Student shoots pro football with entry-level camera

Chantelle Cook, a photography student in Scotland, started using a digital camera in 2023 and now practices shooting top-flight football with an entry-level Canon EOS R50.

Mentor guides student in soccer photography

Chantelle shadowed pro club photographer Raymond Davies at Motherwell FC, a Scottish Premiership team playing against Falkirk football club on April 4, 2026.

Canon EOS R50 vs pro-grade camera

Chantelle used the Canon EOS R50, an entry-level body with a 24.2 megapixel APS-C sensor, while her mentor used the pro-grade EOS R5 Mark II.

Chantelle's photography goals

Chantelle aims to learn how to capture dramatic football images using precise shutter speeds, as she has never tried professional sports photography before.

“I'm hoping to figure out how to approach different styles of shots. In particular, I'm keen to learn how to capture dramatic images of football”

Why sports photography?

Chantelle chose sports photography for its unpredictability and the excitement of being right in front of action, unlike planned studio photography.

“I am drawn to the excitement of sports photography; you never know exactly what's going to happen next.”

Key techniques for soccer shots

Chantelle learned to set subject detection AF modes, adjust AF sensitivity, and use lens function buttons to avoid focus racking during matches.

Chantelle's learning outcome

Chantelle gained practical experience in soccer photography using her entry-level camera under Raymond Davies' guidance at Motherwell FC.

What happens next

Chantelle continues to develop her photography skills with a focus on capturing dramatic football images using precise shutter speeds.

“I'll enjoy learning more about the exact shutter speeds to choose and put them into practice!”