picture back in the journalists room. I was gutted to find out that my photo didn’t make the next day’s sports page but not only that, I didn’t even get to see it! I then went on to shoot weddings until retirement though I am back into football at non-league level albeit it being voluntarily. Maybe my path would have been a lot different if I had started there in the first place! Great video Mark 👍🏻

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks David. Great to read how you started out, very different yes! I raise my cap to you on the weddings front! I couldn’t do weddings for any amount of time that you have! I never really got on with weddings, people always wanting everything for nothing I found! I probably took on the wrong type of client mind! Thanks David

[@malgorzatac.156]

Thank you so much for this video and others 🙌 I am just starting sport photography and I love it 🥰

[@salvatordeco7]

great video ❤! now I'm 14 yo and I want to be a photographer for real madrid, you motivated me really well and gave me information that I've been looking for a while ❤✊🏻

[@MarkKerton]

That’s great to hear. Thanks for watching and good luck with your photography👍🏻

[@thatscottanderson]

Hi Mark. Bit late to the video but really interesting to watch. Appreciate you putting it up.

[@AndrewJones-tj6et]

Awesome sharing your story of getting started. I'm quite keen on sports photography, particularly bicycle road racing and its quite a challenge for me but feel I'd like to progress more as I enjoy it and hope I produce something that others like.

[@victormeldroo]

all round good advise for someone starting out Mark, start with the small events/clubs it's a foot through the door of sports/event photography that's how I started.

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks for watching👍🏻

[@Tesito2023]

I'm really impressed with your work and openness. My name is Uthman Jeng a sports photojournalist from The Gambia West Africa and would like to get some more tips on how make good and brethren photos in sports.

[@bokehlicious.nlsportfotogr8913]

Hi Mark, I live in Holland and had the same journey. The blood, sweat and tears part is very important. You have to put in a lot of time and energy to get where you want to be. Not so glorious but I did enjoy it every bit. Now hopefully the games will start in september so that we can work again.

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks. Yes, it certainly shaped me up to appreciate every day I’m out with my camera for sure! FINGERS CROSSED we’re pitchside again soon. Thanks for your support on the channel👍🏻

[@andrewlunn]

Great story & journey - thanks for sharing Mark

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Andrew, pleased you liked the video👍🏻

[@Maz-wf3eg]

You know it’s a good video when there is no dislikes on the video!

[@MarkKerton]

Haha, sshh! Thanks for supporting the channel.

[@hawkyfication]

Much respect Mark,such videos inspire me a lot especially when times get hard in the photography industry.You've just inspired me to start shooting sports.Thank you

[@MarkKerton]

Ah that’s great to hear treymax photography. Thanks for getting in touch and supporting the channel👍🏻

[@scannan]

Another brilliant video Mark! Your great-grandkids will thank you in time for a wonderful trip through your entry to sports photography. I’m enjoying working my way through your channel, I can safely say it’s one of the top ones I’ve seen recently for both information and cheerfulness. I do find I need to lie down for a rest after watching you in action at the sideline….you must go home shattered from both the physicality of throwing those bodies and lenses around and the 90+ minutes of pure focus required to catch those wonderful shots. Hope you’re back in full swing soon. Thanks for the insights and regards from Dublin.

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks for those kind words. Appreciate your support on the channel. Quite ironic though that I’m shooting zero sport right now! Really enjoying the landscape alternative though! Hope you are too!

[@murphie_4559]

My dads always been a big football fan and his friend played in the NFL and now his son was just drafted to the 49ers. But it wasn’t until I got on the field in 8th grade that I realized I enjoyed the sport. I liked the thrill and adrenaline. The energy of the players and coaches. Plus the view was nice...I’m a sophomore in highschool now and decided I’m gonna try and shoot for the NFL Focus team one day. I’m working on learning the sport and improving on my pics. A lot of the players have told me they go hard. But Ik there’s always room for improvement and this was a great video!

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks for watching Murphie. I hope you can progress with your photography and get to the top. Thanks for watching and good luck

[@kellysmy7872]

Great video Mark. It brings back memories of when I first started out at around the age of 16. I loved sports and I loved photography and wanted to build up a portfolio myself. In order for me to get into the sporting events I went and got some letterhead paper printed from my local printers on some nice paper with a fictitious sports agency name and typed up a letter on my typewriter asking for a press pass for one of our sports photographers, that photographer being me. I started by sending a letter to my football team i support, Arsenal, and to my surprise I got a letter back with credentials to the game I requested. After that success I sent letters out to all the major sporting events that were going on and I had about a 75% success return rate. This led me to having an interview with Allsport but it didn't pan out. I continued to improve on my portfolio but I had to give it all up when I moved out to the States. Thanks for this video, I loved every bit of it.

