Fortunately, most sports are illuminated by the best light available–the sun. The advantages of natural outdoor lighting are numerous: One light source illuminates everything and the lighting is constant; it allows you to use the fastest motor drives; it is balanced for daylight film and is consistent; and it’s available all year round, anywhere you go.

There are two drawbacks: It can’t be moved, and as a single light source it limits your shooting positions. The lighting is harsh on clear days, the angle is unappealing when directly overhead because of cast shadows, and it is frequently too dim on overcast days. But if understood and used properly, you can use it to your advantage. Changes in lighting give outdoor pictures a distinct look. No two are ever lit exactly alike. Learn to exploit the sun’s light and control it.

Time of Day – You can’t always pick the time of day when you’d like to shoot. Although competitive events are usually prearranged on a tight schedule, noncompetitive events don’t have that rigidity.

One National Geographic photographer says he only shoots between 6 and 9 in the morning and between 3 and 6 in the afternoon, and finds a local bar in which to entertain himself the rest of the day. I’m not sure what logic led to his success, but he claims the system is fail-proof.

The angle of light is lower during the early morning and late afternoon and is warmer and softer than the midday sun. During those hours, it illuminates subjects at a more pleasing angle than from directly above, and creates modeling. The resulting long shadows show definition that would otherwise be lost in harsh midday light. The best conditions are when the sunlight is diffused through clouds, creating light shadows. An overcast day is especially good for photographing people when detail would otherwise be lost in deep shadows.