Whether it be shooting action, or trying to showcase the personal athlete’s aspect of a sport, the better you know your subjects, the better off you will be. “I’ve been lucky enough to travel with Mick Fanning for over a decade now,” says Ted Grambeau. “Our personal relationship has meant I have been able to capture way better photos of him, both surfing and portraits.”

Now of course, you don’t have to share a room for a decade with a dude to take killer sports photos, but it’s always it’s always a good idea to speak to the athletes first and let them know what you are trying to achieve. In an ideal world, they should have an input in the creative process.