The DANGERS of Sports Photography

DANGER! The Perils of Sports Photography and How I Stay Safe When Photographing Sports!
Player and Photographer safety are the most important aspect when photographing sports. I've almost been hit by countless foul balls, been hit by soccer balls, and almost run into on multiple occasions. Here are my tips to stay safe while photographing sports. Safety is important for photographers and players alike, following a few simple tips you can feel confident about being on the sidelines.
Hear my personal stories from baseball, basketball, and Ultimate games about close run ins with danger.
Follow along on Instagram @paulrutherford_
Check out my images at www.paulrutherfordphotography.com
As always, leave any questions in the comments!
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[@Paul_Rutherford]

Have you had any close plays while shooting?

[@Griffongob]

Definitely learned my lesson shooting NAHL hockey to use a rubber lens hood. Almost broke my nose last season.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

@@Griffongob Great call! Hockey happens so quick its hard to prepare for that!

[@Baschtel6666]

Yes, twice... Last time I got hit was Friday, I was shooting german ice hockey and caught a stick with my right index finger while shooting from the penalty bench. Nothing major happened, but my finger did hurt for a while. The other time was american-football, where I was shooting with my 100-400 mm lens (the canon L lens where you just have to extend the tube and do not have to rotate to zoom). Starting a series of photos at 400mm, zooming back out while the play is happening in front of me until I bumped the lens at 100mm. Looking up from the camera to see the receiver and the defensive player just 5-7m away from me running straight at me. I managed to partially avoid, but I learned my lesson that day.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

@@Baschtel6666 That is the toughest when they are moving directly at you when you are using a long lens!

[@skipharris5764]

Basketball, irrent pass hit wall just above my head. Baseball, foul hit gate opening next to me (high school). Field hockey, hit in shin by ball.

[@noelchacko]

Can not believe you have less than 700 subscribers

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Haha. Appreciate that! That's what happens when the page is new! Hopefully it'll keep growing!

[@MichaelKantormusic]

Cant wait for more content. Before covid I heard that you can't even take photos from the stands, that they would notice someone with a big lens sitting up in the front seats.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

More content is in the works! At Gillette is was hard to shoot from the stands before Covid because you had to have someone working for the Patriots walk you to any shooting positions off the field if there were any even available.

[@NKolakovic]

/Awesoome video! definitely had some close calls hahaha

[@Paul_Rutherford]

I'm sure since you are alway standing on the edge of the endzone!

[@jasonmerideth7161]

Great video man! Nothing bad has happened to me yet😂 but much respect to those guys who take it and keep shooting😂🙌🏽

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Appreciate it! It is something a lot of people don't realize about sports photography!

[@NikCan66]

Great insight

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Appreciate it!

[@NikCan66]

@@Paul_Rutherford Equipment has being hit at various times from cameras,lenses and laptop so insurance is needed

[@billyd9955]

lol pauls idea at ultimate dont interfere with the play. Billy's idea. Im going to grab a camera and play this point lol

[@Paul_Rutherford]

haha, both good ways to get good photos

[@Kalimero46]

Hi I started to following you and I just wondering about.Did you go college for photography.thanks:)

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Thanks for following! I did not go to college for photography. I was an Econ major and took two art classes in digital media, not much photography. Went through about 5 different jobs before I landed on photography. Although I know it can be helpful to go to a well known program to make a lot of connections and learn from the best!