Whether you’re just getting started in sports photography or you’ve been shooting from the sidelines for years, YouTube remains one of the best free resources for improving your skills. From camera settings and autofocus techniques to business advice and real-world shooting experiences, the right channels can accelerate your learning and help you stay inspired.
Here are some of the best sports photography YouTube channels worth following.
1. Micael Widell
Micael Widell has built a reputation for producing practical, easy-to-follow photography tutorials that cover a wide range of genres, including sports and action photography. His videos often focus on camera settings, autofocus systems, tracking moving subjects, and maximising image quality in challenging conditions.
What makes his content valuable for sports photographers is the emphasis on real-world shooting situations rather than purely technical discussions.
Best for: Action photography techniques, camera settings, and autofocus tutorials.
2. Jared Polin (FroKnowsPhoto)
Jared Polin’s channel offers an extensive library of photography education content, much of which applies directly to sports photography. His camera reviews, autofocus tests, and event coverage provide useful insights into how different equipment performs in fast-paced environments.
His “Real World Reviews” are particularly useful for photographers considering upgrades to their camera bodies or lenses.
Best for: Gear reviews, camera comparisons, and photography fundamentals.
3. Mark Smith
Wildlife photography may seem worlds apart from sports photography, but tracking birds in flight and fast-moving animals requires many of the same skills needed for photographing athletes.
Mark Smith regularly shares advanced autofocus techniques, tracking methods, and field demonstrations that can be adapted effectively to sports photography.
Best for: Subject tracking and autofocus mastery.
4. Sports Photography Tips by Rob Sambles
Rob Sambles focuses specifically on sports photography, making his channel especially relevant for photographers looking to improve their coverage of football, rugby, motorsport, and other sporting events.
His behind-the-scenes videos provide valuable insights into positioning, timing, and storytelling through sports imagery.
Best for: Dedicated sports photography education and practical field advice.
5. The School of Photography
The School of Photography channel covers a broad range of photographic disciplines, but many of its tutorials on exposure, composition, and action photography translate directly into sports photography.
The lessons are structured and beginner-friendly, making them ideal for photographers developing a strong technical foundation.
Best for: Beginners looking to improve overall photography skills.
6. Tony & Chelsea Northrup
Tony and Chelsea Northrup offer one of the most comprehensive photography channels on YouTube. Their equipment reviews, camera buying guides, and shooting tutorials often include action and sports photography scenarios.
The channel is particularly useful for photographers researching new gear or comparing camera systems from different manufacturers.
Best for: Camera buying advice and photography education.
7. Matt Hernandez
Matt Hernandez is a professional sports photographer who shares real-world experiences from the sidelines. His videos provide a valuable glimpse into the workflow of a working sports photographer, covering topics such as shooting techniques, editing processes, and career development.
His practical perspective makes the channel particularly relevant for photographers hoping to work professionally in sports.
Best for: Professional sports photography workflows and career insights.
8. Peter McKinnon
While Peter McKinnon’s channel isn’t focused solely on sports photography, his content on creativity, storytelling, and visual impact can help sports photographers improve the quality of their images beyond technical execution.
Learning how to create compelling visual narratives is often what separates good sports photographs from great ones.
Best for: Creativity, storytelling, and visual inspiration.
A Shamelessly Biased Recommendation
It would be irresponsible to publish a list of sports photography YouTube channels without mentioning Talru Film and Photo.
Is this recommendation completely unbiased? Absolutely not. It is my own, of course.
Will you find behind-the-scenes sports photography, football documentaries, matchday coverage, photography tips, and the occasional obsession with camera gear? Absolutely.
If you’re already reading a (my) sports photography website, there’s a decent chance you’ll enjoy it. At the very least, you’ll be helping the algorithm understand that sports photographers do, in fact, exist.
You can find me on YouTube at YouTube.com/@talru
What Sports Photographers Should Look for on YouTube
When following photography channels, focus on content that helps you improve in key areas:
- Autofocus and subject-tracking techniques
- Camera settings for fast-moving action
- Lens selection and equipment advice
- Positioning and anticipation skills
- Editing and workflow optimisation
- Sports storytelling and image selection
It’s easy to become distracted by gear reviews, but some of the most valuable lessons come from watching experienced photographers explain their decision-making process while shooting live events.
Final Thoughts
The best sports photographers never stop learning. YouTube provides access to experienced professionals, technical experts, and creative educators who can help you improve every aspect of your photography.
Whether you’re photographing grassroots football, elite athletics, motorsport, rugby, or any other sport, following the right channels can provide fresh ideas, practical techniques, and valuable inspiration throughout your photographic journey.
Subscribe to a mix of sports-specific and general photography channels, apply what you learn in the field, and continually refine your approach. The combination of education and experience remains one of the fastest ways to develop your skills as a sports photographer.
