I was checking out my site stats today, just doing some back end updating, and noticed a few search queries for “maxpreps photographer.” So, let’s chat a bit about applying to join their Professional Photographer Network really quick…The application is a 2-step process. Your first round will be just 6 images and a quick questionnaire about what kind of gear you have. If you make it to round two, you’ll need a gallery of 25 images from one game.
Before we look at image examples for your first round, let’s cover the gear you will need to have. You need a pro camera body. I use a Canon 1dx iii. You’ll want to have a camera body that has a high frame rate, high Iso capabilities, and built in anti-flicker to help with the new led lights. If your camera body doesn’t have these things, it may still take great images!!! But, you’ll need to change your mindset in how you are approaching this…If you get accepted, MaxPreps essentially becomes your “client.” They have a specific look and feel they want images to have. If the work you produce is not in line with those guidelines, the images will not be published.
Lenses, you’ll need a “long” lens. At least a 300 mm 2.8 of some sort. This could look like a Canon 300 mm f/2.8, Canon 400 mm f/2.8, Sigma 100-300 mm f/2.8, etc. et. And before you ask, no a 300 mm f/4 will not make the cut. Add a Canon 70-200 mm f/2.8 and your bag will be ready to go for the most part. And let me add, I’m not buying brand new gear. I don’t have the budget for it. I buy used gear as much as I possibly can. That’s part of the reason why I stayed with a DSLR instead of jumping to mirrorless. You can get a great deal when other photographers trade in their DSLR gear to upgrade to mirrorless. It still works great, has a lot of life left, and gets the job done just fine! So, if you don’t have a large budget to play with, look at used gear from a reputable source. Lastly, it’s always great to have a wider lens in your bag like a 24-70 mm, 50 mm, or 16-35 mm.
Okay, now on to examples of “good” images for your initial application of 6 images. These 6 images should be the best ACTION shots you’ve got! We all know there are great images of teammates celebrating, sideline portraits, etc. but, those initial 6 images need to show action. Also, show that you can handle different lighting situations too, night time, gym lights, full sun. So, examples…
✅ Action that fills the frame and you can see both athlete’s faces….
❌ No action, it’s still sharp, well exposed, shows an important moment in the match, but does not show action. Yes, I would include this in an entire gallery, but not in my initial set of 6.
✅ Action, good focus, player fills the frame, has the ball, and you can see his face while he is running with no motion blur.
❌ Not action… two things with this image, it doesn’t show action, yes the player is waiting for the ball with his arm extended and some might consider that “action” … Ask yourself, is the top of the top action photo you have in your portfolio? I’m sure if you keep digging, you’ll have one that shows more action. Second issue, I can’t see his face. Yes, the image is technically correct, shows I can capture a game at night in low light, and the player might love the image, but at the end of the day MaxPreps is our “client” and they want to see the face of the player. So, this image would be a no-go in my initial set of 6 images.
✅ Action…shows great action! 3rd base is tossing the ball to 2nd base with the player sliding in. While you can’t see 3rd’s face, it’s okay because he is not blocking the other two players. It’s a properly exposed image and shows you can handle backlighting. If I included this image in my initial 6, I might crop it in slightly to get rid of the empty space on the bottom left of the frame.
❌ Not action, but is a great “portrait” of the catcher with his helmet off. Yes, this would go in a complete gallery, but not in the initial 6.
✅ One more and we’ll call it a day…great action of the player making a play on the ball with no motion blur, composition is great, and shows you can handle full sun lighting.
❌ Not action but still a fun image that would be included in the full gallery but not in my initial 6.
At the end of the day, when you’re putting together your 6 images, you don’t feel like you have 6 that are “good enough,” make it your goal at the next game you photograph, you specifically focus on getting 6 solid images you could use. And as always, if you have questions or need help, reach out!
