Camera bags are completely impractical and sometimes verboten on sidelines, so equipment and film is carried either in fanny packs or in a photo vest. Photographers usually carry at least two cameras, one with a long telephoto lens, usually a 400mm or longer, and one with a 70-200mm lens for closer action. Autofocus systems are so good now that most sports shooters use autofocus lenses. Photographers often carry a third camera body with a 50mm lens for the times when players almost run over them. The long lenses are supported by a monopod, a one-legged tripod, that steadies the lens but doesn't take up room on the sidelines.
Many photographers also listen to the game on the radio.
The radio broadcast has often alerted me to things that were taking place on other parts of the field. On game days, the photographers will arrive at the stadium about two hours before the game. This gives them time to talk over game plans, get rosters, check film and equipment and get mentally focused on the job ahead. At home day games we will usually shoot color negative film and bring it back to downtown Fort Worth to process and scan. At night games and away games we often use digital cameras, or have our film processed and scanned on site and electronically transmitted back to the Fort Worth office.