How to take great sports photos of kids

Capturing action photos at your child’s next sporting event couldn’t be easier! From football to gymnastics, these great action photo tips from Nigel Barker are sure to help you get the winning shot.

• Use creative angles, like getting down low and let the action come to you.  Or, try going high and shoot down on the action.
• Try some shots shooting thru the crowd.  It is a great way to capture the emotion of the event.
• Use a zoom lens to allow you to get really close to the action, even from the sidelines or stands.
• For sports, you want to use a high shutter speed to stop the action.  The higher the shutter speed, the clearer the action will be, maximizing the detail, while minimizing the blur.  Many DSLR cameras will have an easily accessible mode dial on the top of the camera.  If yours does not, take the opportunity to test your settings.  Try each setting, one at a time, at your child’s next practice.  This will help you to determine which settings will be best, to capture the action, at the next big game.
• Most importantly, follow the action!  Move around and don’t be afraid to take shots while you are moving.

• Use creative angles, like getting down low and let the action come to you.  Or, try going high and shoot down on the action.
• Try some shots shooting thru the crowd.  It is a great way to capture the emotion of the event.
• Use a zoom lens to allow you to get really close to the action, even from the sidelines or stands.
• For sports, you want to use a high shutter speed to stop the action.  The higher the shutter speed, the clearer the action will be, maximizing the detail, while minimizing the blur.  Many DSLR cameras will have an easily accessible mode dial on the top of the camera.  If yours does not, take the opportunity to test your settings.  Try each setting, one at a time, at your child’s next practice.  This will help you to determine which settings will be best, to capture the action, at the next big game.
• Most importantly, follow the action!  Move around and don’t be afraid to take shots while you are moving.