How To Photograph A Foreign Player

I've photographed many hockey players in the last four years, and a good slice of them have been foreign. So I've had to come up with ways of getting around the fact that my first language, might be their second or third. There could also be the possibility that they might not speak your language at all, or if they do, they only speak the basics.

The main thing to remember is that they may not be natural linguists, they're not stupid, not by any means. They just don't grasp a language as well as one of their team mates do. It isn't a big deal. It's just a language barrier, that's all, so no shouting at them. It really annoys me when I see or hear people yelling loudly and slowly at players....or foreigners in general. Stop it.

These are the main rules I stick to, and if I'm honest, it's plain common sense:

1) Always have a small sketch or drawing on hand.

This is even helpful with players who speak perfectly fluently. Sometimes I find it hard to articulate what I want, the image I see in my mind, so a sketch get my point across perfectly.

2) If you're doing something a bit repetitive like head shots, showing them the previous image will get across what you want.

3) This is a habit I picked up at the last team I was with. When I was taking photos for the MVP at the end of the game, I found it easier to give the player a thumbs up when I'd finished taking the picture. This didn't just help with the guys who couldn't speak the lingo, but with the guys who could too. It's an easy way of saying "all done, you can go".

4) Don't give them too many instructions or directions. The more directions you give, the more likely they are going to misunderstand what you want them to do. You need to make sure you don't use any jargon or complex words or language either. Above all, the best way to give instructions or directions is to give an example of what you want them to do.

This next one isn't on my list, but if you can, you should try to build a rapport with the players. Sometimes this can be difficult as you may only get to photograph games or official events. But a rapport can sometimes do wonders. Players can be more forthcoming during shoots, suggesting ideas of their own. They might also be more receptive to different photographic ideas too. Most of all, remember their names. It sounds completely obvious but it helps create a good rapport.

All of these rules or guidelines are probably blinding obvious, and are plain common sense. However, when you first start out photographing people one-on-one, even those who's native language is your own, you can find yourself spending ages explaining what you want, and sometimes going over it again and again. By bearing all of this in mind it will give you confidence and your photo shoots are more likely to run smoothly.

On Twitter? Me too: @RaiPekkanen
On Facebook? Me too: facebook.com/raipekkanen