Ah, the 80th U.S. Women’s Open – where golf’s elite grace the greens, and spectators bring their A-game (and their iPhones) in hopes of capturing that one perfect shot. Not a golf shot, mind you – we’re talking about the Holy Grail of tournament photography: the frame-worthy, envy-inducing, Instagram-conquering photo. But what does it take to snap the par-fect picture at Erin Hills? Pull up a lawn chair (and a telephoto lens), because I am about to tee off on the tips, tricks, and hazards of golf photography!
1. Location, Location, Loc…Fore!
First rule of golf photography: you can’t shoot greatness from the beer tent. With its undulating terrain and links-style layout, Erin Hills offers panoramic views so breathtaking they’ll make your camera phone consider early retirement.
- Hot spots: Try staking out near the 9th green, where elevation gives you a sweeping shot of the fairway AND the crowd. Want drama? The 18th hole is where tournaments – and lives – are decided.
- Avoid: Standing behind the tee box mid-backswing. Unless you want to become part of the highlight reel… for all the wrong reasons.
2. Let There Be Light (and No Shadows of Doubt)
Lighting is key. Early morning and late afternoon provide that warm, golden glow that flatters both golf balls and golfers alike.
- Golden Hour = Golfen Hour
- Midday sun? Great for vitamin D, awful for harsh shadows. Unless you’re aiming for a “dramatic villain about to sink a birdie” vibe.
Pun Alert: Don’t let your exposure go over par – adjust for highlights unless you want the golfer to look like they’re being abducted by aliens mid-swing.
3. Zoom In Without Zoning Out
Yes, your iPhone has 87 lenses now. That doesn’t mean you should use them all at once. Sometimes less is more – especially when zooming creates more pixelation than a 1996 video game.
- Bring a DSLR with a 70-200mm lens if you’re serious.
- If you’re using your phone, get closer rather than pinching and praying.
Pro Tip: Capture the moment before the moment-like the intense stare before the putt, or the fist clench just after the swing. It’s the foreplay of the golf world.
4. Be a Ninja, Not a Nuisance
Stealth mode ON. Golf is not a rock concert, folks. One shutter click during a backswing and you’ll have 10,000 angry stares – and one golfer fantasizing about launching a Titleist in your direction.
- Use silent shutter modes.
- Dress in muted colors. If your shirt is louder than the gallery, you’re doing it wrong.
Pun Alert: You want to blend in, not stand out like a sand trap at a beach party.
5. Candidly Speaking
Some of the best shots aren’t the ones with perfect form – they’re the in-between moments: laughter with the caddie, a shared nod with a fan, or a hair-in-the-wind walk to the next hole.
- Be patient. Golf is a game of waiting… so is golf photography.
- Anticipate. If you see Lexi Thompson eyeing her putter like it just betrayed her, get ready to snap.
Fun Idea: Start a “golf face” series – a collection of reactions that range from “I just won the lottery” to “I just missed a tap-in.”
Final Thoughts: Snap, Crackle, Fore!
Taking the perfect photo at the 80th U.S. Women’s Open is part art, part science, and part staying out of the bunker (literally and figuratively). Whether you’re a pro with a tripod or a fan with a phone, just remember: a good golf photo tells a story. A great one tees it up, drives it home, and lands it within three feet of the pin.
So aim steady, click quietly, and remember – it’s not just about who wins the trophy. Sometimes, it’s about who gets the shot that goes viral.
Now go forth, shutterbug, and capture those memories… one swing at a time.
Here are some more shots to hopefully inspire you.
The post Snapping Birdies and Eagles: How to Take the Perfect Photograph at the 80th U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills first appeared on WiscoGolfAddict.