[@MarkKerton]

Hi Kelly. Thanks for letting out your top secret there. It did make me smile reading that. Great idea, however I know for certain we wouldn’t get away with that nowadays🤣 A shame you had to give it up after the move! Life changes though for many reasons! At least you have the good memories to share. Thanks for getting in touch Kelly, appreciate your support on the channel. Catch up soon👍🏻

[@juelraun]

Fun to watch. Started with DSRL 18 month ago and building up my port folio too :D Am doing a lot indoor handball, event and wildlife. Good inspiration and interesting to see what you have in your bag. Was lucky to get 6D and 7D2 used + lenses rather cheap. Had expected to do a lot this year, until COVID-19 :( I check out some more videos :D

[@MarkKerton]

Hi Erik Juel Raun. Thanks for getting in touch. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your support, good luck and keep in touch👍🏻

[@JgHobley]

I started with Action Plus and still have a lot of respect to the Agency. Great video Mark. I still need to sort my website. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@MarkKerton]

That’s right Jon, I’ll always speak highly of Action Plus. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. Now get on with that website🤣👍🏻

[@MarkKerton]

That’s right Jon, I’ll always speak highly of Action Plus. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. Now get on with that website🤣👍🏻

[@peterp7736]

Thanks for sharing this awesome story with us!

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks for watching Peter👍🏻

[@BruceLeroyUK]

Can't believe I've only just watched this. Great vid Mark. Also your early photos weren't that bad Hahaha!

[@moeran1944]

Great story Mark. The difference in quality of images when you stepped up to 1DX and 400 is amazing. I shot that Tour of Britain cycling too - only one stage in Wales on a very hot day. I bet the website for Action Plus is on meltdown at the moment with enquiries lol! Anyway, great video - I always enjoy them.

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Pete. I know! I suddenly realised “oh no” I bet Actionplus will be receiving a few enquires! Oh well, might help them out I guess! Enjoyed covering the ToB, was great fun. I only covered the Saturday and Sunday, Saturday being somewhere in north Norfolk to Ipswich! Covered some miles that weekend! All good for the portfolio though! Great to hear from you Pete. Catch up soon👍🏻

[@gavlosmedia6323]

Hi mate. Very inspiring. I'm currently 47 and been doing local grassroots football for a couple of years. My 2 cameras are and 80d and an EosR. Just bought a 70 200 f2.8 Very inspiring

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks for watching Gavin. Tough times at the moment! Sounds like you’re collecting a nice selection of kit. Good luck with it all👍🏻

[@sluwe100]

Nice video, reminds me of my own start many years ago, developing films in the hotels where I was staying for an event WC or European contest!

[@MarkKerton]

It’s a tough start aye! I too used to get home from an event and dev the negs! How times have changed

[@alexmartins4013]

Hello. Really interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@tobytande]

Thank you for sharing this, really inspirational for someone just starting out at local clubs.

[@MarkKerton]

Anytime Toby. Thanks for getting in touch and supporting the channel👍🏻

[@twizzle1952]

Yet to shoot Cardiff City. The pinnacle. Keep on shooting mate, it’ll come. Jim from Kairdiff. Respect 👏👏👏

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Jim. It’s actually come and gone now unfortunately!

[@MLeeMedia]

Everyone's journey is different, loved hearing yours. Couldn't agree more on the love, sweat and tears. Having a supportive family also helps, tons of hours away from home, but then the mind is healthy cause you're also doing what you love. Nice revamp on the KZbin room :) I take it the frame behind you hanging on the wall is special? Great video Mark!

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks David. Yes, the frame paper clip is a Times front page of Australia’s Steve Smith batting through all the boo’s he received during last years summer tour! Quite proud that they used it as a n FC👍🏻

[@MLeeMedia]

@@MarkKerton Excellent! Thank you for sharing.

[@steadycamman1]

AMAZING video again Mark, you do tend to play down your Fantastic skills, thanks again for your great motivational videos, Top Class, 👍

[@MarkKerton]

Ah thanks, really appreciate that. Thanks for your great support on the channel too.

[@michaeldusautoy3091]

Great information and well done on your achievement!

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Michael, appreciate your support on the channel👍🏻

[@timburgess6271]

Well done from Ontario Canada. Keep up the passion.

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks for watching👍🏻 Stay safe over there!

[@gilesstepney1249]

Great insight Mark.

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks for watching Giles, appreciate that. Glad you found it interesting👍🏻

[@mjdrareg]

Really inspiring story.

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks for watching Gerard👍🏻

[@Eagle1349]

Thanks for telling us about your channel, fellow sports photographer!

[@MarkKerton]

Hi Charley. Thanks for supporting the channel. Stay safe

[@Eagle1349]

@@MarkKerton , will do Mark!

