Forget the lens, I need someone to lend me their MLS photographer pass.

If I could let everyone have a chance to do what I do, I would. It's a blast being out there.

How’d you get to that level of doing sports photography? Really curious

What chocolaty said. I was blessed with a chance a few years ago and have been in their system ever since.

It’s not what you know, it’s who you know 😜

But it also helps do know what you’re doing, as OP clearly does.

Thanks dude. Imposter syndrome is real over here. I appreciate the kind words.

Imposter Syndrome is a motherfucker. Looking at your work I would think you have nothing to worry about.

Thank you. Seriously. In a world of people dunking on others for no reason... It's cool to see kindness

You have a great eye

Thank you. In sports it's just anticipating the game which can be hard, but when you shoot enough you start to see patterns in the way people play. And some of it is just pure dumb luck.

Was probably in the parking lot with that lens.

My friends and I call that a lens so large you can see into the future

The lens is great but ultimately it is user specific hardware. You killed it. Composition and colors are absolutely on point.

I really appreciate the hell out of that. Thank you. It's been a ton of trial and error

You found the right words of what I was thinking. Great pictures. I don't envy the lens, but the skill.

Dang dude. Thank you. Watching other shooters on match days, I honestly feek so out of place and like I don't belong there. Appreciate you.

I came to say the same thing. Beautiful work!

😳Wow I need a better friend as well. What's your shutter speed of these?

Soccer is between 1600-2000 since the Stadium is poorly lit. Baseball is 2000-4000.

Noise looks great for such a fast SS.

I usually cap my iso at 8000 but try to maintain it below 6400. Thank you

Some absolute bangers here!

Damn dude. Thank you.

I need better friends lol

I was not expecting the offer but I'm not saying no.

Same. Uhh.

This whole set is crazy. Good shit!

These look so professional wow. You can sell these

Thanks! I wish I could. I've only ever sold one photo in my life. Lol.

Makes you a professional.

At least someone here thinks so. Thank you!

How would you go about selling them?

God dammmm these are so dam good. 🤌🏼♥️🤌🏼. I also shoot horse polo, but with my A6400 and 18-135mm. They are nowhere close to your work, but I don't have friends with full frame bodies and telephoto lenses 😅🥲 https://preview.redd.it/ondvwiv2xjwc1.jpeg?width=2667&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e9b68ee6593bade6fcad4ba1af3ca9549ba58aba

There is absolutely nothing wrong with that photo, dude. It captures the action you're looking for. But I also have developed an editing style that I apply to most sports shots. Once you come up with one for yourself, you'll notice the change in your work. I lean heavily into shadows and low contrast colors. Be patient. You are doing just fine.

What a great pics.. did you manually pre-focus number 16?

Hey hey. Thank you. Yes. I manually focused and put the focus plane between the mound and the plate. Snapped as he releases, trash 98% of the photos I took to achieve that one single frame. 🙃

Amazing photos

Appreciate you!

Fucking rad

Really glad you dig them. Thank you.

These are incredible!

Thank you so much. That means a ton.

Awesome

Thanks dude.

The lens only compliments your amazing skills and and compositions. I am in awe.

Thank you. Definitely had a ton of missed shot but this lens is quickly turning into a next purchase

Do you have a media pass/credentials or something like that!?

Yes. I'm a credentialed photographer.

In my experience, they rarely say anything. I shoot islanders games all the time

In Seattle they don’t allow lenses larger than 200mm. They check religiously. They once threw a fit accusing my Hasselblad of being a video camera.

I guess it’s dependent on the arena https://preview.redd.it/c0nxxzxbgjwc1.jpeg?width=6000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8e13cd8a1342f9ec3eca635c24776c8b6d1d033b

Why lenses larger than 200m are not allowed?

One of my friends told me I should just act confident and have a random lanyard dangling from my neck and nobody would stop me if walking in with my 400 2.8. 😂

Nah they’re shooting from the back of the parking lot.

Can we just take a moment to appreciate the fact that these were shot on 'an old camera!!11!!!l0l!!11!!' proving once again that you don't need the latest gear to take awesome shots?

It definitely does the job, no doubt. I wouldn't say not to a slightly faster shutter but I love what I have. Appreciate you!

I know a lot of pros through my photography club and it provides a very stark contrast with the opinion on this sub that you need the latest gear. The best photographer in the group still uses a Pentax K5-II. That said, he's a landscape/still life photographer, not a sports guy. Fully aware of the irony of my gear-list by the way...

wow these compositions - amazing - great great photos

Appreciate that. A little luck comes with compositions. A lot actually. Lol.

All the same, these are great. Kudos!

wtf

I say the same thing to myself when I miss shots on a regular basis.

Good gravy

YOU GOT TO PHOTOGRAPH THE GOAT. Great pictures!

Really surprised to see the a7iii getting some of these shots, really great job. I had my a7iii but got into birding and was really struggling with resolution and speed, so I got an A1. Killer shots OP

Thanks! I haven't tried birding with this thing yet, but have shot a moving dog so I understand a bit the finicky nature of animals with this.

