8 different techniques to take awesome moving photos
Photographing moving subjects can be challenging, as it requires a combination of technical skill and artistic vision. Here are some tips for capturing great photographs of moving subjects:
- Use a fast shutter speed: To freeze the motion of a moving subject, you will need to use a fast shutter speed. A fast shutter speed will allow you to capture the subject with minimal blur, and will help to freeze the motion of the subject. A good starting point is to use a shutter speed of 1/500th of a second or faster.
- Use continuous shooting mode: Continuous shooting mode allows you to take multiple photographs in quick succession, which can be helpful when photographing moving subjects. This will give you a greater number of images to choose from, and will increase the chances of capturing a great photograph.
- Pre-focus: To help ensure that your photographs are in focus, try pre-focusing on the area where the subject will be when you take the photograph. This can be helpful when photographing fast-moving subjects, as it can be difficult to keep up with the subject and maintain focus while the shutter is open.
- Use a wide aperture: A wide aperture (e.g. f/2.8) will allow more light to pass through the lens and reach the film or image sensor, which can help to freeze the motion of the subject. A wide aperture will also create a shallow depth of field, which can help to isolate the subject from the background and draw attention to the subject.
- Use a telephoto lens: A telephoto lens will allow you to get close to the action and fill the frame with your subject, which can be helpful when photographing moving subjects. A telephoto lens will also compress the perspective, which can make the subject appear closer and more prominent in the photograph.
- Pan with the subject: To create a sense of movement in your photograph, try panning with the subject as it moves across the frame. To do this, follow the subject with your camera as you take the photograph, and try to keep the subject in the same position in the frame. This will result in a sharp subject and a blurred background, which can convey a sense of motion and dynamism in the photograph.
- Use a fast shutter speed and a slow shutter speed: To show both the subject and the background in sharp focus, try using a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion of the subject and a slow shutter speed to show the background. This can be achieved by using a technique called “dragging the shutter,” where you use a slow shutter speed and pan the camera with the subject as you take the photograph. This will result in a sharp subject and a background with a sense of motion blur, which can add visual interest to the photograph.
- Experiment with different angles: To add variety to your photographs of moving subjects, try experimenting with different angles and perspectives. For example, you can photograph the subject from above or below, or from a high or low angle. You can also try using different lenses, such as a wide-angle lens or a telephoto lens, to change the way the subject appears in the photograph.
By using these techniques and experimenting with different combinations of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, you can learn how to capture great photographs of moving subjects. It may take some practice and trial and error to get the desired results, but with time and experience, you will be able to capture dynamic and exciting photographs of moving subjects.