Spring’s here and so is baseball season. Or, in my daughter’s case, t-ball season is in full swing.
Like many parents I haul my folding chair and camera to each and every game hoping to snap a keeper of my kid hitting a homer or sliding into second without getting hurt. I love my kid, baseball, not so much. I find the game to be painfully slow at times. However, if you are photographing a game this could be used to your advantage.
For example, unlike with soccer, I always know where my kid is on the field. In fact, she could be stuck on second for the better part of an inning if another kid doesn’t get a good hit. Needless to say, I have tons of shots of her lunging forward off the base ready to make a mad dash to third. This lag time gives you ample time to ready your shot. Since you know where your child will be standing when he or she is up to bat, and when she will be batting, you can predict the action and adjust your camera settings and compositions accordingly.
I’ve found that the best vantage point is along the baselines. If the field has a fence around it, then try to shoot through the openings. You don’t want to get the fence in the shot, so bring a stool to stand on if need be, so you can position your camera over the chain link obstruction.
This doesn’t apply to t-ball, but if your kid is pitching a real baseball game, then position yourself behind home plate, and prepare to shoot a series of photos, from the windup to the delivery. When it’s time for your child to bat, make sure you are set up along the first baseline, so you can capture her swinging and running towards you.
Other shots to consider taking include: your kid in the outfield, the team in the dugout and the traditional high fives shared at the end of the game between members of both teams.
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