7 Tips For Choosing The Right Sports Photographer

There’s all sorts of exciting sports events coming up this summer, both those at professional and amateur level. 

When picking a sports photographer for your project in Manchester, you want someone who's right for the concept you have in mind and will do it justice. If you’re seeking a professional for your project, here are seven tips to get you started. 

1. Explore their portfolio and see whether you like their style. A portfolio is the best way to gauge the skills and style of any photographer. Ideally you want someone who experiences shooting in similar sports events or portraits to the one you are organising. Paul Cooper is ideal for anyone who wants pictures that are sophisticated and capture the raw emotion and personalities of the athletes involved. 

2. Look closely at the quality of their images, including the composition and lighting. As you’ll see from Paul Cooper’s gallery, his pictures are sharp, atmospheric and have unforgettable compositions that make them ideal for use in everything from advertising and marketing to editorials. Based in Manchester, he’s worked with many well-known brands like Nike, Pepsi, and New Balance. 

3. Ensure they have the necessary level of experience and qualifications. Our photographer has worked on many high profile campaigns, with portraits including those of celebrities like Marcus Rashford, Alex Scott, Jose Mourinho, Usain Bolt, Mo Farah, Wayne Rooney, and many more. He has also captured stunning group shots for a range of applications. His work includes PR, advertising, corporate and portrait photography. 

4. Look at what equipment the photographer uses. More than any style of photography, fast-action sports shots require specialised equipment like fast lenses and high-speed cameras. It’s essential to use a photographer that comes equipped with the necessary gear to capture even the most fast-paced action. Paul Cooper can not only take the most captivating shots but ensure they’re skillfully edited and finished to exceptional standards. 

5. Check online reviews and testimonials from previous clients. This will give you an idea of the photographer's reliability, expertise, and the quality of their work.

6. Pick someone with excellent communication skills. The best sports photographers communicate well with the athletes, coaches and event organisers to get the finest results. After all, photography isn’t just about hiding behind a lens; it’s about communicating with those in front of it. They should be  friendly, approachable, and have the ability to adapt to different situations. Paul Cooper prides himself on collaborating with his subjects to produce highly crafted pictures and videos. Why not see his ‘behind the scenes’ gallery to see what he gets up to?

7. Hire someone who has a consistent style. When picking a sports photographer, you want to know the kind of results you’re going to get. Based in Manchester, Paul Cooper works with companies and sports groups throughout the UK. His images are sharp, striking and bold, making it easy for a campaign to stand out from the competition. 

If you’re looking for the right sports photographer for your event in Manchester, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Paul Cooper for more information.