Avoid shutter lag

Depending on your camera, it can take an entire second from the moment you press the shutter to when your camera actually takes the picture. This gap in time is called "shutter lag," and it can be the difference between getting action shots and missing them. Here's how to "trick" your camera into overcoming shutter lag:

• 1. Anticipate the action. As you watch the game, try to see where things are headed, so you can be ready for an outstanding play or reaction.
  
• 2. Press the shutter down lightly, about halfway. This will lock the focus on the subject of your photo. This lets you take the picture much faster because the focusing process will already be done.
  

Camera settings for sports photos

Two shooting modes are especially helpful when taking photos of sports.

• 1. Action shooting mode uses a fast shutter speed to stop action, so you get clear photos without blur.
• 2. Burst mode lets you take multiple pictures with one click of the shutter button, perfect for catching a sequence of moves.
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Panning to showcase motion

Freeze-frame an athlete in action with a technique called "panning"—moving the camera in the same direction as your in-motion subject as you shoot. This approach produces a photo with a motion-blurred background and a sharply focused subject. Here's how:

• 1. Begin to pan the camera before your subject enters your view.
• 2. Keep movement smooth and controlled.
• 3. Track the moving subject with your camera while turning your body to follow the action.
• 4. Take the picture, continue moving the camera, and follow through even after the shot has been taken.

Get stills from video

Video is an excellent way to capture a wake boarder in flight, a goal being scored, or the crossing of a finish line.

Select digital cameras also allow you to shoot video of athletes in action, and print still photos of selected frames from the footage. Because photos taken from video have lower resolution, they look best as 4" x 6" prints.

Sports close-ups

Close-ups show the emotion of sports. Catch the intensity of a tennis player's focus as he serves, or, as in the photo above, highlight a unique dimension of a sport.

Your digital camera's zoom lens or macro shooting mode will let you get in close.

Go beyond the action

Sports is about more than just action. Here are ideas for other shots to look for:

• 1. Focus in on emotion: Team members celebrating or commiserating, the look of pride or disbelief.
• 2. Set the scene: Show the court or field, the crowd roaring, the scoreboard or cheerleaders—it's all part of the fun.
• 3. Track the moving subject with your camera while turning your body to follow the action.
• 4. Take the picture, continue moving the camera, and follow through even after the shot has been taken.