[@andreachesnut_2]

I loved this Chapter !!!

[@Johnd3s]

A great insight, many thanks for sharing this with us

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks John. It was actually quiet enjoyable going over it all again

[@joelowthianYT]

Really great find here, enjoyed watching a few of your videos this evening. Were you balancing two jobs over those 3 years then? I feel tired just thinking about the lack of sleep you must’ve had!

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Joe. Yes, had day job too, hard work but worth it in the end👍🏻 Thanks for watching

[@StephenDavisMonsignor]

Excellent story and journey!!! Enjoyed hearing about your experiences!!

[@StephenDavisMonsignor]

By the way - I like the new set! The camera display is perfect!!

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Stephen. Glad you enjoyed. Hopefully, it might help one or two out on their journeys too.

[@MarkKerton]

Ah thanks. I started out with my father's Zenit back in the day. Found a set of 6 on ebay recently and so had to incorporate a shelf for them! Get the foam on the wall and it should be about right!

[@itrepreneurpodcast]

Great advice thank you.

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks for watching👍🏻

[@robertlawrence7958]

Have just discovered your channel. I'm basically wildlife but like to view other genres. Have done a bit of local and kids sport. Interested to hear you were in the RAF. I was a ground photographer in the RAF from 81 to 89.

[@MarkKerton]

Hi Robert. Thanks for checking the channel out👍🏻 I imagine you had a great time in the RAF section. I really enjoyed my time at Cranwell. Not quite serving though, I was a civvy working for Serco. If you’re on fb would be great to see your wildlife shots on our group “Photography Chat” Thanks for watching and keep in touch👍🏻

[@nickbimages]

Fascinating (and encouraging) story!

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks for you support Nick👍🏻

[@philiplogan6416]

Great to hear your progress. did you ever try catching mountain biking in the forest.

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks for watching Phillip. I wish I’d looked into the mountain bike scene! Being a keen rider myself I think I’d have grabbed some ok ish compositions, perhaps🤣

[@Bushcraft242]

Great photography cheers mate

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks for watching, appreciate your support👍🏻

[@glenoregan7861]

Love your channel great Vids and fantastic info. 👍

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Glen, appreciate your support

[@nickgerrard3107]

Another great and informative video. Whilst I only photograph my local team , it’s good to hear a story how someone can progress to the highest level. Keep doing the videos as they are not just a great insight, but also very helpful to those just trying to improve our photography. Cheers.

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Nick and really appreciate your support. It's great to know the videos are useful to you. Hope you're well and catch up soon.

[@TheGuyArts]

You explained everything straight and honest. I appreciate that. Good work (both the KZbin and the sports photography)!!!

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks for watching, appreciate your support. Honesty is always the best policy👍🏻

[@TheNumber1Alz]

Thanks for your videos Mark, They're really interesting to watch. Good to see the side of sports photography that most of us will never get the chance to do. "Subscribed"

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Alan, really appreciate that👍🏻 Sadly no sport for me lately due to all the tightened accreditation! Hopefully now fans are allowed back in, they’ll let more of us in to cover games🤞🏻Thanks for watching Alan👍🏻

[@pedrosportsphoto]

Started to follow you recently on here and must say your work and advice is very inspiring, as I just got started with sports photography after many years shooting at weddings. Thank you for this video, its so useful!

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks for your support Pedro. Pleased you’re enjoying the videos. Good luck with the sports, keep in touch and let us know how you get on once we’re back up and running! Catch up soon Pedro👍🏻

[@leebrown5090]

Same here westham born and bred great vlog fella

[@MarkKerton]

Ah never realised that Lee! COYI!

[@seanryan1183]

Great content as usual. Its amazing how many of us have travelled the same path.

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Sean. We definitely do it for the love of it some days, that’s for sure! Just sitting down to watch the White House documentary👍🏻

[@filipem.3845]

Well done mate 🤩🙌🏻

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it👍🏻

[@bobbeatty8370]

g Good advice thank you.

[@NikCan66]

Great video as usual and a similar background as yourself but Athletics, Tennis, GAA, Motorbike racing are very difficult to get media accreditation here in Ireland.

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks NIkCan👍🏻 Yep, lot of time & effort needed to gain accreditation for sure!

[@NikCan66]

Mark Kerton Well I suppose I will redo my website and update the portfolio whilst this virus is going on. Looking forward to seeing any collaborative work going ahead

[@loungestock9947]

I absolutely loved this video Mark. Your story and progression in sports photography is not dissimilar to mine in music, though I've yet to reach your level - maybe one day! Your enthusiasm is infectious and as in time I'd like to try and shoot sport, this video is more than a little inspirational. Thank you.

