Are your sports photos blurry? Do you constantly have trouble catching that perfect moment? This is where DSLR’s have a huge advantage over compact point and shoot cameras. Most modern DSLR’s have the ability to shoot in what’s known as continuous or high speed mode. Essentially, the camera will continue to take photos, at a specified frame rate, for as long as you hold down the shutter button. There are a few benefits of this. When your camera is taking between 3 and 8 frames per second you have a much better chance of taking a sharply focused image, especially those in the middle of the series. The reason is that these middle photos don’t suffer from motion generated by pressing or realeasing the shutter button. You are also more likely to capture a great action moment if you are taking many pictures per second, versus trying to depress the shutter at the exact moment of the action.
Check your camera manual for details on how to get your camera into continuous mode. For many there is a dial right on the camera back (or top), but some require entering the menus as well. Also, be sure to refer to your manual on how to optimize your camera settings to maximize your frame rate. I was surprised to find out that my Nikon D300s has some very specific settings required to get frame rates over 7 frames per second.
Got an event this weekend? Give continuous mode shooting a try. You might just come home with a lot more “keepers.”
See you on the sideline!
We’re getting into the full swing of fall sports. There is a lot of soccer and football being played all over the country. Many games take place on Saturdays and fall during mid-day. This is both good and bad news for sideline parents looking for great photos of their kids. The good news is that this bright, mid-day sun will freeze action on the field, so you won’t have to worry about your shutter speed. The bad news is that bright mid-day sun is very harsh, creating sharp lines between highlights and shadows. This can wreak havoc on your camera as it tries to meter an appropriate exposure. The easiest thing to do to improve your photographs in these harsh lighting conditions is to put the sun behind you.
Photo examples after the jump.
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Sometimes we just need to look at things from a different perspective. Of course this is true on many levels in life, but more literally with regards to photography. Now this tip is only relevant if you are interested in making your photos more unique than everyone else’s. Next time you are at a sporting event and you find yourself standing next to a handful of other parents with their cameras out, you know it’s time to move. I’m not saying you have to be anti-social, but you need to bounce around a little to get unique shots.
Here are a few ideas to get you into some unique spots to make your photos stand out.
Roam the Sideline – It’s easy to get stuck in one spot. If all you do is move up and down one side of the field, gym, venue, etc. you will change up your photos a bit. That new spot not working? Keep moving. Try out the action from various viewpoints.
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