It’s obvious that documenting rugby in pictures doesn’t let a photographer to relax. Normally, photographer assigned for sport photography will locate themselves in a perfect spot where most great action will take place.

In rugby, there are few things that I will share from my experience doing so for the Labuan 10s series (2007 and 2008) and some friendly games between Labuan Rugby Club and other rugby team.

First, set your location. In rugby game, you should look for line out, scrum and of course, tackling. If you’re shooting in group, assign everyone at those locations above. Line out – well, the side line of course. Scrum can happen anywhere in the field, so anyone with 300mm lens and above will have the advantage. Tackling also the same, but try to focus on the impact – not merely an image of someone holding another.

Second, search for an impact. Normally, I will look at players when they’re entering the field. I will pick anyone with confidence stamped on their forehead, or anyone growling to the opponent (if there are any!) and my lens will follow them. These are the people that will give impact to your picture. They will tackle harder, they will scrum like a bulldozer and they will run like there’s no tomorrow. So, look for these people and you will get good picture.

Third, rugby is all about teamwork. Taking a portrait of one player alone might be great sometimes, but everyone will appreciate if you have two or three players performing a tactical move or simply supporting each other in your picture. I guess this is the hardest part that I’m still trying to learn. To squeeze few peoples in one image might be difficult – but It’s worth a try.

Fourth, study rugby. You will be able to perform better when you know the game in general. That alone will tell you when to press the shutter.

Please share your experience and critics and comments are welcome.

*Sorry for the image quality. The aperture blade was oily.