Get the ball in the frame and in focus

As a sport photographer, my job is to capture that peak, action that tells the story. 

I like to do is use my longer telephoto lenses, normally I use the 400mm f2.8 for baseball, football and soccer, and the 300mm f2.8 for basketball.  That way, I can shoot at f2.8, which throws the background out of focus and high enough shutter speed to capture the peak action and good facial expressions. 

However, in this digital age, it’s good to capture both. It’s all about seeing pictures possibilities and capturing both those action and reaction moments that lead to great photographic moments.

Here's a few pictures: Oakland Athletics' shortstop Marco Scutaro forces out Seattle Mariners' Jose Lopez at second base and fails to make a double play in the third inning in Seattle.

Seattle Seahawks' defensive end Parick Kerney (L) knocks the ball out of Washington Redskins' quarterback Todd Collins hands in the first half of their first round NFC Wildcard playoff game at Qwest Field in Seattle.

Seattle Sounders' Kyle Smith (11) performs a bicycle kick past L.A. Galaxy's Simon Elliott and towards the Galaxy's goal area during the second half of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals on Wednesday at Seahawks' Stadium in Seattle.

San Diego State tight end Steve Schmidt, left, catches a pass over defending Washington State corner back Chima Nwachukwu for first down yardage in the second quarter of their football game in Seattle.

Seattle Supersonics' Earl Watson, right, knocks the ball away from Atlanta Hawks' Zaza Pachulia, from the Republic of Georgia in the third period at Key Arena in Seattle.