[@MarkKerton]

Ah really kind words there LoungeStock, thank you and appreciate your support👍🏻 Good luck if you do venture into Sport and keep in touch.

[@serbrider6366]

Awesome video!

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks👍🏻

[@RobSambles]

Nice video Mark

[@MarkKerton]

Hi Rob. Thanks, appreciate that. Hope you and the family are well👍🏻

[@manduja75]

Hello Mark. Great story and love the images you take. As I am watching your vid I noticed this video was uploaded in 2020 and was wondering if you are still doing sports?

[@MarkKerton]

Hi there. Video out every Friday and mainly sport👍🏻

[@shooting-starsphotography846]

Thanks for the insight!!

[@MarkKerton]

Anytine👍🏻 Thanks for supporting the channel

[@chrisdutton5003]

Great video Mark!

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks for watching Chris👍🏻

[@Youraverage_refrigerator]

hi mark, wich lens and camera where you using when you visited the top spec matches with neymar and all the other famous players, cheers

[@CainCorley0]

Hello I’m 14 and I have a passion for photography and honestly I think I’m quite good but the point is there is a middle school they have a football team and they have no photographer and I don’t know how to ask if they need a photographer

[@aawc23xino]

Hi Mark. Can you talk more about your time taking pictures of Snooker. thank you

[@MarkKerton]

Hi Alfonso. I plan on a short snooker video soon. Sad to hear the passing of Willie Thorne today!

[@darrenfrancis326]

Hey Mark, liked the video bud 👍😉

[@MarkKerton]

Hi Darren. Thanks. A video I’ve been meaning to do for a while!

[@darrenfrancis326]

Mark Kerton You mentioned early on in the video that your settings were all the place when learning sport’s photography, so what are you using now as applied to back in the early days? Is it down the to gear you had then and have now that’s changed the way you shoot?

[@MarkKerton]

Hi Darren. I think in general I was so taken in by being at the match that I simply overlooked my settings! BIG rooky mistake. I shoot 1650th - 2000th now if I can, keeping the iso as low as possible obviously. The 1Dx is fantastic with high iso's so its hardly ever an issue. The 600D and 100-400 f5.6 I started with back then was so poor for sport, I had no choice but to invest if I was to progress! Hope that helps Darren.

[@TheGray01974]

Great video again mate, I like you even more now I found out your a Hammers fan COYI

[@MarkKerton]

Oh nice one Graham. You are now the TOP subscriber🤣 Think a void will do us a favour!

[@TheGray01974]

@@MarkKerton yeah me to, terrible season but to tell you the truth I can't remember the last time I was a happy Hammer..... Its been a while

[@pradiptamondal4973]

This really motivates me.. Hope i can share the sideline with You some day..Love From India ❣️❣️

[@MarkKerton]

Ah that’s great, pleased you liked the video. Good luck👍🏻

[@enowdanielkeffie]

Great work. Can you sale your old camaras

[@peterwideman1425]

Mark, before I get into my questions, let me just say, from one ex-forces to another, I do miss my Wednesday sporties lol. So, I'm so glad I found this video. I've just commented on one of your other videos but this has pretty much answered my question. Onto some more from this video, is agency plus still a route into this these days? This, 100%, is what I would love to do. If you ever do another photo critique, I know you've just finished one, I would really appreciate your feedback on some of the sports images I've taken over the last year or so. I haven't done loads but I have just taken the first step by approaching my local non-league team to ask if they would allow me to come and take some photos of their home games. I have so many questions I could go on forever but for now I will continue to work my way through your videos and ask along the way so apologies in advance for spamming your videos with questions.

[@brucehaggie7202]

Hi Mark, I've been enjoying your channel and videos. Have you thought about doing one on the business side of things? Keep up the great work.

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Bruce. Sport you mean? Business wise, there's not much to cover really. My agency covers all the organising. All I have to do is let them know my availability and then they send me the matches they require covering. We have to obtain a DataCo licence, again, applied for by the agency and sent to us. The only thing I have to remember to do is send in a monthly invoice really. Oh and remember which games I have covered, ha! Hope that helps Bruce.

[@brucehaggie7202]

@@MarkKerton Thanks for that Mark. I was wondering if they pay you a wage or is your income derived from selling the images directly to other media agencies or prints to fans. I shoot some sports events but mostly from a sponsors perspective, ie signage in the background, people in the crowd having fun, that sort of thing.

[@MarkKerton]

Ah sorry Bruce, yes, I receive a set shift rate for each game covered and that’s it. Obviously the agencies own the copyright so I can’t sell any images. Hence why right now, during this covid nightmare, I’m really pushing my landscape work. As I can sell prints, run tuition courses and the like. Time will tell what the future holds!

