How to Take Action Photos

Taking action photos begins with knowing your camera's mechanics. Action photography requires you to be quick. Therefore, you likely can't compose your shot as usual, but that doesn't mean you can't do some preplanning. For example:

After doing your homework, there are great ways to capture the action. It all comes down to your personal preference and what type of adventure photography story you're aiming to tell. Below, you'll find three photography tips for taking action photos. If needed, refer to the sidebar on this page for helpful definitions.

Ready to try these techniques? Why not get bundled up and head out for some photos in the snow? Snowshoe to the next section to learn more.

Using the previous techniques, you can freeze a skier or blur the background to show speed. However, capturing these shots in the snow combines extreme weather, difficult lighting and movement. With that said, if you have the proper gear, practice your exposure skills and follow snow photography tips, your photos can shine.

Besides dressing warmly and considering a hand-warmer (since you'll need to remove your gloves), consider your equipment. For water protection, look for a sealed camera or a rain and snow cover. Keep your batteries and camera warm while it's not in use -- inside your jacket next to your body, for instance. For stability, use a wrist strap. A neck strap is too dangerous to you and your camera if you fall in the snow; a tripod will get in the way of your mobility and subject's safety.

Exposure in snow can be tricky. The snow's brightness makes your camera think it's lighter outside, resulting in underexposure. Your snow will look fantastic, but your subject won't. Here are some options for figuring out settings on a snow day:

Conversely, if you are taking snow photos on an overcast day, compensate even more for the camera's tendency to underexpose. Try overexposing by two f/stops.

If you're having trouble determining which setting combinations work and have a digital camera, use your histogram (exposure guide) in the preview mode. With lots of snow around, you want the curve to be higher near the left edge. If that isn't the case, tweak your settings.

In addition to your gear and settings, consider the following photography tips for shooting in the snow:

Now that you know how to shoot action photos in the snow, advance to the next section to learn about adventure photography from a boat.

When taking action photos from a boat, chances are that not only is your subject moving, but you are also moving -- even if it's just with the current. This movement so close to potentially camera-damaging water calls for some specific techniques and the protection of both your camera and yourself.

First, use your camera settings and stability methods to get your shots off quickly and creatively. For example, to freeze action, compensate with a faster shutter speed and ISO of 300 or faster. Play with your settings and use the reflection of the water for visual interest. Provide a moving subject with lead time while it travels across the frame, and watch the direction of the sun to avoid shadowing your subject.

Second, to steady your camera while taking photos from a boat, try these tips:

Keep in mind that the above is worthwhile only if you and your equipment are safe. Watch the weather conditions and take appropriate action. In a canoe, raft or similar boat, use a wrist strap, not a neck strap. Should you capsize, having anything around your neck is dangerous.

To protect your camera, purchase a waterproof case or bag. Since salt is corrosive, clean your camera thoroughly after a saltwater shoot. If your camera falls in fresh water, dry it out and get it to a repair shop as soon as possible. If it falls in saltwater, immerse it in fresh water and get to that repair shop.

With what you've read so far, you might be thinking it's time to head out on an adventure photography trip. First, though, you should also pick up some tips on how to take action photos in low light -- whether it's in the dusk of the day while on your snow shoot, as the sun goes down on the open water or even inside. Swing by the next section to learn more before you grab your gear and jet.

When you venture out in the sun to take photos, light is helpful, but what if you're inside at a sporting event or dance show? Or what if that sun sneaks behind a cloud cover? In this case, you'll be facing a low light situation.

Here's the issue with low light for action photos. In low light, you need to adjust your camera to let enough light in. If you'll recall, that means you need to either use a slower shutter speed or a larger aperture. Well, if your goal is to freeze action, you've learned that you need a fast shutter speed. That leaves you with using your aperture setting for light -- but even at the largest aperture setting, you still might not be letting in enough light.

Don't worry, though. There are a few photo tips to help. Consider the following:

You've learned a lot about techniques in this article, but the best way to refine your action photography skills is to practice. Soon, you'll be capturing action like a pro -- storing family memories, highlighting your favorite sports and pausing powerful moments for safe-keeping.