Action Photography Tips

By: Alyssa Ast

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Action photography tips are very helpful when you're a beginner photographer. Action photography isn't difficult if you understand the basics to the technique; however, if you just begin snapping pictures, you're likely to end up with blurry images. To take great action photos, you won't need any more than a camera with an adjustable shutter speed. This option can be found on most digital or film cameras.

  1. Most professional photographers prefer a digital camera for action photography because the shutter speed is often higher. The shutter speed is the amount of time the shutter remains open, allowing light into the camera to produce the image. The important aspect of action photography involves choosing the correct camera. Digital SLR cameras are great for beginner photographers. You can use a film camera with an ASA film of 1000, but the image is likely to be grainy.
  2. To produce great action images, it's best to know the sport because it allows you to have a firmer grasp of timing, which is essential for action photography. You need to learn to snap the image just before the beat of the image you want to capture. This has to be accomplished by knowing your shutter speed and the timing of the sport. This won't be accomplished immediately. It takes practice to develop perfect timing.
  3. The viewpoint you choose is important as well. Decide on the image you want to produce and the angle. Next, look around for a viewpoint that will allow you to achieve this image. Pay attention to lighting and obstacles that may interfere with the shot. You may need to experiment with the viewpoint some to find the best place possible.
  4. Choosing your shutter speed needs to be taken into consideration prior to taking your shot. It's best to use a 1/1000 speed or faster. This will allow you to freeze the image and produce a clear shot. If you use a speed of 1/15 or lower, it will blur the image. The shutter speed will need to be adjusted depending on how quickly your object is moving as well. If your object is walking, a slower speed can be used; however, if you are photographing a fast moving image, such as racecars, you’ll need a faster shutter speed.

Action photography takes practice and no one gets it right the first time. While practicing, experiment with focal points. Most people choose their focal point to be just ahead of the object they are photographing. This allows you to capture the image according to the shutter speed.

Posted on: Jun. 08, 2011