For great results taking action shots, prepare your camera to suit the particular event. Photographers with experience shooting sports generally use fast film (or on your digital camera a higher ISO setting) in any action situation. This gives you more ability to use small apertures for greater depth of field, and fast shutter speeds to freeze moving subjects.

In a fully automatic camera, a fast film speed/setting will allow the camera to speed up the shutter by default. However full auto or "P" setting may not make the best use of shutter speed and aperture. If your camera has a "Sports & Action" setting (person running) and no manual functions, you should use it. For auto cameras The "Sports & Action" mode will ensure that you get the best action shots possible, with your camera and if the camera has a rapid advance feature it should be initiated when in this mode.

If your camera has manual controls and you wish to freeze the action, your shutter speeds need to be upward of 1/500 of a second. If the most important aspect is stopping action, your aperture setting will have to take a back seat to your shutter speed.

As a general rule the following will apply: for most field sports 1/500 and up; for auto or boat racing or diving 1/1000 and up; for a golf swing or pitch 1/2000 or higher, and so on. The faster the subject of interest, the faster the shutter speed required. Think about how fast hands and feet are moving also.

If you are using a telephoto lens, your shutter speeds are all the more critical. A long focal length can reduce your shutter speed flexibility, and more importantly increase camera shake causing blurry photos. The longer the lens the more important fast shutter speeds become. When you have a long lens, use a tripod or monopod whenever possible. In addition to steadying the camera, a tripod makes panning smoothly with a moving subject much easier.

If possible move to a position that gives you a good or interesting angle on the subject, and has a good background for the shots.

If you are shooting under indoor lighting, or in low light you will need very fast film to help ensure your results. Unless you have an advanced camera and a very fast aperture lens, count on 10% or so of these photos turning out acceptable. So shoot a lot of pictures!

A flash for indoor/or outdoor sports is not recommended. First, you probably won't be close enough to the action for the flash to be fo benefit. Second, if you are close enough you might temporarily blind a player and cause a problem. Generally you need a few high-end, pieces of equipment to capture really good indoor sports shots.

Trapping is a very effective technique for action photography. It can be very difficult or impossible to follow a moving subject and keep sharp focus on them, unless they are traveling in a steady, fairly straight path. If not, try focusing on an area the subject is going to be moving through, in advance of the subject. Hold the pre-focus and when the subject comes into frame, capture them! This may also allow you to choose a more attractive setting/background for your shot.

These are just a few of the things to consider when shooting sports/ action pictures. Your Creve Coeur Camera store can help you with all of the considerations, to help ensure that you get that perfect shot!