The stories behind five brilliant sports shots

The pressure of shooting fast-paced action can sometimes distract sports photographers from capturing that one moment of brilliance – a standout image that really grabs the attention. The examples here, though, demonstrate that with the right settings, kit that can perform in high-pressure situations, and some creative flair, it's possible to capture striking and unusual shots.

We spoke to five professionals who specialise in shooting a range of sports to find out what inspired them to take these images, the gear and settings they used, and what tips and advice they would give to aspiring photographers who want to have a go at replicating these effects.

Try it yourself

"You have to know exactly how the materials you are using will behave," says James. "Experiment with elements that aren't conventional to portraiture. You could start off with water and sparklers, or try light painting with the flashlight on your phone."

James also suggests trying out different shutter speeds to see what actually works on camera. "Seeing how different elements can be frozen in motion is vital to getting a shot like this right," he adds.

Try it yourself

"These kinds of photos take time," Jean-baptiste explains. "You need a perfectly steady camera, so you have to use a tripod. You also need a long exposure and a really dark environment."

If you're trying this yourself, get a friend to pose as a subject – or use an object, and then experiment moving a light around them in a range of motions. The slower you move your light source, the brighter your light painting will be, as the camera sensor has more time to absorb the light. Be sure to wear dark clothing with no reflective surfaces to avoid being seen in your images.

Try it yourself

Morgan says you need to wait for the right moment with photos like this and she also advises considering your backdrop. "A distracting colour or object can ruin your photo," she says. If something in the distance is drawing unwanted attention, choose a wider aperture (by selecting a lower f-number). This will blur the background, while your subject remains sharp and in focus.

To create drama and intrigue in your images, focus on the faces of your subjects, particularly their eyes. When shooting sports, also think about interesting framing – the way Morgan has captured the face between the bent elbow draws our attention to the athlete and their determination, at a crucial time in the match.

Plus, if photographing a team sport, make sure you're in the right position. Morgan placed herself near the goal net, so she was able to be in the right place ready to capture the action.

Try it yourself

If you want to land a shot like this, you need to master your technique in a more low-key, controlled environment, advises Samo. "Start small and build your experience. Use a slow shutter and experiment with both eye-tracking autofocus and Manual Focus to see what you prefer. Ask a friend to practise with you, so you can try panning at different speeds, as the speed of the subject will affect the result. First experiment with just the flash on the camera, then maybe try attaching a Speedlite to a tree or at different heights – all of this will affect the shadows and the shot."

Try it yourself

"Get comfortable adjusting your exposure settings and try to find a position up high so that you are able to shoot down on to a subject below," advises Ella. "The sun needs to be low in the sky to create the long shadows. This will work with any sport or any subject, it doesn't need to be moving."

To achieve dramatic shadows, look for opportunities at sunrise and sunset when the sun is at its lowest point. Alternatively, you could use a Speedlite or artificial light source to create a similar effect. Composition is important when working with shadows; the rule of thirds is employed here, with the athlete fixed in the right third of the image. Colour is a huge component, as well – see how the bright yellow tennis ball pops. Always take a step back from the action to consider artful elements.

Hopefully these striking images, tips and advice from the pros have inspired you to have a go at creating your own standout sports shots. When you start experimenting with different techniques, the creative possibilities are endless.

Written by Jack Fittes