Adderbury, Deddington and District Photographic Society
In September, we had the pleasure of connecting—thanks to the wonders of modern internet technology—with Alastair Howe, a seasoned sports photographer based in the charming town of Harrogate.
Alastair spends much of his time travelling across Yorkshire, capturing dynamic images of local sports personalities and clubs. Through years of experience behind the lens, he’s discovered that the most compelling photographs are those bursting with colour and vibrancy.
During our conversation, Alastair shared insights into the fast-paced world of media photography. As he explained, when shooting for publication, there’s no luxury of post-editing—images must be visually accurate and ready to send straight to the editor for immediate online release.
To keep up with the action, Alastair typically shoots at 12–20 frames per second (fps), using continuous autofocus and a monopod to minimise vibration. His preferred setting is Aperture Priority (AP), which allows him to maintain control over depth of field while adapting to changing light conditions.
Alastair’s Top Tips for a Successful Sports Photography Session:
- Know your gear inside out
- Understand the rules of the sport you’re photographing
- Identify standout players early
- Begin with amateur sports, ideally in summer for better lighting
- Aim to separate players for cleaner compositions
- Eliminate background clutter
- Leave space in the frame for players to move into
He also offered a practical tip: many athletes and teams appreciate receiving photos, so don’t hesitate to reach out via Instagram or Facebook. It’s a great way to build connections and share your work with those who value it most.
Next Month, we have Huw Alban talking about Landscape Photography.
All welcome.
Website: addphoto.co.uk or find us on facebook.com/add.photosoc for further information!
Courtney Killpack
Address: The Institute, Adderbury