Freelance photographers are needed to cover more events - especially on summer Sundays.

Even within road running there are often days when there are two or more events on at the same time - so more photographers are needed just for this sport alone. And essential to extend coverage to more sports and more events.

What do you need to do the work? A digital SLR camera (with fast lenses, lots of memory cards, etc) and a professional approach. You also need a PC with broadband Internet access. Details>>>

What do you get? All of the net income from the sale of prints / images at the events covered. Web pages on the TAimages or Running-Photos web sites. You retain copyright on the images you take.

Advantages Ready to go web site and print distribution channel. Established sports photo service. Pooling of resources to cover major events.

Disadvantages We don’t make any profit on this work! So no up-front payments. And no guarantee that sales will cover your expenses or the time spent [you don’t have to be crazy ... but it helps]

Still Interested? Contact me - Brian Townsley on 01302 370229

For the US view on sports photography check out SportsShooter and a European sports photography agency with interesting content is First Foto Factory

Which digital SLR? Canon and Nikon lead the field. Having switched from Nikon many years ago Canon is my current brand. Many sports situations can be handled by a Canon 40D body but going for one of the 1D bodies is best - if the funds are available.

The low-cost approach is to get a used 20D / 30D (£400?) and going up in cost there is a new 40D (£690) or a used 1D (£650? - only 4Mp but enough for many agencies). But best would be a used 1D MKII (£1,500) or a new 1D MkIII at £2,450. If buying used remember that all cameras have a design-life. My totally unscientific guidelines are 60,000 shutter releases for a 20D and 200,000 for a 1D.

There are two essential lenses - 24-70 f2.8 and 70-200 f2.8. Plan for £2,000 if bought new from the Canon L Series. If you want to cover cricket or football then 300 / 400 mm lenses are essential. Further lenses are optional - but the Canon 135 f2 is a super lens for sports use.

A flash unit is not practical for rapid-fire or long-distance situations but is essential in sports that allow close-up shots of individuals. The Canon 580EX is the only one to use (imho). The other things you will need are - monopod, rain-protection, spare batteries, 8Gb+ of compact flash cards and a battery-grip if using a 20D / 30D / 40D.

Making it pay? If starting from scratch that’s a big investment. So make sure you write-up a realistic expenses budget first!

The budget also needs some real-life estimates of income (ie wild guesses). A simplistic guideline for running / cycling is that an event needs at least 1,000 competitors to have a chance of generating enough income from print sales. And that is only with a good take-up rate!

This important take-up rate varies according to the profile of the event and things beyond your control - such as the weather. But don’t believe claims of 20% (or even 50%) of competitors wanting prints. Except for the “big events” a figure of 2% is more likely! A run of bad weather can cut revenue to the point where it is best to cancel coverage.

A few hours covering the typical amateur football match won’t generate anything towards that expensive 1D MkIII + 300mm f2.8 outfit!