Shoot action from different perspectives to deliver photos with impact

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Adapt to capture movements of the action relative to the camera to increase the effects of the fast captured scene

American Football
(Image credit: Keith Johnston)

When shooting fast movements, the main focus is often on technical settings. Delivering amazing action shots is not just about the frozen movement itself, but the composition of the shot will also make the image stand out and direct the viewer’s eyes on essential, fast-captured elements.

When composing a shot, preparation is key. Think out of the box and be ready to leave your comfort zone. By exploring the environment around where you want to capture these fast movements, you will gain more time during the shooting allowing you to concentrate on the subjects and settings. Especially when taking photos at an event from a defined location, different perspectives and angles can be tried out even without the subject.

3 perspectives and their effects

(Image credit: Keith Johnston)

1: Side-to-side

To best convey the sense of speed, position your subject at 90° to the camera lens. This angle allows you to create dynamic photos, showing fast movements, but there is a greater chance of other elements interfering with AF lock, as they move between you and the subject.

(Image credit: Keith Johnston)

2: Head on

By choosing a position where your subject is moving towards the camera, the focus shifts from showing visible motion to characteristic features of the subject. Putting the spotlight on the subject itself can be a good technique when photographing famous athletes.

(Image credit: Keith Johnston)

3: Low

Capture unique moments of movement in high detail by lowering your camera position. For sports or wildlife shots where the main action of the subject is on the ground, this perspective offers the viewer an uncommon insight into the action.

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Kim Bunermann
Kim Bunermann
Technique Editor

Kim is the Technique Editor of Digital Photographer Magazine. She specializes in architecture, still life and product photography and has a Master's degree in Photography and Media with a distinction from the FH Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences in Germany. While studying, Kim came to the UK for an exchange term at the London College of Communication. She settled in the UK and began her career path by joining Future. Kim focuses on tutorials and creative techniques, and particularly enjoys interviewing inspiring photographers who concentrate on a range of fascinating subjects including women in photography, the climate crisis; the planet, its precious creatures and the environment.

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