Photographing children playing or sports and action photography can be tricky enough. Movement is fast and unpredictable, so you don’t have much time to compose and get a sharp photo. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure you get the photos that you want.
As discussed in the previous article, make sure you are shooting in shutter priority. Make sure you are shooting using the viewfinder as this is faster and more effective than using live view. You need to stay alert and be ready with your camera so that you capture the action as soon as it happens.
High-Speed Shooting
Set your camera to shoot in Continuous High-Speed Mode. This is also known as Burst Mode. That way, when you press the shutter, the camera will take a rapid series of shots for as long as you hold down the shutter button. This will greatly increase your chances of getting the images that you want.
Pre-Focusing
You can pre-focus on a certain point – a point that you know your subject is going to move into. This technique will help if there is any lag between the pressing of the shutter button and the actual taking of the image. Use this in conjunction with high-speed shooting to increase your chances of getting the shots you want.
Panning
Panning is an excellent way to capture fast-moving subjects. First, set your shutter speed and aperture. Using a single focus point, grab
focus on your subject and follow it with your camera. You need to match the speed of your panning to the movement of your subject.This method is particularly useful for shooting cyclists and race cars. Panning takes some practice but will enable you to get sharp photos of your subject while keeping the background blurred. You can practice this at the side of any road with the passing traffic.
Flash
You can also use your camera’s flash to capture the action. Wait until your subject is close. Using flash will help to freeze the action and add some nice fill light to your subjects face.
It’s worth heading out to a local football match or cycle race to practice these methods.
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