[How to take dynamic sports photos] Explaining the basics that can be used for a variety of subjects

Whether it's athletics, soccer, or baseball, you want to capture beautiful photos of your loved ones or athletes in action. However, sports photos often involve people moving quickly, so you need to be careful with shutter speed and focusing. In this article, we'll show you some tips for capturing attractive photos of moving subjects.

Shutter speed is key in sports photography

Shutter speed is important when taking sports photos. If you want to capture fast movements clearly, you will need a high shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second or faster. For example, when you want to capture a split-second movement clearly, such as a baseball batting shot or a soccer kick, a fast shutter speed is effective for "freezing" the movement.

On the other hand, you can also take panning shots to express a sense of dynamism. In this case, set a slower shutter speed, such as 1/60 or 1/125 seconds. This will blur the background and make the subject stand out clearly, allowing you to take an impressive photo with a sense of speed. It is often used when taking photos of cars, motorcycles, and running athletes.

Shooting mode is set to shutter speed priority

When shooting moving subjects, we recommend shooting in shutter speed priority mode. In this mode, you set the shutter speed, and the camera automatically adjusts the F-number (aperture value) to achieve the correct exposure.

For example, you can change the shutter speed to suit the shooting environment and subject, such as 1/1000 second for a baseball game outdoors in a bright location, or 1/500 second for a basketball game in a slightly dark gymnasium, and shoot at the appropriate brightness for each.

Autofocus (AF) is continuous

When photographing sports, it is common for the camera to not be able to focus properly. To track a fast-moving subject, use continuous autofocus (AF), which tracks the moving object. In this mode, the camera will constantly adjust the focus to match the subject's movement while the shutter button is half-pressed.

It is effective to use zone or flexible spot AF areas. For example, when tracking a soccer player running around, it is easier to use zones, which cover a certain range.

How to capture the players' expressions and movements

The real joy of sports photography is not only capturing photos of the action, but also the serious expressions on the players' faces. In order to capture important scenes clearly, it's important to remember the appropriate exposure settings and shooting tips.

A shutter speed of 1/500 to 1/1000 seconds or faster is recommended

A sufficiently fast shutter speed is required to freeze the movements of players. As mentioned above, for fast movements such as a baseball swing or a soccer shot, a shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second or faster is recommended. In particular, at the moment the ball enters the frame, a high shutter speed of 1/2000th of a second may be required to freeze the ball's movement.

For indoor sports such as basketball and volleyball, a shutter speed of around 1/500th of a second is a good guide to ensure sufficient light while still freezing the movement. Also, in places such as gymnasiums with dim lighting, increase the ISO sensitivity to ensure a sufficient shutter speed.

Creating a sense of dynamism with panning shots

Panning is a photography technique that uses a camera to follow a subject, intentionally blurring the background to create a sense of dynamism. By keeping the main subject in focus while capturing the background in a flowing motion, you can create a photo that has a sense of speed.

Set the shutter speed to approximately 1/60 seconds

When taking panning shots, it is a good idea to aim for a shutter speed of around 1/60 seconds. The slower the shutter speed, the more blurred the background will be, creating a more dynamic feel, but the shooting will be more difficult. It is easier to improve if you start with a relatively fast setting such as 1/125 seconds and gradually slow it down.

Pursuing the subject with a stable form

Camera movement is also an important point for panning. Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms close to your sides, rotate the camera with your entire upper body to achieve stable panning. If you try to move the camera using only your wrist, you will not be able to achieve smooth movement.

Also, be mindful of the follow-through, starting to move before the subject is captured in the viewfinder and continuing to move after the shutter is released.

Capture the before and after of the scene you want to shoot with continuous shooting

When photographing sports, make use of continuous shooting so you don't miss the decisive moment. With continuous shooting, the camera takes continuous photos while you hold down the shutter button. This makes it easier to capture split-second scenes, such as the apex of a jump or the moment of touching the ball.

Check the composition and shooting spot

To take good sports photos, it is important to prepare in advance. If possible, check the venue in advance and find a place where you can easily see the players' movements. For example, consider the positioning according to the scene you want to capture, such as between the infield and outfield at a baseball stadium, or behind the goal or near the touchline at a soccer stadium.

Also, be aware of the position of the sun and lighting, and know the shooting points that make use of backlighting and side light to create a variety of expressions. You can make the most of the silhouette of the players by using backlighting, or emphasize the three-dimensional effect by using side light.

At sports days, check the courses for each event and the movement of the players, and secure a position where you can take photos at the best angle. We especially recommend securing popular shooting spots early.

Creating impact through position and angle

The impression of a photograph also changes depending on the position and angle from which it is taken. For example, taking a photo from a low angle, looking up slightly from a low position, will make the athletes appear larger and more powerful, adding to the impact. Taking photos from a low angle, particularly in jumping scenes or when athletes are competing with each other, will emphasize the strength and height of the athletes. When taking photos from the side, leaving some space in the direction of movement will create a sense of dynamism, as if the athlete is jumping out of the screen.

Also, by not getting too close to the subject and maintaining a moderate distance, you can capture the overall atmosphere, including the surrounding situation. Taking a photo with a wide-angle composition that includes the atmosphere of the venue will allow you to recall the scene at the time more clearly when you look back on it later.

Use a telephoto zoom lens

Telephoto zoom lenses with a focal length of 200mm or more are useful for sports photography. They can capture distant subjects in a large size, allowing you to clearly capture players at the edge of the field or ground, or plays at high positions. They are particularly essential when shooting in stadiums and other locations where you are at a distance from the players.