[@brucehaggie7202]

@@MarkKerton I've always wondered about that, thanks for enlightening me. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos, I'm currently watching the one you did a few months back with Rob Sambles whilst enjoying a morning coffee. Cheers from Aust.

[@MarkKerton]

Ah that’s great. Enjoyed filming with Rob, great guy! Planning another get together soon I think, should be good. Thanks again for your support Bruce👍🏻

[@davidmellstrom8047]

Great video Mark! I've been at the very bottom of the sports photography food chain at the minute floating between local non-league/Sunday League games. You've motivated me to make the next step thank you. I have a question, how did you find the agency? Was it local to you or was it a case of googling agencies nationally. Keep up the great work! Keep inspiring 👍 David.

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks for watching David. That’s great that it has motivated you in some way. I searched online for sports photography agencies and just contacted them all👍🏻

[@jeffreyharuna-of3yu]

Have you ever had an autofocus jam situation? Where your autofocus don't work at all... if yes how do you fix it

[@dh9987]

Hi Mark, funny you mention Americas Cup, I was meant to be photographing that for my uncles employers until Cor*n* Virus came along. Hope you are well. Daniel.

[@MarkKerton]

Hi Daniel, all good thank you. Hope you’re all good. Yes, such a shame isn’t it! I was due to cover it too! Fingers crossed it’s re-scheduled🤞🏻Catch up soon Daniel👍🏻

[@dh9987]

@@MarkKerton Yes of Course- Stay well mate.

[@ItsSkyline11]

Hi Mark, another great video, thank you for sharing, but in it you laugh at the settings you were using as you accept you were only still learning at the time, Ive got a 5Dmk3 and a 70-200 2.8 lens but fail to get my images tack sharp, its really frustrating. I've got some great pics but I'm always critical its not as sharp as Id like, settings I use are Iso - Auto, SS 1600 and F stop varies between F2.8 - F16 depending on what I'm taking. would really appreciate you sharing what you use.. including focus points and metering used?.. thanks in advance ;-)

[@MarkKerton]

Hi Richard, thanks for watching this video too, great channel support. I’d try and stick between f2.8 and f5.6 on that lens, keeping a good depth of field, player sharp, background blurred type frames. I too shoot in auto iso, but remembering to keep an eye on it. I like auto iso as it then allows me to use exposure compensation easily. Hope that helps👍🏻

[@flohh]

The hard part of me is what to do once I have a portfolio. I already have a decent portfolio built at my University, but now what do I do? It's crazy hard to find positions available on job sites, since every team really just needs one, and so many people apply. I know a lot of it has to do with connections and word of mouth, but that's tough too.

[@MarkKerton]

Sounds like your next step is to approach agencies to shoot on a commission basis. One of them will defo give you a slot I’m sure👍🏻

[@flohh]

@@MarkKertondo you mean like news agencies? I think our terms are a little different I’m in the US

[@alistairnitz]

Thanks, Mark for an interesting video. It was great to see how your photography improved as you photographed more events. I am the club photographer for my local football team but I am keen to push on further. It left me with the question of when you started to buy more professional cameras and bought your first 400mm lens? I hope you enjoyed dinner!!

[@MarkKerton]

Hi Alistair. Good question raised, one area I never went into! I upgraded my kit to 2 1Dx’s, 70-200, 400 and so on towards the end of the Eastleigh season. Only just finished paying for it all! Great that you are already involved with a club, that’s a big step in the right direction. Keep positive and you will get to where you want to be! Haha, Dinner was lovely, I’m spoilt! Thanks for your support Alistair. Catch up soon👍🏻

[@ActualCounterfactual]

I mostly shot weddings and concerts, but never sports.... if I use a 1DX-i and a 70-200 2.8 for sports, do you recomend shooting with a 2x extender, or is it better to shoot clean lens and crop instead do you think?

[@MrPixiepantz]

Love the videos. The one where you met up with the guys before the Southampton match - was that Sean with his back to the camera?

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Martin. Ha yes, it sure is Sean! Well spotted👍🏻 Thanks for watching

[@MrPixiepantz]

@@MarkKerton thought I recognised the back of his head. Only really know him from our friend's Eurovision parties :)

[@MarkKerton]

Eurovision parties! I shall ask Sean about them then, hehe!

[@1964karlos]

I shot premier league football for over 20 years. Now retired, well from Sports Photography anyway!

[@MarkKerton]

Hi there. Thanks for getting in touch. You covered the good old days then by the sounds of it. Where about's are you based then and what matches did you cover?

