Bimrmingham sports photographer


xpLosION for a a photographer


The biggest sporting event at the University of Birmingham. American football, cheerleading, fireworks and thousands of students come together for an incredible night of action.


It's not an event you'd want to miss and if you're lucky enough to be a sports photographer on the day, here are a few tips and tricks!

Football players in red and white uniforms line up at scrimmage during a game on grass field.

Canon 6D + EF70-200 f/4L

 

Tip 1 - Relates to the above photo and it's to shoot american football first. If like me, you know nothing about american football photography, take the time to cover one of their games and get a feel for how the game flows, the angles that work and how to read the game. You don't want to be learning the ropes during the biggest game of the year!


Tip 2 - Arrive early. If it's anything like when I covered the event, you’ll need a wristband to get access to the field, and once the crowds arrive, it becomes tricky to move around freely. Getting there early gives you time to set up, test your gear, and find the best shooting angles before things get hectic.


Football players in blue and yellow uniforms stand on the sideline during a game.
A montage of sports players wearing navy blue and yellow uniforms during a baseball game.

Canon 6D + EF70-200 f/2.8L - The background blur from the 2.8 aperture lens really elevates these photos!

Tip 3 - Consider renting a lens. If you already have a 70-200 2.8 then ignore me but if, like me, you were a broke student then renting one is 100% worth it. An f/5.6 or even f/4 lens won't work as well as an f/2.8 lens under the Bournbrook 3G floodlights, both in terms of ISO performance and background separation. One of my best photos taken while at university happened at xpLosION and was only possible due to the f/2.8 lens I was renting.

Football players compete during a game with players in blue and white uniforms on the field near the goal line.

Canon 6D + EF70-200 f/2.8L

 

Cheerleaders perform synchronized acrobatic stunts in a dark arena during a live performance.
Cheerleaders perform synchronized jumps and dance moves during a nighttime performance on an illuminated field.

Canon R6 + EF70-200 f/2.8L

Canon 6D + EF70-200 f/2.8L

Cheerleaders in white uniforms perform synchronized dance moves on a grassy field at night.

Canon R6 + EF70-200 f/2.8L

Tip 4 - Don't neglect the cheeleaders! The University of Birmingham Cheerling club or better known as the Birmingham Pussycats are essential to xpLosION. After spending the day with them in 2024 (which you can read about here), you could not imagine the amount of hard work that goes into their routines. I've seen it first hand, their performances are full of energy, and make for some really great photos. Before shooting, check in with the team to see where they'd like you to stand (when I shot in 2024 I was asked to stay in one position so as to keep the focus on them).


Bright pink and red fireworks explode against the dark night sky in a dazzling pyrotechnic display.
Red fireworks burst across the night sky in a dazzling display of pyrotechnic celebration.

Canon R6 + EF24-105 f/4L | 10s | f/18 | ISO 100

 

Canon R6 + EF24-105 f/4L | 8s | f/18 | ISO 100

 

Tip 5 - Bring a tripod. You won’t need it during the rest of the event, but once the game ends and the fireworks begin, you’ll be glad you brought one. It makes capturing the above long exposure shots so much easier.


Tip 6- Enjoy yourself. Sounds very cheesy to say but xpLosION is honestly unlike any other event at the university. Everyone who's not a player/coach/cheerleader is watching behind a fence with an obstructed view. As a sports photographer, you have an unobstructed view, the freedom to move around and it's an amazing opportunity to be right in the action and get some photos you'll look back on fondly. Plus front row seats to the fireworks display? Yes please!!



Football player in navy uniform with gold accents reacts emotionally during game.
Soccer players perform acrobatic flips and tricks on a grass field during practice or performance.
A sports mascot lion wearing a navy blue jersey with number 54 gestures while standing on a grassy field.
Cheerleaders perform during a nighttime sports event on a field under stadium lights.
Football players in red and navy uniforms practicing drills on a grass field during an autumn afternoon practice session.
A football player in a navy blue jersey with yellow numbers looks intensely at the camera during a game.
A sports mascot in a navy jersey entertains spectators on an artificial turf field at dusk.
Medieval costumed performers with shields and armor engage in combat reenactment during an outdoor event.