Another advantage of telephoto lenses is that they tend to produce a large amount of background blur. This makes it possible to take photos that make the players stand out from the background, highlighting their expressions and movements. Even if there is a cluttered background such as spectator stands, you can end up with an impressive photo that focuses only on the players.

Use a tripod or monopod to prevent camera shake

Telephoto lenses are prone to camera shake, so using a monopod will give you more stability. A monopod not only supports the camera, but also makes it less tiring to shoot for long periods of time.

A tripod is very stable, but it fixes movement, so a monopod is more maneuverable when shooting a moving subject. A monopod is especially recommended when following players moving around on a large field, such as in baseball or soccer.

Understand typical plays and predict their movements

Understanding the basic flow and rules of the sport will allow you to predict the next play and prepare your camera accordingly. It is also important to read the player's line of sight and posture to predict the next move. Pointing the camera at the line of sight of a player about to pass the ball, or watching the preparations for a jump to prepare for the shutter chance, will make it easier to capture the moment you want.

If possible, watch pre-match practice sessions, past footage, and sample photos to get an idea of what kind of moments will make an attractive photograph. Referencing the work of professional photographers will also give you a clear image of the moment you want to capture.

Tips for shooting different scenes

The key points to remember when taking photos vary depending on the type of sport. Understand the characteristics of each and learn effective shooting techniques.

Sports day

In a footrace, capturing a child's expression as they finish near the finish line will convey their hard work. We also recommend using panning shots to create a sense of dynamism. For panning shots from the side, try moving the camera at the same speed as the child, with a shutter speed of about 1/60th of a second.

For distinctive events such as obstacle races and ball toss, try changing the angle and position to create a sense of dynamism. For example, taking a photo of a child practicing before the competition will help convey the height and power of the jump. Also, taking photos of the child practicing before the competition will serve as a backup in case they fail during the real thing.

Baseball

The basic settings for a batter's swing and a pitcher's pitching form are around 1/500 to 1/1000 seconds or faster. In particular, a high shutter speed of around 1/2000 seconds will allow you to clearly capture the moment of impact when the bat catches the ball. In defense, aiming for the moment when you can see the player's facial expression and the position of the ball will create a photo with a sense of tension.

When shooting behind the backstop or other areas, you can blur and remove the net by getting close to it with an aperture close to maximum aperture.

Soccer

Capturing the tactics and expressions of the players in attack and defense in front of the goal or during a shooting scene will create a photo with a sense of realism. It is important to predict and wait for the decisive moment, such as the goalkeeper's save or the striker's shot. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the movement.

Also, by including the ball in the frame along with the player's profile, you can create a composition that makes it easier to convey the intention of the play. For example, capturing the ball and the player's gaze as they stare at it at the same time will create a photo that conveys the tension of the play.

Basketball

The moment of the shot can be made more impressive with a vertical composition that conveys the upward extension and height of the jump. Shooting from an angle looking slightly up from under the basket will highlight the beauty of the player's jumping power and extension. Flashy plays such as dunks make particularly impressive photos.

Since it is an indoor sport, the amount of light is likely to be low, so it is a good idea to aim for a shutter speed of about 1/500 seconds or faster. In dribbling scenes, you can also create a sense of dynamism with panning shots. Move the camera to follow the player's movements with a shutter speed of about 1/60 seconds. Panning shots in indoor sports are not easy, but we encourage you to give it a try.

Motorsports

Try taking panning shots of cars and motorbikes during a race. It's easier to succeed at panning shots when shooting from a point where the speed is constant, such as around a corner. You'll also increase your chances of success by practicing at the same spot multiple times.

The facial expression of the driver or rider is also an important element, so don't miss the chance to see their expression inside the helmet. Capturing not only the machine but also the human drama, such as moments during pit work or on the podium, will give your work more depth.

Tips for choosing the right lens for sports photography

Here we will introduce how to choose the best lens for sports photography.

Focal length

If you are shooting at a distance, such as at a stadium, you will need a telephoto lens of 200mm or more, or an ultra-telephoto lens. For example, at a professional sports match, a lens of 300mm or more will allow you to capture the facial expressions of the players. If you are shooting at a relatively close distance, such as at a sports day, a telephoto zoom lens of around 70mm to 200mm will be versatile and easy to use. Many types are reasonably sized and easy to carry, so they are also recommended as a first telephoto lens.

Maximum aperture

Lenses with an aperture value of F2.8 or higher are suitable for sports photography, as they make it easier to achieve a fast shutter speed even in indoor sports. In particular, in indoor sports such as gymnasiums and pools, where the lighting is often dim, a fast lens is ideal.

Weight and compactness

Lightweight and compact lenses are useful for long-term shooting. Lightweight lenses are particularly easy to use for events where you will be shooting all day, such as sports days.

AF performance

Use a lens that has high motion tracking capabilities and can focus smoothly and accurately. It is also a good idea to check how quiet the AF motor is. This will allow you to be as considerate as possible to your surroundings even in the quiet environment of a match.

In-lens image stabilization

In-lens image stabilization allows for stable shooting even when handheld. In addition, lenses that allow you to adjust the amount of image stabilization available will enable you to create a variety of different expressions, even when taking panning shots.

Take sports photos while paying attention to the shutter speed

When taking sports photos, the shooting method will change depending on how you want to express the movement of the subject. If you want to freeze the movement, shoot with a fast shutter speed. Another way to create a sense of dynamism is to use panning shots. Always keep in mind what will happen next so you don't miss your chance to take the photo.