10 top tips for shooting better action shots

To get you closer to the action, a telephoto zoom lens is ideal and if you want to fill up your frame either a Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G or Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G are perfect for sport and action photography. Both incorporate Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) anti-shake technology, so even if conditions aren’t bright enough for a really fast shutter speed, you’ll still get crystal clear action shots. But it’s not all about long lenses – keeping a wide angle lens like the Nikkor 10-24mm f3.5-4.5G ED to hand – or even on a second body, like the pros – means if the action comes up close, you still won’t miss a thing.

FOCUS MODES

Single focus is fine for landscape photography, but you need something a bit more fluid when it comes to action. Continuous focus is the way to go here, as it will continue to focus as long as you half press the shutter button.

PRE-FOCUS

It may be hard to believe, but there’s still a place for manual focus in action photography. If you know where the action’s going to take place, such as a jump on a rally stage, it’s better to pre-focus at that point, wait and then take your shots as your subject passes.

CAPTURE THE RIGHT MOMENT

To give yourself more of a chance to capture ‘that’ shot, change your Drive mode from Single to Continuous. Now, when you press the shutter button, you can rattle off a series of shots rather than just one, meaning you don’t miss out on the action.

USE PANNING, CAPTURE MOVEMENT

To add an element of speed and drama to your shots, drop your shutter down and then smoothly track your subject as it passes, firing off a few shots. The low shutter speed will blur the background and any other moving parts (such as wheels), but the main subject will remain sharp thanks to you panning with it.

ADVANCED NIKON FEATURES

Some Nikon cameras like the D90 and D300 have an advanced 3D focus tracking mode. Switch this on in the main menu and watch the AF point follow a moving subject across the viewfinder – very handy for action shots.

SUPPORT YOUR LENS

When you’re using a long lens a monopod is an essential accessory. Resting your camera on one will not only improve the chances of getting sharp shots, but also give your arms a bit of a rest, too as you wont need to hold that heavy lens all day.

FIRE IN SOME FLASH

Using flash is a great way of freezing a fast moving subject and the quick recycle times of the Nikon SB900 flashgun are ideal for action, so you’ll never miss a shot. Flash can be distracting though, so it’s a good idea to check with the organisers or participants first before you start blasting them.

TURN UP THE SHUTTER SPEED

With fast subjects and long lenses, it’s crucial you use a fast shutter speed for sharp shots. While shutter speeds of around 1/125sec of a second will generally be fine for portraiture, or still-life photography, for action photography you’ll want at least 1/500sec or faster.

GET INTO POSITION

For the best action shots, your position and angle are key. Find a spot where you have a clear unobstructed view of the action otherwise you’ll end up with lots of shots of people’s backs. To help out, try to get lower or higher than the rest of the crowd.

CHECK FOR SHARPNESS

Before you pack up, zoom in tight on some of your best shots and make sure some of them are sharp, otherwise you’ll be disappointed when you get home. To do this on Nikon bodies simply hold down the Zoom+ button when you’re in image preview mode.

Why not upload your photographs?

Upload your photographs to the Photoanswers.co.uk gallery? Click here.

Learn From A PRO Golf photographer

must-have kit : Learn what kit you should have to tackle any situation .

Meet bob atkins : Read our Q&A with Bob, pro nikon golf photographer..

win Nikon kit: Win over £1000 to spend on Nikon camera kit..

	MORE content Ten Tips - Macro Ten Tips - Action Ten Tips - Portraits Ten Tips - Landscapes Ultimate lens selection Essential accessories Meet Bob Atkins, pro golf photographer Win £1000 to spend on Nikon kit Home Todaysgolfer.co.uk			10 top tips for shooting better action shots To get you closer to the action, a telephoto zoom lens is ideal and if you want to fill up your frame either a Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G or Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G are perfect for sport and action photography. Both incorporate Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) anti-shake technology, so even if conditions aren’t bright enough for a really fast shutter speed, you’ll still get crystal clear action shots. But it’s not all about long lenses – keeping a wide angle lens like the Nikkor 10-24mm f3.5-4.5G ED to hand – or even on a second body, like the pros – means if the action comes up close, you still won’t miss a thing. . FOCUS MODES Single focus is fine for landscape photography, but you need something a bit more fluid when it comes to action. Continuous focus is the way to go here, as it will continue to focus as long as you half press the shutter button. Pre-Focus on the point your subject will pass through. PRE-FOCUS It may be hard to believe, but there’s still a place for manual focus in action photography. If you know where the action’s going to take place, such as a jump on a rally stage, it’s better to pre-focus at that point, wait and then take your shots as your subject passes. Pick your moment, shooting bursts will make this easier CAPTURE THE RIGHT MOMENT To give yourself more of a chance to capture ‘that’ shot, change your Drive mode from Single to Continuous. Now, when you press the shutter button, you can rattle off a series of shots rather than just one, meaning you don’t miss out on the action. USE PANNING, CAPTURE MOVEMENT To add an element of speed and drama to your shots, drop your shutter down and then smoothly track your subject as it passes, firing off a few shots. The low shutter speed will blur the background and any other moving parts (such as wheels), but the main subject will remain sharp thanks to you panning with it. Use flash to freeze the moment ADVANCED NIKON FEATURES Some Nikon cameras like the D90 and D300 have an advanced 3D focus tracking mode. Switch this on in the main menu and watch the AF point follow a moving subject across the viewfinder – very handy for action shots. SUPPORT YOUR LENS When you’re using a long lens a monopod is an essential accessory. Resting your camera on one will not only improve the chances of getting sharp shots, but also give your arms a bit of a rest, too as you wont need to hold that heavy lens all day. FIRE IN SOME FLASH Using flash is a great way of freezing a fast moving subject and the quick recycle times of the Nikon SB900 flashgun are ideal for action, so you’ll never miss a shot. Flash can be distracting though, so it’s a good idea to check with the organisers or participants first before you start blasting them. TURN UP THE SHUTTER SPEED With fast subjects and long lenses, it’s crucial you use a fast shutter speed for sharp shots. While shutter speeds of around 1/125sec of a second will generally be fine for portraiture, or still-life photography, for action photography you’ll want at least 1/500sec or faster. GET INTO POSITION For the best action shots, your position and angle are key. Find a spot where you have a clear unobstructed view of the action otherwise you’ll end up with lots of shots of people’s backs. To help out, try to get lower or higher than the rest of the crowd. CHECK FOR SHARPNESS Before you pack up, zoom in tight on some of your best shots and make sure some of them are sharp, otherwise you’ll be disappointed when you get home. To do this on Nikon bodies simply hold down the Zoom+ button when you’re in image preview mode. Why not upload your photographs? Upload your photographs to the Photoanswers.co.uk gallery? Click here. Learn From A PRO Golf photographer must-have kit : Learn what kit you should have to tackle any situation . Meet bob atkins : Read our Q&A with Bob, pro nikon golf photographer.. win Nikon kit: Win over £1000 to spend on Nikon camera kit..