[@MrCaleyjag]

Hi Mark have just been invited to sit with a pro at Inverness Caley Thistle game and am really nervous. Have only a ASP-C sensor camera with a canon 70-200 f/4, but have had some decent shots at local league level. Are the bigger leagues alot different to shoot. Cheers David

[@MarkKerton]

Hi there, thanks for getting in touch. Have you shot the game yet? The 70 to 200 is a good starting lens and want to keep. I would say as the leagues go up the game gets faster and you have to be slightly more alert but on the whole the action is all same. Let us know how you got on👍🏻

[@baileycarswell9718]

Hi Mark, I've just recently picked up my bog standard 600D to shoot some pics for my local cricket team. I was really enjoying it so I'm now looking to get into sports photography a bit more but need some better kit. I was wondering what you think a good upgrade for someone like me is who is pretty much just starting the journey? Thank you

[@MarkKerton]

Hi Bailey. Thanks for watching the video, appreciate that. Have you looked at the 7D mkii or the 90D? Both good bodies for sport👍🏻

[@baileycarswell9718]

@@MarkKerton Great video! Thanks I appreciate the response/advice I'll have a look at both👍

[@franciscocasillas6824]

Greetings Mark! Just want to say thank you. Lately I have been feeling doubts because I have felt stuck in the same place for the past 3 years (picked up my first camera and shit my first game in 2016) but your video reminded that hard work and diligence pays off in the end. Lastly, want to ask you what platform you use for your websitedo you use to showcase your images? Thanks in advance!

[@royottaway9434]

Brilliant Mark, When you invest in the 400 2.8 , and what did you use until then .

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Roy. I purchased my first 400 towards the end of the Eastleigh season. It was a must to have moving forward! Before the 400 I used a 100-400 which was very good but obviously poor for low light conditions! Hope that helps Roy and thanks for getting in touch👍🏻

[@royottaway9434]

@@MarkKerton It does Mark thank you

[@MarkKerton]

Brill Roy👍🏻

[@HughMcQ]

Hi Mark, another long-suffering Hammer here. Really enjoying trawling through your channel and amazed at the amount of production work you guys have to do during a game. How quickly do the agencies want images after a goal/key incident, and anything you can pass on in terms of advice re workflow given what you know now compared to when you first started re the production side of things? Thanks

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks for watching Hugh. I am quite lucky in the fact that I have a remote editor sat back at the sports desk waiting to receive my images. So literally as soon as a goal is scored, or there is a foul or a bad tackle I basically speak into the back of the camera and it records a caption onto the image before hitting send. This only takes literally 5 to 10 seconds before it hits the desk so a really quick process. Regarding the processing, always remember to check your horizons! Something that is seen quite a lot and such an easy edit. It’s always very important to get the horizon level or your goalposts vertical. Another key tip is to always try and fill the frame with your shot. The less cropping needed the better and the higher quality the image will be. I could go on for hours really but it would be a lot of reading. I have made a tips video if you haven’t spotted that one yet

[@HughMcQ]

@@MarkKerton Many thanks for taking the time to reply, Mark and also for the tips. I've been a sports photography fan since the 80s in the days of Steve Bacon at West Ham, and the great Peter Robinson, who has a great body of work, all primarily in the days before digital when there was none of the processing hurdles to overcome during games. Cheers for the channel, it's such a goldmine for us amateurs.

[@MarkKerton]

Ah good old Stevie Bacon, what a legend👍🏻 Looking forward to my first shift back pitchside on Aug14👍🏻

[@kennymcleish]

Great video. Buying a 400 is a serious investment. What stage were you at when you got one? Was it clear by then that the photography would pay it off?

[@SportfotografieAeschimann]

Thanks Mark, funny and interesting. Like it 👍. One wish I have: Can you please turn off the music, it‘s quite distracting... 😉

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Markus. Glad you enjoyed it. I realised after I’d uploaded it on here I’d left the backing music too loud! It’s usually quieter! Thanks for letting me know👍🏻

[@danioveday5695]

Hi Mark, really interesting video. I've been doing photos for my local football club for almost a year now and would love to go further. I've been into photography for some time now mainly family stuff, car shows and motorsport events and then thought i'd have a go at sports. I never thought i'd enjoy it so much the emotion and ups and downs of lower tier football is something I've never experienced before. I currently only shoot on a Canon 77d and generally use a 70-200 F4 (2.8 Is just out of reach at the moment). A second body is next on the list for definite so I can use my 150-500. I'm a life time Leeds fan for both football and rugby league so my ambitions are to get to both Elland Road and Headingley to photograph both. Anyway I just would like to say that I've found your video really helpful and informative and it has given me some things to think about. Would you say a website is a must, I have a Facebook page which I tend to put all my photos on. thanks.

