Don’t be afraid to get involved

Immerse yourself. Get as close to the action as you can so that you capture the eyes of your subject. This will give the viewer an insight in to what they are thinking or feeling at that moment and stir up much more of an emotional response to your photography.

Start in your comfort zone

Begin shooting something that you are passionate about, this will naturally help you develop your skills. With sports photography, it’s all about anticipating the moment before it happens. I played ice hockey when I was younger, so I knew the flow and technique of the game. This meant I was able react quickly.

Inspiration is everywhere

Take inspiration from everything around you – from movies, to art, to magazines. Being open to ideas will encourage your creativity. Ultimately, this is what will set your photography apart from someone else’s.

Be determined

Fight to get that one perfect shot, no matter what the obstacle is; it could be the image that changes your life. Photography is as much about talent as it is about determination. For me, I have a clear vision of what I want to do and I won’t stop until I get it.

Faster is better

In sports photography, get as close to the subject as you can and stay low. Try to get closer than anyone else. Once you’re set up, you’ll need a camera that can nail the picture. I use the Nikon D5 as my main camera; its fast autofocus and high ISO opens up a lot of possibilities for sports photographers.

The set-up is key

The first thing I look for is the background and lighting, even if your subject is in focus and the background blurred. Without a good set-up your subject won’t look good, no matter how hard you try.