How to take winning sports shots that capture the action

Expert tips from professional photographer, Tom Ang

Scoring a game-winning goal, nailing a switch landing for the first time or hurtling down an extremebike track - all unrepeatable moments that are awesome to capture on camera.
With the challenging environment and fast paced nature of outdoor and adventure sports, it’s hard to get that perfect shot.

To help you capture those epic moments take a few tips from professional photographer Tom Ang. Tom has created his ten top tips to help sports enthusiasts take great action shots.

Tom is a leading authority on digital photography and an award winning author who has written numerous books on photography including the ‘Digital Photographer’s Handbook’ which has sold over half a million copies worldwide.

Expert tips for outdoor sports enthusiasts to take great action shots
Practice before the big event

You get only one chance, so if you’re not used to snapping sports, get some practice beforehand. Learn how your camera works, how quickly it focuses and fires a shot. Set up the Sports mode if your camera has it. Or set to Shutter Priority and Follow-focus before the event.

Best position is where everyone isn’t
The starting line or tape may be where everyone wants to be, but often the best action takes place elsewhere. Look out for places with clean, simple backgrounds. Find vantage points that give you can overall view. Or go behind the scenes for the unguarded moments before or after the event.

Closer is better
The closer to the action you can get, the more likely you’ll catch strong action shots. Keep your eye on the what’s going on, keep shooting and do not stop to review pictures. Keeping your attention on the action is a vital part of staying close to events.

Fast memory card makes for fast capture
For action shots, everything needs to be working at top speed. That means not only you, but the camera too. It helps to use the fastest memory cards recommended for your camera. This gets images stored as quickly as possible so you’re quickly ready for the next photo.

Hire long lens if you need
For those important events, it’s really worthwhile renting a long zoom lens. Be sure to pick it up a day or two in advance so you gain experience using it. A maximum focal length of 300mm or more helps you bridge the distances, so you can capture close ups of the action.

Use long trekking pole to rest on
A support for your camera helps get your photos sharp: resting on a trekking pole takes its weight off your hands, particularly if you’re using a big lens. It’ll also be easier to aim and keep the camera steady. If really keen, invest in a monopod that can double as a trekking pole.

Keep the sun behind you
On sunny days, ensure the sun is behind you. This lights up your subjects to give the least shadow so you can see all their features clearly. Or have the sun to one side, which gives a mix of shadow and lit areas. If the sun is directly ahead, your subjects will be mostly in shadow.

Try low down
For variety, try shooting from low down - even ground level. This gives a child’s or worm’s eye view that can increase the sense of drama in photos. It also helps the viewer feel more involved in the action. Combine this with being close to the action for exciting results.

Pan to follow the action
Usually we keep the camera as steady as possible. With sports, the action moves so quickly, a good technique is to follow the action during the exposure. Swing the camera to keep the action in the frame when pressing the shutter button. This blurs the background yet the action stays sharp. As you pan, shoot as many frames as possible to help capture the best action shot.
Safety first
In the excitement of getting your shot, remember to ensure the safety of the sports folk as well as your own. Get close, but not too close. Keep aware of everything going on so that you’re not in the way of any inadvertent movements. And always obey the sports stewards.

Capture the action on the Sony a6000 camera. A great option for those who live for sports and adventure. (RRP $1199.95)
Capture the action with faster autofocus.

Ultra-fast autofocus makes the a6000 one of the most versatile interchangeable lens cameras available. The a6000 will capture the action in a mere 0.06 seconds, so you can be assured you’ll get the perfect shot in any situation, from the final kick to the 360 landing.
Wider auto-focus coveragefor super sharp images.

Ultra-precise 179 autofocus points for greater coverage. More autofocus points means a better chance of snapping that perfectly sharp image.
Stop the action – not the thrills.

Capture more of the details that express action memorably with the a6000. The camerashoots 11 frames-per-second with superior autofocus tracking for crisp and clear shots.

More camera. Less to carry.
Don’t let a bulky camera get in the way of the action. The a6000 is compact and lightweight.
Lenses: the ultimate creative tool.

Change the a6000 lens to suit the situation. Find out about Sony Lenses.
For more great photography tips from Tom Ang and to find out where to purchase his books please go to www.tomang.com.