How to Take Digital Action Photographs

Taking action shots with a digital camera can be either very frustrating or much simpler than you'd think. Many of today's digital cameras allow the user to have some control over what type of image to acquire. Oftentimes, the "Auto" function doesn't always deliver crisp, blur-free results. With a little patience and a few tips, action shots won't seem so difficult.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Investigate all of the functions on your particular model. See if it has some form of manual control for the user.
2. Understand how your camera works. By allowing more light to pass through the lens, a brighter or exposed image will be placed on the camera's recording sensor. The amount of time the shutter is open dictates how fast the image is recorded.
3. Adjust the camera's controls to allow the user to manipulate the amount of time the shutter is open. When taking the picture, a faster shutter speed will freeze any action that is recorded according to how long the shutter stays open. A common shutter speed for action shots is 1/500th of a second or higher.
4. Anticipate the flow of the action being recorded. Follow the subject in a technique called "panning" to capture a fast moving subject and blur the background.
5. Understand the amount of shutter lag or write time it takes the camera to actually record the image and the time it takes to put the image on the camera's memory. Both of these things contribute to the time it takes to capture an action shot.

Tips & Warnings

• When using the panning technique, follow the subject and continue to move the camera even after the shutter has released. This will allow for a truly wonderful blurred background.
• Take as many shots as you can of the subject. Use the camera's continuous shooting mode if it supports it. Use a tripod when possible.
• Try simply using the camera's "Sports" mode, if it has one. This automatically sets the shutter and film speed for high action and movement.

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