Play ball! That’s what’s being shouted across the country as baseball games start – from summer camps, little league teams, to the pros. And it’s not just baseball… Sports photographers are always looking for the best ways to capture those epic sports moments, and we’ve gathered a group of photographers who use Sony Alpha cameras to get the job done. Why? Fast and accurate autofocus systems are crucial for capturing fast-paced action and ensuring sharp images. This plus the high-burst rates, great dynamic range, and low light capabilities make them the perfect tool for sports photography. We have pulled together a list of truly fantastic sports photographers who are sharing their knowledge on YouTube. If you’re interested in trying your hand at sports photography, start learning more here! And for more inspiration and photography lessons, be sure to subscribe to Sony Alpha Universe on YouTube.

See how these pro sports shooters capture the action, drama, intensity and decisive moments on the pitch, field, diamond and court.

Patrick Murphy-Racey

Sony Artisan Patrick Murphy-Racey has seen a great variety of assignments since his start in newspapers, through the peak years of being a magazine freelancer, his tenure as a regular contributor to Sports Illustrated, and into the corporate and industrial world of annual reports and advertising. What he is possibly most known for are his epic sports images. In his YouTube video below, he uses the Sony Alpha 7R V paired with the Sony 400mm f/2.8 G Master to photograph football. Watch below for more. His main sports kit includes two Sony Alpha 1 cameras and the Sony 600mm f/4 G Master, Sony 400mm f/2.8 G Master, Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G, Sony 135mm f/1.8 G Master, Sony 24-105mm f/4 G, Sony 14mm f/1.8 G Master and Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II lenses. Read more about it in his What's In My Bag article.

Peter Sarellas

Sports videographer Peter Sarellashas created a YouTube channel to share informative tips and tutorial videos about videography and video editing, often with a focus on sports videography. In the video below, he breaks down why he upgraded from the Sony Alpha 7 III to the Sony Alpha 7 IV. Some of the features he touches on include the 10 bit color, the slow motion capabilities, the ergonomics, the shutter cover, the autofocus system, and the menu system. Check out his channel and be sure to subscribe!

Chris Hau

Chris Hau is a filmmaker, photographer, and creative director from Toronto, Canada. A self-described “creative storyteller crafting innovative and engaging content for the digital landscape” Hau’s work focuses specifically on content for Instagram and YouTube. He shares his thoughts on every aspect of photography and filmmaking, and he adds a lot of humor and fun along the way. The video below breaks down how to get started in sports photography as a beginner. He shoots with the Sony Alpha 7 III and goes into the menus to show you how to get your settings properly set.

Lemar Griffin

Sports photographer and videographer Lemar Griffin’s YouTube channel features vlogs, sports, highlights, and photography. In the video below, he breaks down what he takes to professional football games when he’s photographing. His go-to gear includes the Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master, Sony 70-200mm f/4 G (which he describes as his main go-to lens), the Sony Alpha 9, the Sony Alpha 7 III and the Sony Alpha 7R III. In the video below he talks through what advice he would give to sports creators who are trying to get to the level of shooting pro-level football.

Bonus! 

Jean Fruth - Sony Alpha Universe

Pro sports photographer and Sony Artisan Jean Fruth (@JeanFruthImages) is a storyteller at heart. She goes beyond the classic sports image and documents the culture and the stories behind the sport. Fruth is renowned for her baseball imagery and stories and her highly-acclaimed book Grassroots Baseball: Where Legends Begin is a visual journey to the heart of the game, from sandlots to big-league stadiums. Jean gave a masterclass for Sony Alpha Universe where she gives a lesson on what constitutes a great picture and how to shoot one. Learn more of Jean’s tips for storytelling in sports photography HERE.