When it comes to sports pictures, it's a good idea to crop tight, so the viewer can see faces and hands.
There are a few exceptions and here's one of them
This post-production technique will make the subject look as high as possible in the air.
In the picture above, the image has been cropped up from the bottom. Not a bad look at all but there's a better view.
When you're cropping your images in Photoshop, Lightroom or other software, leave space under the athlete.
Check out the example below.
Now the player looks higher off the ground because of the space underneath her.
Check out the two images below for another example.
The player looks so much higher in the image below. And the viewer can now see the orange pylon in the endzone.
SAFETY TIP: When a high school, college or pro player dives into the endzone like this, he can slide as much 10-15 ft.!
Pay attention to the angle he's running so you don't end up in the ER!
*If he looks towards you as he's running, hang in there to make the picture but be ready to bail quickly!
If you do end up in the ER, when you wake up, be sure to head back to The Light Curve for more safety tips! 😂
Images by Travis Bell. ©Copyright
*This is why it's risky to sit on the ground when photographing sports. It's much easier to get out of the way if you're kneeling or standing vs. sitting.
Want to learn more about what makes a great sports picture. Check out this post.