The best sports portraits tell the unique story of the athlete. Before contacting any photographer, it’s therefore important to consider what narrative or message you want to convey.
In order to tell this story involves creativity and the photographer experimenting with different posts, props and post-processing techniques.
A sports portrait should not only capture the athlete's physical skill but their inner strength, dedication, and character. It should inspire and resonate with viewers, conveying a deeper connection to the athlete and their sport.
Paul Cooper has the technical skills and artistic vision to create unforgettable portraits of athletes from a wide range of backgrounds.
He can create images that capture an athlete’s personality, prowess and unique achievements. From ensuring that the body language and pose is bang-on, to creating portraits that are more contemplative, he can create a wide range of sports photography.
He can create sports portraits in all kinds of settings. Natural light can be deployed to stunning effect, but if you’re after a more controlled result, he can take pictures in a specially equipped studio.
Lighting is great for using to emphasise an athlete’s strength and physique. Meanwhile soft lighting is perfect for creating a flattering finish.
A top photographer for telling a sports personality’s story.
Wherever an athlete comes from or what stage they’re at in their journey, he can ensure that the background of their portrait is ideal. There are many different ways to shoot a portrait; for instance, using a shallow depth of field (achieved through a wide aperture) to blur the background and make the athlete stand out.
He will always listen closely to your goals before carrying out a portrait. Whether it’s for editorial purposes or a website, he will ensure the photographs meet your objectives and surpass your expectations.
The best portraits are sharp and instantly beguiling.
Paul Cooper will ensure the athlete's face or key focal point is sharp and in focus. If needed, he can use the athlete's eyes as the primary point of focus to draw attention to their sense of determination. Alternatively, he can use techniques like darker light that create a dramatic effect (see portrait of Katarina Johnson-Thompson above).
His sports photography also includes heart-racing action shots.
Whether you wish to capture a moment of action or deep emotion, this sports photography can convey an athlete’s passion. Candid shots are especially brilliant for capturing those moments of triumph and are often some of the most powerful.
Based in the north west of the UK, Paul Cooper will use the finest equipment for your sports portraits.
For images that focus on the face, he can use a portrait lens (e.g., 85mm, 50mm) can help achieve pleasing bokeh and flattering perspectives. As an experienced photographer, he can achieve all kinds of creative effects.
Collaborate with Paul Cooper to achieve the portrait you’re after
Paul Cooper takes his time to get to know an athlete and build a rapport, which makes it more likely they’ll feel confident and relaxed during the shoot. He can work closely with anyone involved to ensure your goals for the project are met.
He can also deliver first-class post-processing to enhance the final image. That includes retouching and colour correction can help achieve the desired mood and style. He will never overdo it, ensuring that it looks as natural and authentic as possible.
If you need a top sports portrait photographer in the north west, simply get in touch with Paul Cooper for more information. Or check out his portfolio today.