[@MarkKerton]

Hi Dan. Thanks ever so much for watching. Glad it has helped out in some way. If it’s something you would like to pursue then it’s defo a good idea to have a website to show your work. It’s the first thing an agency or client will ask for. Good luck and keep in touch👍🏻

[@matthewsisson2388]

Evening sir just found you channel and wow what an eye opener may I ask are you using back button focus or the normal shutter half presssd also if I programmed my af-on button for panning how would you focus

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Matthew. Yes, I use the shutter button for focussing. I have tried bbf but just can"t get used to it! Hope that helps and thanks for watching.

[@matthewsisson2388]

Mark Kerton morning again sir is there anyway to connect 1dx to my iPhone internet wirelessly so I can send images directly to iPhone from camera

[@MarkKerton]

Hi Matthew. Yes there is. You need a WFT transmitter. I cover the WFT in one of my football videos

[@MarkKerton]

Go to 7:14 on this video Matthew kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXXSoGmknZJmpq8

[@prime51430]

Hi, I m French and surely miss an information how did you jump from a basic soccer game to barca's game? It's a real plaisure to learn with you even if I don't understand everything haha

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks. I started at my local team and luckily progressed pretty quickly. Then lucky enough to be working for The Press Association who helped me with accreditation for Juventus. Hope that helps

[@prime51430]

@@MarkKerton yes I get it. Thank's for the answer

[@MarkKerton]

prime51430 anytime👍🏻

[@jono_high]

Hi Mark! I've been absolutely binging your videos recently. Lots of brilliant tips for us beginners. Had no idea you were from Lincoln! I've been doing photos for a women's team in North Lincolnshire - Gainsborough Trinity Women's FC - for a few months and your tips have been brilliant in helping me get the most out of my gear. With there only being one game per week, at most, are there any particular activities you'd recommend outside of sport that would be beneficial in improving my photography skills? Cheers!

[@MarkKerton]

Hi Jono. Thanks for watching the videos👍🏻 There’s some good wildlife to be photographed in Lincs, landscapes, woodlands and aviation keeps me busy too. Just good to keep the photo brain ticking over with a good variety really👍🏻

[@jono_high]

@@MarkKerton Brilliant mate. Been out and about doing some landscapes, getting to grips with my 70-200. Only got the f4 variant at the minute, but hoping to get as much use out of it as possible before upgrading to a f2.8. Have you thought about opening a Patreon to help fund your adventures? I saw that you had a Ko-fi and I thought perhaps a Patreon might be a better option for a more continuous form of funding? Just a thought! Keep up the great work, mate - love your content.

[@nomadcompany]

whats the background story on the photo behind u mate?

[@MarkKerton]

There’s a vlog on the Steve Smith publication👍🏻 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJvTY4p5fLV8iNk

[@21upbowls]

Mark, do you know your website is showing a “not safe” no certificate warning?

[@MarkKerton]

Oh heck, no I didn’t!!! I’ll check that out THANKS for the heads up👍🏻

[@თemo]

Hi, Mark. What book you recommend for beginners in Sports Photography? thanks.

[@MarkKerton]

Any book by Bob Martin would be a good read I’d say👍🏻

[@ckioanna]

Great video. Wanting to get into sports photography myself. How do you gain access to these events as a photographer? What’s the route to getting a pass? Beginner question I know!

[@MarkKerton]

Hi. Thanks for getting in touch. As in the video really, a case of starting at your local club and work your way up. It's all about building a strong portfolio to present to an agency in order to progress. Once with an agency (3-5yrs) they then apply on your behalf. Hope that helps.

[@Sanchezout]

Thanks for sharing ! I'm really thinking of starting my journey as a sports photographer , can you suggest a good starting camera for beginners my budget is about £300 atm, I'm a total ammature and was thinking of taking a course in photography ,hopefully sports photography if there is such a thing , hopefully someone can give me some advice and a good avenue to approach , my initial idea was to buy a good camera and get practicing ,once I feel I'm good enough maybe approach small community games for free for even more experience ,then maybe start approaching bigger establishment or hopefully someone sees my work and wants me but any advice would be appreciated thanks ❤

[@MarkKerton]

Hi. As you probably picked up from the video, there is a lot of blood sweat and tears involved with getting started! And you really do have to have a huge passion for sports photography in general. Unfortunately, even to get minimal kit for starting off and building a portfolio you will need around £1000 for a good secondhand lens and body. Something like a 90D or 7Dmkii and a 100-400 or 70-200 lens would be ideal. Like you suggested, the best way to get started, is that your local football team or rugby team, to build that portfolio and then go from there really👍🏻

[@Sanchezout]

@@MarkKerton Thank your for your advise , I realise the camera is the major investment but a major win if you have a decent one ,,so it's a no brainer but yes my local football teams are fulha FC and Chelsea FC so I'm not sure u could start there lol is there certain lower leagues that are best to approach? And what platform are good for advertising my portfolio ,thanks 👍

[@MarkKerton]

@@Sanchezout I started at non-league for a season and worked up. Portfolio wise, build it a strong as you can over a few years, then you have it ready for when you approach agencies or clubs etc. There’s no actual place to publicise a portfolio as such I don’t think? It’s more to prove yourself when asked. Building a website is good too, that can help👍🏻

[@Sanchezout]

@@MarkKerton Thank you very much , I appreciate it alot , it's good to get 1-1 advice from somebody directly in the proffesion, I'm sure il have fun as a begginer still learning ,i will follow you and your tips and advice , hope all goes well for you !

