When I stepped into the arena, I was already a few minutes late for the game. The crowd roared as the sound of the puck snapping back and forth over the ice between players reverberated in the air. I'd never shot hockey before, I'd barely even watched the sport outside of the antics of Gordon Bombay and his gang of scrappy rascals. and as the little black puck whipped over the ice I felt momentarily overwhelmed.
It was a familiar feeling. I'd experienced it three years ago as I stepped out of my car into a misty New England afternoon to meet my first bride and take her pictures. I clutched the rented camera tightly in my hand. In my whole life, I'd only been to a few weddings in my life and for a second I felt overwhelmed, after all, this was supposed to be the most important day in this couple's life and their memories were in my hands.
Shooting sports and shooting weddings have a lot more in common than a first glance would tell you. Both are fast paced and high pressure shoots, where you need to be on your toes or the important moments will pass right by you. Each has their own flow and rhythm that a seasoned professional can anticipate to get great shots. Of course, with all photography there are fundamental skills that will help you make great photos.