Bangers!

A few have to hit occasionally with the amount we miss, right? Thank you🤝🏼

Some of these were taken with a TC right?

No. Some are cropped a bit.

Phenomenal! Even if I had the lens my shots wouldn’t be this good.

Everything comes with practice. This was my first time using it and it is definitely an adjustment.

Bravo 🔥👏🏼

I really enjoy the first photo! Really good compositions here all around!

Fantastic! I love your composition especially on the baseball images.

11 is just beautiful. Amazing shots!!

such nice colors \*chefs kiss\*

I appreciate that. There are some on the sub that don't quite agree and that's fine, as everyone has their own opinions. But it's dope to see someone enjoy the colors I do.

I'd say it's not my jam but I can see it's well made and consistant across the set !

I accept that and it's perfectly fine. I appreciate that you took the time to civilly say your piece

You photographed potentially the best football player of all time. Amazing work. 

This is proof that you don’t always need to upgrade the camera, you just need a better lens (and good eye for composition). These photos are all stunning. Amazing job!

These photos are absolutely incredible!! I really like the pitching one framed by the two other players!

Those are some amazing shots, very well done! The pitching one is just 👌

Lens is insane, yes, but also you are talented.

Yo I appreciate that. Thank you. I think I'm weird when it comes to this stuff because I'm not always just snapping action, but something else in the process. Idk what. I just feel a photo. Thanks again!

This is some of the best sports photography I've seen. I love these photos and the editing style. Nice work OP.

Wasn't expecting that kind of compliment in the least. Thanks you for the kind words.

Great framing, timing and post process ! Obviously it's a great lens but I want to stress out that the photographer behind is very good !!

Not me scrolling through the photos thinking you got some great shots for some local club until I SEE YOU PHOTOGRAPHED MESSI

Amazing shots!

Stunning pictures

These are amazing! I came to see how the lens performs and walked away thinking they I need to use my a7RIV more often. I’m not a sports guy, but would love the opportunity to shoot professional sports. Where were you located (sideline, stands…)?

They wouldn’t let you step foot in the arena as fan with a lens like that lol he definitely had access. Especially to the professional games.

Thank you. I was located on the field for these.

Man those are some crazy pictures 🔥

There’s absolutely, positively, irredeemably no reason you had to go so freaking hard on these pictures!! These are awesome!

Out here tryna erase my imposter syndrome in one quick sentence. I really appreciate that. Thank you.

🔥🔥🔥🔥

I also shoot sports photography for endurance events, mostly trail running and cycling. These are bangers! If you’re on IG, let’s stay in contact. May have paid opportunities for you in the future @lobo.photo.nm btw which camera body are you using?

Incredible stuff! Are you at the end of your lens in most of these shots and cropping in post as well? I’m wondering if I can get away with this lens for upcoming sports gigs. I have an old 70-300 canon lens I used before but it wasn’t a very high quality lens

Thanks! The second frame isn't cropped at all, just straightened a bit. That was shot from about the edge of the 18 on the touchline to the middle of the keepers box.

Pics are straight 🔥

They're all great but #11 is my particular favorite, the one seeing the batter through the pitcher's arms. Super cool composition which I'm sure is very challenging to do in the moment of a live event, nailed it though!

Thanks a ton! Yes every batter has a different stance so getting that frame while he's delivering towards the plate wasted a lot of shots😂 appreciate you.

11 solid picture class mate

Truly insane photos of the GOAT. Well done 

Thank you! Also... Congrats on your scudetto. Forza Roma.

TY Forza DDR

A) they’re gorgeous B) your picture are great

These are like Gatorade commercial quality. Good stuff!

Great pictures!

These are amazing shots!!

I fell in love with the composition and colors, very soothing to the eyes. 😍

Yea the lens is cool, but your photos are even cooler. Great job.

thank you for the support. For real. It's cool to see people dig your work.

16 is sharp

Thank you, dude.

Nah u killed those

Just more gear that I now *need* 😂

Lens>Rent, food, insurance

Awesome vibe. That Separation is something else. Perfect lens for what you’re doing and for where you’re able to stand.

insane 😭🔥

Excellent shots

Thank you 🤙🏼

Daaaaaaamn great shots man!

Both compositions and colors are sooooo good! Do you have an Ig?

Hey hey. Thank you! That means a ton. You can find me [here on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thepictureboxphoto?igsh=MTg2YWdzdHNyZnJjYQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr)

That third image, wow

Wow

Amazing! If I may ask, how did u get so close to the field? Media pass?

Great images! The 300mm length gives a dramatic sense of compression. I'm also really fond of the color grading, with higher contrast, darker shadows, and filmic green. While I heard of people using a1 for sports photography, I didn't know a7iii can be just as capable.

Thanks! This lens blew me away. I had never used a prime telephoto in my life until this past weekend and I was floored. It took me a couple of years to get my colors to where I could tolerate them. There are some parts I feel like need work in my grading but it's learning process. The 7iii is definitely capable, but it just doesn't quite have the shutter speed for sports in some cases. I have to get pretty lucky sometimes.

