Video:How to Photograph Action
with Chris DavisPhotographing action can be tricky. Watch this About.com video for helpful camera settings to capture movement or freeze action in photography.See Transcript
Transcript:How to Photograph Action
Hi I'm Chris Davis for About.com. Let's take a look at how to compose and photograph action.
When you think of action photography you generally think of sports, however, anything moving quickly that you want to capture could be considered an action shot. The principles for photographing action are the same regardless of your topic.
Try to Predict the Subject
Before you get started take a moment to observe what you are about to photograph. Understanding the action will enable you to anticipate the perfect moment to shoot. In sports, knowing the game will help, and with every day action knowing how your subject is moving will increase your sense of timing.
Where you place the camera is extremely important. The angle of your shot determines what your viewer will see. Bringing the viewer into the action, will help make a successful picture.
Blurring or Freezing Movement in Action Photography
Next let's consider how you want to portray the action. Basically there are two possibilities. Freeze the motion by shooting at a fast shutter speed, or blur the motion with a slower shutter speed. Both effects are excellent and will provide a different feel to your photograph.
As a loose starting point, shutter speeds of 1/1000 of a second or faster will freeze most action, while shutter speeds of 1/15 of a second or slower will blur it.
Using Panning in Action Photography
Another skill you will need to practice to capture action is panning. The idea behind panning is that you want to move with the action in the direction it is traveling. Move the camera following your subject while trying to keep it in one spot in the frame. Press the shutter as the subject reaches the point you want to take the photograph, however, don't stop panning until the picture has been taken. Using this technique, you will capture a sharp image of your action. Once you have the technique down trying adjusting your shutter speed. A slower shutter speed will blur the background while keeping your subject in focus.
If in doubt put your camera in sport mode as a starting point and experiment. To learn more check us out on the web at About.com. Thanks for watching.