Capture sports in a new light

Keep the viewer guessing

When it comes to framing, Anouk usually relies on instinct, but for this campaign she prepared a mood board with compositions that inspired her. “Experimenting with angles, I aimed to create images that wouldn't immediately reveal the location or subject,” she says. “I wanted the viewer to question where the action was taking place, adding an element of surprise and intrigue. I also used prisms in front of my lenses to add more depth to the images. And, when it came to lenses, I preferred using primes because they forced me to think about framing first, then focusing on following the subject once the shot was set up.”

Top tip: “A powerful skiing composition comes down to capturing the essence of speed, motion, and the environment. The camera’s speed and your ability to react to the action in front of you are crucial, but experimentation is key – try different shutter speeds and movements to see what unfolds – and embrace happy accidents!”

Colours can pull a series together

Working with natural light, Anouk used a polarising filter to not only help to manage the light, but to also enhance the contrast and colours, which were key to her composition. This also allowed her slow down the shutter speed without needing to increase the f-stop too much. “Sometimes I focused on the warm, earthy tones of the dune, while other images emphasised the blues of the sky and sea,” she says. “There’s a contrast between the colours across the series, but not necessarily within each individual shot.”

Top tip: “Often, the final composition emerges during the editing process, where I can refine the shot to match my vision. I always photograph in RAW because it offers much better quality and gives me more freedom to edit the images afterwards.”

A fast speed for a fast sport

With an aperture as wide as possible at f/1.8 or f/2.8 to create more depth, a focal length of 50mm and photographing in RAW, Anouk’s shutter speed varied depending on scene. “I used the fastest possible settings, such as 1/8000 secs or 1/16000 secs, to capture the movement of the skier and the sand with precision,” she explains. “But I also experimented with slower speeds, down to 1/20 secs, to create a sense of motion and blur in some shots.”

Top tip: “Play with burst mode. It was essential for me when capturing a variety of frames. It gave me multiple options to choose from, ensuring I could select the one with the perfect placement of the subject, sand and other elements in the frame.”

Find a focus setting that works for you

True to her own advice about experimenting, Anouk was eager to explore different focus settings for this project. “The autofocus system on the Z6III was more powerful than what I’ve used before,” she enthuses. “Facial recognition was particularly useful for tracking the skier’s face while using a specific focus point, allowing me to control exactly where the sharpest focus was, especially while using prisms in front of my lens. The subject tracking was impressively fast and reliable, which is key in sports photography. Also, the higher resolution of the EVF provided a sharper, more detailed preview, making it easier to focus on the finer details of the action.”

Top tip: “Test out the different modes to find the one that works best for your subject and the scene’s conditions.”

The Nikon Z6III in review

What was your first impression of the Nikon Z6III?

“The features I loved straight away were the fast autofocus system and fast shutter speed, which are perfect for capturing fast-moving action with precision. The high-resolution EVF and improved stability with its VR system also make it easier to track subjects in dynamic environments. Its compact size and portability are a big advantage, especially in sports where mobility is key. Overall, the Z6III exceeded my expectations, providing both the speed and reliability needed for sports photography.”

Did the weather sealing make a difference?
“The weather sealing definitely made a difference, especially considering the varying conditions we had. Over the two days, we experienced everything from fog and damp air to bright, clear sunsets. The camera’s durability allowed me to focus on capturing the moments without worrying about the changing weather.”

How did the camera help you bring your vision to life?

“The Nikon Z6III really helped bring my vision to life with its fast autofocus and high-speed shutter, allowing me to capture the action crucial for the shoot. The camera’s precision and quick response gave me the flexibility to adapt to the changing environment and experiment with different angles and compositions. Its natural handling also allowed me to focus on the creative aspects, making it an essential tool for translating my ideas into powerful images.”

Who would you recommend this camera to?

“I’d recommend the Z6III to sports photographers who are looking for a powerful yet compact camera. While it may not have the same high-end features as the Nikon Z8 or Z9, it’s still a pro-level camera that offers impressive autofocus, high-speed shooting and great image quality. It’s a versatile tool that allows you to capture a wide range of sports action and, compared to cameras from just a few years ago, it’s a huge step forward in performance and flexibility. It’s also a great option for those who want something smaller and more manageable without sacrificing capability.”

What’s your top tip for making the most out of the Nikon Z6III?

“To get the most out of the Nikon Z6III, make sure to take full advantage of its autofocus system and burst shooting capabilities. Experiment with different focus modes and shutter speeds to capture the best action shots. Don’t forget to pair it with a fast lens to really unlock its potential in low light and fast-moving scenes.”