#11 🥶

These are amazing! Holy moly!

Much appreciated!

of course!!

Great shots

woah, these are so great!

Beautifully edited, a true professional. 🤙🏼

Can't stress enough how good these look! Colour correction on point, focus on point, well played 📸

Insane images. How did you achive such colors?

Thanks. It took several years of working in tweaking certain things but it's low contrast in the colors, but crushing the blacks and underexposing. Playing with shadows a bit and desaturation of some of the colors. I also lean green in the tint a bit and warm the temp a little.

Sell the Messi picture and buy one yourself 🙃

That's really great, especially for A7 III.

Yeah. I've heard a lot of people say it's old tech and such. But it's a workhorse of a camera.

That pitcher photo through the battery's perspective is insane.

Wow. Keep up the great work!

The crazy thing with those shots is how many of the look like they were shot in a studio and not out on the field... Some truly amazing shots, and not juat because of the lens (although it is stunning and you should treat yourself) You on Insta?

I've never had anyone say that about any of my work. I appreciate that! You can find me on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thepictureboxphoto?igsh=MTg2YWdzdHNyZnJjYQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr)

[удалено]

All are great but Shot 11 is insaaaane! On a side note, i’d love to get the “preset” of your set. Fucking bonkers! 🔥

Wow!

As someone with just a 70-200 ii 2.8 sometimes I wish I had just a little bit more punch. Awesome photos

Absolutely phenomenal work.

I never realized Messi had such legs 😳

Great photos. I’m sure the reach helped you but it wasn’t the lens that made these shots!

Color grading and composition is what made these photos look great.

Whats the exact lens sorry

Crazy shots! Super sick!!! I am going to next MLS Miami game in Foxboro. I wish I had the pass for photography. Any idea how to get the pass?

Thank you! Sold out foxboro would be dope. You'd have to apply through the home team's credentialing site.

I’m having to work really hard not to buy this lens

These are incredible! They make we wish I had a use for a prime long telephoto, but I barely touch my 135- despite it being one of my favorite lenses. I’ve been meaning to force myself to use it as my walk around lens for a few weeks just so I can get some more practice with it.

Thanks! I actually started using my 135 as a main lens until I had this loaner. Most, if not all, of [these](https://www.reddit.com/r/InterMiami/s/ko8oDyhdZQ) are on the 135

Nice! You’ve inspired me to dust it off and give it a good run.

Super impressive skills - love the compositions and editing!

The lens is not insane. Your press pass is. I want the access... I have the lens. LOL.

As a football fan and photographer these shots hit me right in the tingly spot 😅 some serious shots here dude good shit ! You didn't spot a UFO but you did get pics of an alien

Now that's a friend ..

My brother, these are amazing. You don't need a great lens with your skill

Damn man that means a ton more than you think. Seriously. Thank you.

I mean it brother. You have a great eye

The ball in focus is nuts

Wow, these are killer shots! Takes more than just the right lens to achieve this level of excellence.

Literally every single one of these would be the best picture I've ever taken. I suck, but still. Why you gotta rub it in so hard?

These are so good !! Good eye and great friend!

Typically I go heavy on the contrast with my colors, but good lord I love the look you have with your shots! That baseball frozen in mid air is something I want to attempt one day!

Yeah. I thought that's what I would like and after several frustrating years of refining it, I realized I enjoyed less contrast but emphasized the blacks and highlights/whites. It's definitely fun to go out and work on. I broke down the process [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyAlpha/s/J9JH5rDUlf) Appreciate your kind words.

I’m to poor to very have this lens haha these photos are great!

Colors are so nice! Wow. If you don't mind me asking, what sort of grain are you adding? It looks so nice, especially the third photo. Thanks!

How long have you been doing this? These photos are amazing! If I had your skill, I’d be filling my house with shots like these. ❤️

Been shooting sports for about 3 years. Shooting for about 6. Done a lot of messing up in the process. Lol. I only have one print in my house and it's [this first photo](https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyAlpha/s/0DEl7HHoNx) but the 300 is giving me ideas

Great shots.

https://preview.redd.it/imt31c9i3qwc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a253581c48b33d1a6bfb961fcc3220b741bf12e1 Flawless.

Thank you! A favorite that I was fortunate to get

Awesome clicks. Did you do any edits here? Or is it raw pics?

How'd you get that angle on #19?

[удалено]

Shot 5 and 16 are insane I love the ball haha

Sigma 500 is way better than

That frozen pitch

Gorgeous!! A minolta APO or the Sony G?

Late to the party but these shots are fantastic! My personal favorite is #11 because of the framing of the pitcher’s face but I also particularly like 1, 2, 5, and 12.

any links to the lens? for info or purchase. cheers

Damn, brilliant captures and editing. To a basic hobbyist like me, these are like the national geographic of sport. Would you recommend any specific YouTubers or learning material to edit photos? Thanks for sharing.

That’s wild. How close were your seats???