What the Canon R3 means for Sports Photographers

My thoughts on how the Canon R3 makes it easier for anyone to become a sports photographer and what you need to do to break away from the pack. I'll also share my thoughts on the crazy specs.
Follow along on Instagram @paulrutherford_
Check out my images at www.paulrutherfordphotography.com
As always, leave any questions in the comments!

[@Paul_Rutherford]

What is your favorite non-action subject to photograph at sports games?

[@angelogarciajr5356]

whatever pops in my head. I think the last thing I shot at a championship softball game was the girls gloves lined up on the foul line pre game lol Sometimes it is a football helmet laying on the grass or maybe just the football Cool shoes once in a while.:)

[@Paul_Rutherford]

@@angelogarciajr5356 Love finding cool shoes! been a lot harder shooting from far away during Covid, but happy we are starting to get some access back!

[@angelogarciajr5356]

@@Paul_Rutherford Mr credentials keep me stuck shooting high school stuff, but it was kind of normal this spring. I was right in the action close and personal.

[@Methodical2]

The action on the sidelines. The interaction between players, players and coaches and the the animated action between coaches and the refs. Additionally, the fans.

[@markkempton4579]

My favorites from the last year were both post-game reaction shots of teams that lost deep in the playoffs. I worked hard in my second year to not stop when the whistle blew. I think 90% of iconic sports images are after the proverbial whistle. I try to focus on those, because as you say, that's where I can get that shot that the other photogs didn't. I'm fortunate enough to have some teams trust me and let me get close during timeouts and after a game, and that's where some of my favorite shots come from.

[@DAVE_WHITE]

I started shooting Sports with a D50 2.5 fps, finally this year I got a R3 but i went through many bodies from Nikon and Canon that served me well My last Pro body was a d4s and it is still a good sports cam to this day but the autofocus of the canon system has made life a lot easier..

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Everything now a days is pretty amazing! I can't imagine trying to shoot sports on manual focus back in the day.

[@luisleon9815]

Please upload more videos of day life, they’re so cool !

[@Paul_Rutherford]

More are in the works!

[@jc_burke]

Hi Paul, great to meet you the other week. I honestly have a ton of questions that I find myself asking various professional sports photogs like you (obviously not all at once) but since you’ve talked about cameras, would you consider making a video on when you should make the decision to invest in a larger 2.8 lens (400mm+) that go for 11k+ brand new. Love the advice, appreciate your insight.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Definitely something I'd love to address. Honestly I still haven't invested in a new version of the 400 2.8, still using my used one that is 20 years or so old. Looking to make a when to upgrade video soon!

[@Third13]

I really like the part where you spoke about telling the story. I struggle with this and non-photographers don’t understand when they praise you for how good your shots are. Just continue to work on it but definitely a weakness.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

It something I forget to do a lot as well. Take in whats happening at the game and capture the feeling of being there. Takes a lot of practice!

[@angelogarciajr5356]

The technology is getting amazing. I have a couple full frames now and waiting to see if the R7 comes true matched with the 100-500. Thinking it will be awesome for day sports. I hate the waiting part lol

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Haha, waiting is so tough!

[@Methodical2]

@@Paul_Rutherford Hopefully, the supply chain starts opening up now that they are loosening the COVID restrictions.

[@MrLucsbaron]

I have this on my 35mm EOS5, it’s great. That had 5 autofocus points 😅

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Did you use it much? Very curious to see the updated version with a few more points to choose from...

[@MrLucsbaron]

@@Paul_Rutherford all the time, I find it interesting that it didn’t take off. Once calibrated it works really well, like you I’ll be interested to see how this modern version works

[@Methodical2]

Also, what will also set you a part is access and many can't afford those expensive cameras. I look to shoot many things when at the game.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Access is key to great photos, but even great access to high school games can yield great photos that then get you access to higher level competition.

[@angelogarciajr5356]

@@Paul_Rutherford Sounds crazy, but I wanted to shoot pro sports so I got season tickets for the 49ers one season. I simply just walked around the whole game with my 7D2 with 100-400 and got great shots. Ten games and I never ever saw my seat. Just roamed the stadium for 10 games. :) Key was to keep moving and no one bothered me. :) I got a great shot of Alex Smith passing to Vernon Davis. On my wall lol

[@Paul_Rutherford]

@@angelogarciajr5356 Amazing, Thats one way to do it!

[@Methodical2]

@@Paul_Rutherford True. I like shooting high school football and basketball. Access was key for me.

[@juanmoreno3498]

What did you study for college for photography

[@Paul_Rutherford]

I didn't know I wanted to go into photography in College, so I studied economics, math, and physics.

[@juanmoreno3498]

@@Paul_Rutherford what should I study for photography in college ??

[@Paul_Rutherford]

@@juanmoreno3498 it really depends, but take art classes and photography if you can. Work for the newspaper or athletic department. Also any business classes can help too because that is a big part of being able to run a business.

[@grahamh.stokes3788]

Have you ordered an R3 yet?

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Haha, not yet. Still trying to decide if I truly need one. I think it would be an amazing camera to have, but I'm not sold that it will improve my photography enough to justify buying on yet.

[@obsidian00]

I hope Canon knocks it out of the park with the R3, I really do…but…I have not seen anything thus far that makes me want to upgrade from my 1DX3.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Agreed! Def some small improvements, but not enough for me to have to get it right away.

[@obsidian00]

@@Paul_Rutherford Yup, Yup…now…the R1 will be the stuff of WET DREAMS!!!