Capturing Action

Even the most ordinary family activity can offer an opportunity to capture a memorable moment of peak action. If it's a high speed activity, such as ping pong or the running leap into the lake, think sports. Approach it with the mentality that you have been chosen to photograph a University of Connecticut basketball game or New London High School football game.

A capable camera that allows the photographer to control all exposure settings and has a detachable lens makes it much easier to turn the backyard baseball game into a potential cover for Sports Illustrated.

Sports photographers use fast shutter speeds to stop action and wide open apertures to blur out the background and allow enough light into the camera. A high ISO, the equivalent to a high film speed, also gives a brighter exposure and helps capture the light that is available. The ping pong photograph at the senior center was captured at a shutter speed of 1/500, aperture of f2.8, and an ISO of 2000. These are typical manual settings for sports and other fast paced activities. To capture a five year old boy hurling himself off the diving board and into the pool use a shutter speed that is at least 1/500 or faster. Pick an aperture of f2.8 or f4. Check your light meter and choose an ISO that is appropriate so that you can use a wide aperture and fast shutter speed. Bright sun outdoors requires low ISO's, such as 200, and low light inside requires a high ISO of 800 or more.

The continuous autofocus feature and a lens with a long focal length aid in capturing stunning action photographs. Continuous autofocus allows a photographer to track action as the athletes rush through the camera frame. If a camera doesn't have this feature, try manually focusing on a location and waiting for the subject to run into that plane of focus. Long focal lengths bring the viewer right into the action and eliminate other distracting elements. The ping pong photo was shot at a focal length of 120mm. Action in the center of a football field is typically photographed with a 400mm or 500mm lens. In most cases, you want to use a focal length as long as your lens will allow.

Once you get your camera settings established, take a few minutes to study your subjects. Don't worry about capturing photos, just search out the one kid that is making that hilarious funny face when he kicks the soccer ball. Don't think about the other kids, just follow this one kid around the field and click away.

Be patient and put your good luck charm in your pocket. Rub on that rabbit's foot for all it's worth, because even the best sports photographer will tell you there is still an element of luck involved. Capturing fast moving action takes a lot of practice. The idea is to get your gear set up and find your target subject. Then just track the subject and wait for that big moment of action or look of delight on your daughter's face. Don't get discouraged. It takes a lot of failed action shots to generate one good one.

If all else fails, just get close. Get wet in the sprinkler when your grandson runs through the arc of water. You might get the best summer photo ever, but at the very least, you will have a fun story to tell about how you tried and came out looking like your drenched Springer Spaniel after a dip in the river. Whatever the outcome, you had fun chasing the ball.

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