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There is a lot more drama in a frame when one or multiple elements are actually doing something! It can be a lot more interesting for the viewer and a lot more fun to shoot as a photographer. But capturing objects in motion requires a certain level of awareness and preparedness you don’t always have to have if your object is sitting still and waiting for you.

Here are a few tips of getting the best action photography shots you can:

Practice your timing
Action photography is all about capturing a moment. Missing the game winning catch at a football game because you were slow on the uptake is no excuse. If you’re going to be shooting something like a professional sporting event, maybe go to a few local games to practice your timing. It will help you get an idea of what players do before a really spectacular action like a dive or slide. Noticing those little movements will help you get ready in time for the important shot.

Pick a new point of view
If it all possible, try to change the point of view you are shooting from. Getting up close and personal with the action can provide really interesting and engaging shots that most photographers don’t capture. If you’re photographing a car race, for example, try hanging out around the corners of the track. That’s usually where cars have to slow down and get pushed together, giving your more objects to focus on. Move around to get the action from different angles, heights or in different lighting situations to capture a range of photos.

Shutter Speed
If you want to freeze the action completely, use a faster shutter speed. If you want the image to be a little blurry, pick a slower shutter speed. Practicing will help you determine what shutter speeds you need to capture various objects in motion (person vs horse vs car, for instance)

Autofocus is your friend
Some photographers feel like using autofocus is a little bit like cheating, but sometimes action photography doesn’t provide you with an alternative. There just isn’t time to manually focus the shot.

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