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Expert action photo tips
Summary: Capturing action photos is difficult with a compact point-and-shoot digital camera. Try these tipsto better your chances. Consider the pruchase of a digital SLR camera that will solve the sutter lag problem.
 | | In this sequence of photos the swing of Jack Delehanty -9- shows the anticipation (left), the swing (center) and the follow through (far right). Using a digital SLR camera in the continuous mode setting, action sequences become less frustrating than those attempted with a point-and-shoot compact camera. Using a compact camera, it is likely that only the first photo would have been captured, even in the continuous shooting mode. Photos by Rick Delehanty |
A Reader's Question
Question: I have a
sophisticated and expensive point-and-shoot camera that takes great
pictures, but when I shoot action photos I seldom get the key moment.
When I press the shutter release button it takes a second or longer for
the camera to take the picture. How can I improve my average?
Answer: You are a victim of
shutter lag. Shutter lag is the time it takes for most digital cameras
to focus and calculate the exposure after you have squeezed the shutter
button BUT before the image is captured.
Try these suggestions to increase your chances of a better action photo
Depress the shutter release button half way, with gentle
pressure, to trigger the focusing mechanism and calculate the exposure
and wait for the action to reach its peak. Also, set the camera to a
continuous shooting mode to allow a sequence of images to be captured.
Consult the camera’s manual for precise instructions.
Use the camera viewfinder to compose the picture instead of the rear display.
The best answer for your problem is to purchase a digital SLR camera that removes shutter lag completely. The Nikon D40x and the Canon Rebel XTi are excellent options for entering the digital SLR market at a moderate ($600-900) price including a lens.
Action photo tips
- Get closer to the action on the field of play by using a telephoto/zoom lens.
- Use the highest/fastest shutter speed possible.
- Shoot vertical photos to include your subject head to toe.
- Position yourself to have the action coming toward the camera.
For example, stand near the end zone or goal in football or soccer as
the action moves toward you in anticipation of a score.
- Drop to one or two knees to get a different perspective on the field of play.
- Practice your technique at home with the family or even your pets in action.
- Look for candid photos on the sidelines as they react to action on the field of play.
- Take time to know the game, the rules and when and where to expect action to develop.
- Respect the rules of the game, the players and officials. Never enter the field of play to get a better camera angle.
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Good photographs begin with good light. In the digital photography world, the quality of light corresponds to the quality of the photograph. The dramatic light of the early morning and late afternoon can raise the quality of your images. In poorly lit situations use supplemental lighting from the camera's flash in the fill-flash mode.
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Adobe's Photoshop is very expensive at nearly $700, Is it worth it?
Dear PS,
Adobe's Photoshop is very expensive at nearly $700, Is it worth it?
On the cheap in Oregon
Dear On the cheap,
Yes! If you plan to take creative steps in dealing with your images, photoshop and the lastest Creative Suite 2 are simply the best and most efficients image handling programs available. Is it "worth it" to you, that depends on what you hope to achieve with your images. I would suggest the Elements version of photoshop as an entry level position. Better yet, check a local computer store or even the Apple Store an invest a little time in attending a couple of their tutorial classes for a "test drive" of the program. Then you'll be better informed before you spend your money.
Thanks for your question,
Michael at PS
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