There are many different types of photography. Portraits, weddings, landscapes, concerts, events, fashion, and product photography all offer photographers different creative opportunities. For me, however, sports photography has always stood out.
One of my favorite things about sports photography is that you never completely know what is going to happen. When photographing a game, you have to be ready for the next moment. You could be photographing one player and suddenly the action moves somewhere completely different.
Sports photography also requires you to understand the sport you are photographing. If you don't understand what is happening on the field or ice, it can be difficult to anticipate where the important moments are going to happen. As a hockey photographer, I have learned that knowing the game helps me know where I should be looking and when I need to be ready.
Another reason I enjoy sports photography is the emotion. A sports photograph can show much more than someone playing a game. It can capture excitement, concentration, teamwork, disappointment, celebration, and relationships between teammates.
I also like that sports photography tells a story. A single photograph can show what happened during a game without someone having to explain it. A picture of a player celebrating after a goal, teammates celebrating together, or an athlete preparing before a game can tell completely different stories.
That doesn't mean I don't appreciate other types of photography. I think every type of photography teaches you something different. Portrait photography can teach you how to work with people, event photography can teach you how to react quickly, and landscape photography can teach you about composition and patience.
For me, though, sports photography combines many of the things I enjoy most: action, storytelling, people, and being part of an exciting environment.
I don't think there is one “best” type of photography. The best type is the one that makes you want to keep picking up your camera.
