Action photography: shutter speeds to start with
Finding the best shutter speed to use depends on:
whether you want to “freeze” the action or keep some motion blur
how close you are to your subject
how fast the subject is moving
the focal length of your lens.
Lots of practice is needed so you know exactly what is likely to happen. But you can use these suggested shutter speeds as a starting point that will get you good enough results. Review your results at 100% magnification and revise your shutter speed if you need to:
Motor sports (subject moving across the frame): 1/1500 sec. to freeze the action.
Panning: start at 1/30 sec. and review your first attempts carefully. Adjust the shutter speed as you get used to the action of moving the camera at the same speed as your subject
Bird in flight (frozen movement): a minimum of 1/1000 sec. depending on the size of the bird in the frame and its speed.
Bird in flight (with blur): start at 1/60 sec. for an average-sized bird, increasing to 1/250 sec. or 1/500 sec. for larger birds or those moving more quickly. For hummingbirds you can use 1/2000 sec. and still see some wingtip blur.
Larger mammals or pets fighting or playing (completely frozen): minimum 1/500 sec., preferably 1/1000 sec.
Fast-paced team sports, such as football, rugby or hockey): 1/500 sec.
Toddlers: 1/250 sec. for play; 1/500 sec. for running; 1/1000 sec. for jumping.
A person jumping or dancing: 1/1000 sec.
A Second Year With My Camera
This information is taken from the up-coming book, A Second Year With My Camera. The book picks up where AYWMC1 leaves off and moves you from confident beginner to intermediate photographer with chapters on wildlife, macro, events and portraits. If you have finished AYWMC1 you can join the AYWMC2 preview emails here:
Join A Year With My Camera
The first AYWMC is a comprehensive beginner’s photography course for complete beginners written by Emma Davies. It is entirely free by email or you can buy the workbooks/join the app. Join the emails here for all the details:
