Sports Photographers

High School

While in high school, take photography classes and any other art classes that are offered. Painting classes, for example, teach composition and balance, which are both important when shooting pictures. Physical education classes introduce the rules of various sports, which will also come in handy when trying to capture images. For self-employed photographers, essential classes include business, accounting, advertising, and marketing classes. English and speech will help to develop communication skills. 

Postsecondary Training

Most sports photographers earn college or art school degrees in photography to increase their skills and knowledge, build a portfolio, and improve their attractiveness to potential employers. However, in this line of work, experience is more important than formal training. Only the well-practiced photographer is skilled enough to capture a soccer header or two athletes in mid-air fighting for a rebound. These shots require a lot of trial and error before getting the timing down, not to mention the right camera settings.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education events, seminars, classes, and other activities are offered by many professional associations, including American Photographic Artists, American Society of Media Photographers, American Society of Picture Professionals, and Professional Photographers of America.