[@johnmallett2217]

Fascinating insight Mark thanks. At what point did you realise the need to upgrade kit from your original gear. Was that a requirement of the agency to have certain standard ?

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks John. It did take king to realise my 600D & 100-400 were not good enough. So I pretty much had 2 1Dx’s, 400 & 70-200 by the end of the Eastleigh season. Plus, like you say, it’s pretty much industry standard to have the kit listed above! I had to send off a kit list before Actionplus gave me a go! 👍🏻

[@stephenkphotography]

This has been inspiring, thank you so much for sharing... I want to start this journey. I have a 1Ds Mark III with a 24-105 lens. I would like hear from you what lenses did you start with. From Zambia

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks for watching Stephen👍🏻 I started with a 100-400 and 70-200. Then swapped the 100-400 for a 400 f2.8

[@ajmedia1274]

Quick question about kit, with respect to resolution and crop sensor v full frame etc, what's the minimum requirements you would recommend? I have D3 and D4 which are good but a bit old now would you say?

[@MarkKerton]

Hi AJ. I’m still using mk1 DX’s which get me by just fine. So I’d say your D4 is still plenty good enough. Hope that helps👍🏻

[@martinstokes5596]

That was really interesting Mark, I never realised you were a full time sports photographer, that would be my dream job..but wow you certainly worked hard and jumped through a lot of hoops to get there so really well deserved ..those images were just awesome..I have often thought about trying to get media accreditation for Thruxton or Silverstone .Motorsport is my real passion followed by Football...but would need to say I work for a company,,Can anyone sign up with Action Plus and would you recommend them....or do you need special qualifications. ?

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Martin. Yes, a LOT of hours spent building my portfolio! That’s the key I’d say Martin, a strong set of varying images is needed to get a slot with an agency. It’s the first question really when applying to any agency. Send us a portfolio and your website and we’ll be in touch! Before the sport I was a civvy contractor at RAF Cranwell. Made a video on it during lockdown “Time to get the archives out” Was a great job! And before that I shot a lot of motorsport, mainly Rallying. Sadly I’ve no film footage to make a video about it! Might head over to Severnake this week perhaps, see what work comes in!? Some fantastic colours now isn’t there! Forest for first light I think tomorrow👍🏻

[@martinstokes5596]

@@MarkKerton Thanks for that feedback Mark..something I should have started planning for20 years ago or more I think when I had less commitments..I have a couple of ideas for the future to maybe try and earn a bit of pocket money out of photography..but first like you say I am going to need to get together a strong portfolio.. If you get to Savernake have a great time, its looking better and better everyday..lots of colour and fungi.. One last thought, Have you ever been to the Forest of Dean. I went to a rally last year at Mallards Pike, but it got cancelled halfway through due to a bad crash so I went and explored the woodland..wow what a place that is, fantastic trees and scenery..

[@MarkKerton]

MUST get back to Severnake very soon! I’ve only seen The Forest of Dean whilst on my mountain bike! Some stunning scenery from what I can remember!

[@betamyfotodroneservice1762]

Hi Mark You talk about building your portfolio. Many clubs and athletes may not be used commercially. How have you managed it over time? Asking as I really want to be able to show what I can do in sports photography.

[@MarkKerton]

None of that matters when shooting for an agency. Once signed on we can provide all images for press use, as well as for our socials BUT we cannot sell them privately of course.

[@dienusse]

To clarify your profile building period, what type of access were you able to get to events? Were you paying for media passes or being provided media credentials through an established name? Thanks for the video, interesting to see how others have made it work.

[@MarkKerton]

Hi. The first season was spent at my local Non-League team. I provided them with images for their programme in return for free access to matches. Then I joined an agency to further my portfolio. They applied to teams for accreditation on my behalf. Hope that helps

[@soaresuk]

Hi Mark, you mention insurance claims here in your video... What sort of insurance do you need as a starting photographer, guessing liability and contents/equipment insurance? Do you use the same provider for both? Any advice will be appreciated :) Thank you

[@MarkKerton]

Hi Pedro. I use Aaduki for all my kit which includes public liability too. A great all in one package.

[@soaresuk]

@@MarkKerton Thanks Mark, will check this one out :)