Capturing kids in action

Children rarely stay still for a photograph, so action photography works better when the camera is prepared before the interesting moment happens. The same techniques apply to pets, games and many other moving subjects.

Give the camera enough shutter speed

Movement needs a sufficiently fast shutter speed if you want it frozen. The exact speed depends on how fast the subject moves, how close you are and the effect you want.

Use continuous autofocus when appropriate

AF-C on many cameras and AI Servo on some Canon cameras continually updates focus while the shutter button or focus control is active.

Use a focus area you can manage

A very small focus point can be difficult to keep on a running child. Subject tracking or a slightly larger area may be easier if your camera handles it well.

Anticipate

Watch the game or activity and decide where the child is likely to move. Pre-positioning is often more effective than chasing them with the camera.

Burst mode is a tool, not a substitute for timing

A short burst can capture changing expressions or body positions, but thousands of random frames make editing harder.

Common mistakes

• Using a slow shutter speed and blaming autofocus for motion blur.
• Focusing on the background because the focus area slipped off the subject.
• Waiting until the action has happened before raising the camera.
• Publishing photographs of children without appropriate permission.

What you should be able to do before moving on

You should be able to distinguish motion blur from missed focus and see why preparing before the action matters.