Want to photograph action sports around the World? Here are 7 tips from a pro

1. 546 views | Dec 2, 2019, 04:25pm
Want To Photograph Action Sports
Around the World? Here Are 7 Tips
From A Pro
Travel
I cover adventure, outdoor, and wellness travel.
Adrienne Jordan Contributor
With the Olympics around the corner, many sports enthusiasts are gearing up for their
Japan travel. If you want to capture the action of the Olympics (or have a curiosity to
shoot sporting events around the world), then there are certain elements to this style of
photography that is key. Kyle Lieberman is a New York based photographer who has
created content for brands like Red Bull, Toyota, ESPN, Brooks, Merrell, Honda, ASICS
and Osprey. Some of the tips he will share include mental and physical preparation;
specific lenses and gear; as well as the importance of waking up early to get sunrise
images. Here are 7 sports photography tips from the 2019 Red Bull Illume Emerging
Photographer Semi-Finalist:
1. GEAR

2. Taken with a Sony RX100 VII while riding through Corner Canyon in Salt Lake City, Utah. KYLE LIEBERMAN
Everyone loves to talk shop, but what I want to drive home is that cameras and lenses
are simply tools and they all have a purpose to create specific images and styles. Find
what works for you and don’t get caught up in brands, I use multiple formats and brand
and it’s because that’s what works best for my style of photography. I love shooting film
but would I take that on a Red Bull job with only 10 min of action available to shoot?
Probably not, I’d stick with my Nikon D5 because that’s the right tool for the job.
Mirrorless is making travel and adventure photography much easier, less weight and
sharper lenses allows us to go farther and faster.
2. HYDRATION

3. Nikon D4 with a 16mm fisheye in an Aquatech Underwater Housing at the Rockaways in Queens, NY KYLE LIEBERMAN
This may seem like a given, but after ending up in the hospital after a 13,000ft summit,
consider this to be one of the most important lessons of my travels as an adventure
photographer. I had never been dehydrated before and so I didn’t understand what I wa
experiencing. Before a long day shooting avoid hot springs, they suck every ounce of
water out of you, and always carry at least 2L of water. If you’re in the mountains and
there’s no clean water, remember your water filter.
Today In: Lifestyle
3. PHYSICAL PREPARATION

4. Nikon D850 Ski Touring in Whistler Blackcomb Backcountry, BC KYLE LIEBERMAN
Being an action sports photographer, I not only have to be as fast as the world class
athletes I’m photographing, I have to be faster. Which means I need to train like an
athlete on my off days to stay in shape and compete with the best. You have to be an
athlete to shoot athletes. Training at elevation and with athletes at a higher fitness level
then you are two ways to really push your limits. If I wasn’t able to go the distance I
wouldn’t have half of the photos in my portfolio. In this image I was using a Nikon D85
for the ski action shots.
4. MENTAL PREPARATION

6. Kyle Lieberman KYLE LIEBERMAN
I believe mental preparation is even more important then physical preparation, being
able to adapt to extreme conditions and make split second decisions on the fly is
something that separates the best from the rest. Being an action photographer is very
stressful and I find myself in a lot of dangerous situations and without a clear head it
becomes extremely overwhelming. Practicing meditation and being put in these
situations regularly I’ve found are the best ways to prepare for the inevitable anxiety.
5. CURIOUSITY
Nikon D850 Pivot Shuttle e-mtb riding cliff edges in New Hampshire KYLE LIEBERMAN
Staying on trail is great, they’ve been built for a reason and provide some beautiful
views, but what if you climbed over that ridge to see what’s on the other side? Some of
my most memorable images and work has come from exploring new places and taking
risks that most people wouldn’t. Having the courage to cross the line is something that
takes practice; I spent a lot of time shooting in parking garages, rooftops and abandone

7. buildings I wasn’t supposed to be in when I was younger, now I’m summiting peaks off-
trail and driving down every back country road to find the most unique places.
6. THE RIGHT COMPANY
Nikon D850 Osprey Back-To-School campaign, New York, NY KYLE LIEBERMAN
The best adventures are produced by the people you’re surrounded with, an adventurou
group of explorers are going to help you create much better images then a guided tour
group from Expedia. Shooting professional athletes are going to yield much higher
quality work and make your life easier as a photographer. Chose your crew carefully an
always reciprocate the good vibes.
7. DEDICATION

8. I've been an outdoor and adventure travel writer for over 8 years. My writing has appeared in nation
publications such as National Geographic Traveler, Men's Journal,... Read More
Red Bull Illume Emerging Photographer Semi-Finalist Award Photo, New Hampshire KYLE LIEBERMAN
No one wants to wake up at 4am for the sunrise, but it’s the only way to produce those
one of a kind images the rest aren’t willing to dedicate to. That’s an example of short
term dedication, the more important and far more difficult long term dedication is
something that only the best can work through. Being a professional photographer is a
long game, it takes years to build a reputation and in the beginning most of your
adventures will be self founded and that’s an investment that is not only totally
worthwhile but absolutely necessary. Those self funded trips will result in even bigger
and better adventures paid for and produced by the biggest names in the outdoor world
Adrienne Jordan