Chasing the Shot: Christian Hochenberger’s Take On Sports Photography
Spend a few minutes with long-time Allen’s Camera customer Christian Hochenberger and you’ll hear it fast—sports photography changed how he shoots. For years, he built his work around weddings, events, and portraits - controlled environments where you can slow down and adjust. Sports is the opposite. “It’s just faster,” he says. “You don’t get a second chance. You either get it - or you don’t.”
Christian - who’s taught photography for over two decades at Shawnee High School in Medford, NJ - got his start in sports shooting his kids’ games. What began as capturing memories turned into learning how to anticipate action and stay one step ahead.
The Gear That Keeps Up
Moving into sports made one thing clear: gear matters. “That ability to react instantly - and trust your gear -makes all the difference.” That’s what led him to Canon mirrorless. His “bag” is built for speed and flexibility:
- Canon EOS R3 – his go-to for fast, reliable autofocus
- Canon EOS R5 – adds resolution and flexibility
- Canon RF 70–200mm f/2.8 – a versatile staple
- Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 – for extended reach
For a recent lacrosse game, Allen’s Camera brought him a Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 to demo—and it quickly stood out.
Why the Canon RF 100–300mm f/2.8 Made a Difference
“The Canon 100-300 is a game changer,” Christian says. “It’s sharp, fast - and way lighter than I expected.” What really makes it different is flexibility. “With a fixed 300, you’re stuck. If the play comes toward you, you lose it. With this, I can just react.” That range, paired with f/2.8, means:
- Faster shutter speeds in tough light
- Quick adjustments as plays develop
- Fewer missed moments
“You stop thinking about the lens,” he says. “That’s when you know it’s good.” Combined with Canon’s advanced autofocus and mirrorless technology, the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 allows Christian to lock onto faces, track motion, and capture peak action with confidence.
Sports Is a Different Kind of Shooting
The biggest adjustment isn’t technical - it’s mental. “At a wedding, you’re guiding moments. In sports, you’re chasing them.” No resets. No second takes. “You’re constantly thinking - where’s the play going, where do I need to be?”
What You Need to Get Started
Whether you’re a parent, hobbyist, or pro, Christian keeps it simple:
- Fast autofocus – to track movement and lock on quickly - especially faces
- Fast lenses (f/2.8 helps) – especially in less than ideal lighting - a wide aperture helps keep shutter speeds high so you can freeze motion
- Reach and flexibility – you can’t always move—lenses like a 70–200mm - or something more versatile like the 100–300mm - help you adapt
- Positioning – pick your spot and commit
- Anticipation – learn the flow of the game and know where the play is going before it happens
- Stamina – you’ll be moving more than you expect
The Challenges
Even experienced shooters get humbled. “You’ll miss shots you should’ve had - that never goes away.” Lighting is unpredictable. Action is faster than expected. And the volume is real. “I might shoot 1,500 photos in a game,” he says. “Then go home and edit them right away.”
Why It’s Worth It
For all the missed shots, tough lighting, and long editing nights - there’s a reason Christian keeps coming back. “It’s the moments,” he says. “The reactions. The emotion right after a play.” Sometimes the most meaningful moments happen after the games when players, parents, or coaches see those moments. “That’s the best part. When an athlete says, ‘That photo you took of me was amazing,’ that’s everything.”
Try Before You Buy: The Allen’s Advantage
Allen’s Camera plays a big role in supporting photographers like Christian. Being able to rent and test gear before buying makes a real difference. “They’ve been incredible,” he says. “From letting me demo the Canon 100–300 to helping me find the right gear in-store - it’s had a huge impact on my work.”
Thinking About Shooting Sports?
If you’ve been shooting portraits or events - or just your kid’s games - sports photography is a new challenge, but a rewarding one. Start simple. Learn the game. Be patient. And if you want to try the game-changing Canon RF 100–300mm f/2.8 lens or other Canon gear mentioned in this blog, stop into Allen’s Camera or check out our rental page.
Christian's Main Portfolio/Business: www.hochfoto.com
Instagram: @hochfotostudio
