Top 10 Amateur Sports Photographers

You don’t have to be a professional photographer to create stunning pro-level imagery. And the ‘Amateur’ category of the World Sports Photography Awards, sponsored by MPB, is no exception. The inaugural category sought to discover the very best work by non-professional sports photographers around the world. Read on to discover imagery from the three medalists, as well as the seven runners-up. On your marks.

Kevin Kielty made waves in the photography world, having received the Gold medal for this stunning image, which captured a high-five moment between surfers at The Wedge, California, USA. Congratulations to Kevin, who used the Nikon D500 and 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR to capture the top prize-winning photo. 

We’re head over heels for Isaac Buay’s stunning image, created with the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens, during Wrestling for Peace in South Sudan. Issac came a close second, taking home a well-deserved Silver.

Read the 24-105mm review.

Bronze medalist Eragbie Joshua created this image, titled Lost in the Moment, of a swimmer competing in the 2022 Nigeria University Games. Eragbie took full advantage of the Nikon D5300 and 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED to capture this image that really made a splash with the judges.

Photographer Thibault Gastal used the Nikon D700 and 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Nikon to freeze the action and create a motorsport image that left the other runners-up in the dust.

Sydney Smith hits the ball out of the park with this baseball photo, created with the Canon EOS 1DX Mark II and 400mm f/2.8 L IS III USM. 

Taking to the skies with a DJI Mini 2, it’s safe to say that Trey Wilson’s bird’s-eye drone capture is a slam dunk. 

Sandeep Pangerkar had a good innings with this sunset photo of a cricket match, shot with a Canon EOS 90D and 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM.

As demonstrated by the excellent use of the full-frame mirrorless Nikon Z6 and 24-70mm f/4 S lens, Gautier Boucly really is in the swim of things.

This one made quite an impact—check out Pawel Wilczynski’s capture from a motorcycle speedway event, shot using the Canon EOS 1DX Mark II and 400mm f/2.8 L IS III USM telephoto lens.

Last but not least, David Miller was always in the running with this photo shot with the Canon EOS 90D and 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM 

If you haven’t run out of steam and you’re still searching for more sports photography content, find out how to get your sports photography published with 2Point8 magazine’s Michael Owen, or pick up some top sports photography tips from veteran photographer Richard Pelham. 

Learn more about the World Sports Photography Awards, read an interview with a World Cup photographer or discover other interviews and guides on the MPB content hub.

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This article is part of the MPB Guide to Sports Photography, our comprehensive look at how to create sports photography, with camera recommendations, advice and interviews with experts.