SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

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Also, other than fuss with different grades of finish paper (to balance negatives that are above or below normal contrast), I buy polycontrast paper and compensate for film lighting conditions by using a filter kit with my enlarger.

GROUP PROCESSING

The payoff of my "simplify-and-standardize" approach to darkroom gear is minimum development time. Since I always use the same film and paper, take shots when the subject image fills the camera, acid try to shoot on days when the lighting conditions are stable . . . I can print a whole series of photos at once. In fact, I can actually process 100 shots at one time (although-for lack of drying space-I generally develop my prints in groups of only 25).

Axed, when you save time in the darkroom, you can shoot (and print) a lot more pictures at the event. Such productivity is crucial to the sports photo business. When you're out filming a race or contest, you'll want to "capture" every single contestant not just once, but several times . . . to get the best (and most marketable) action shots possible. I've often snapped off six to eight frames during one eight-second bronco ride. (These were all picked action shots, too . . . not just a machine-gun spray of motor-driven pix that would have kept me in the darkroom the whole blamed night.)

My regular, considered shooting usually results in at least one dynamic, exciting print for every contestant . . . because I always aim to "immortalize" the competitor when he or she is displaying good athletic form. (One important make-'em-look-good tip: Always shoot a racer ahead of somebody else rather than behind . . . even if the slowpoke you are "clicking" is actually a lap down!)

AT THE ACTION

It's not hard to locate contests to photograph. Talk to local folks who participate in (or watch) the activities you want to record. Find out if your preferred sports have their own publications so you can check out the upcoming events in those mags. In addition, read the athletic listings in your regional newspaper . . . or call the sports editor of that daily gazette to find out about the gatherings he or she didn't have room to print. (As a bonus from this sort of inquiry, the journalist may express an interest in purchasing some of your shots!)

Once you choose-and arrive at-an-event, introduce yourself to the meet officials and explain that you're a sports photographer. Act courteous and competent . . . and be sure to dress cleanly (you'll be highly visible to the paying customers, so the contest organizers won't want you to look shoddy). You'll probably be granted free admission to most small and medium-sized sports "jousts".

THE OLD SELL GAME

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