How to Do Stop Action Photography in 6 Steps

Tired of capturing blurry or poorly timed photos of an action-packed moment?

As a photographer who has tried to accomplish a stop action photo, only to have a blurry result, I know how frustrating it can be to miss a perfect shot due to improper techniques or equipment. That’s why I’m excited to share this guide on stop action photography with you.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about capturing fast-moving subjects with precision and clarity. From selecting the right gear to mastering shutter speed and aperture. Whether you are an enthusiast or just want to improve your general photography skills, this guide has something for everyone.

With that being said, let’s dive in!

What is Stop Action Photography?

Stop action photography is a special technique in photography that is used to freeze motion in a photograph.

For example, when you take a photo of a moving subject, such as a running athlete or a flying bird, it can be challenging to capture a clear and sharp image without any motion blur. This is where stop action photography comes in.

In order to achieve a stop action photograph, it will require you to use a fast shutter speed to capture the subject in motion. As mentioned in my Shutter Speed Guide, the faster the shutter speed, then the more the motion will be frozen.

By using this technique, you will be able to create an image that shows your subject in a moment frozen in time.

By understanding the basics of stop action photography, including the right gear, shutter speed, and focus techniques, you can capture stunning images of fast-moving subjects with clarity and precision.

With practice, you can develop the skills necessary to capture images that tell a story and evoke emotion, making your stop action photography stand out.

Why is Stop Action Photography Used?

Stop action photography is especially useful when you have to photograph a subject that is moving very quickly — such as an athlete, dancer, or animal. This technique can also be used in street photography or other genres where you need to capture a decisive moment.

Let’s look at all the reasons why stop action photography is used.

1. Capturing Detail

Capturing details is one of the primary reasons why stop action photography is used.

When you have to photograph a fast-moving subject, it can be challenging to capture all the details in a single shot due to the speed at which the subject is moving.

By using a faster shutter speed, you can freeze the subject’s motion and capture an image that shows every detail in sharp focus.

For example, let’s say you’re photographing a race car speeding down a track. If you use a slow shutter speed, you will end up with a blur in the image, and you may not be able to see the details of the car’s design or the driver’s expression.

On the other hand, if you use a faster shutter speed, you can capture an image that shows the car in sharp detail, including its logo, the driver’s helmet, and even the movement of the wheels.

Similarly, if you’re photographing a bird in flight, using stop action photography can help you capture the details of the bird’s wings and feathers in motion — allowing for a unique and compelling image.

In short, stop action photography will allow you to capture a moment in time that would otherwise be missed. By freezing your subject’s motion, you can capture details that might have been lost in a blurrier image.

2. Emphasizing Motion

The second reason stop action photography is used is to emphasize motion.

As mentioned in earlier guides, emphasis in photography is an easy way to create an impactful image.

When you freeze the subject’s motion using a fast shutter speed, you can create an image that conveys a sense of movement and action that will create a dynamic and energetic image.

For example, let’s say you photograph a dancer leaping through the air. Well by using stop action photography, you can freeze the dancer’s motion mid-air, creating an image that will emphasize the dancer’s sense of movement and grace.

Along with the detail in the image by capturing the dancer’s form as mentioned in the previous section, along with the sense of movement in the image — you can create an image that is both visually striking and emotionally powerful.

3. Telling a Story

The third reason stop action photography is used is to tell a story.

Whether you’re capturing a critical moment in a fast-paced event or documenting the progress of a project, stop action photography will allow you to capture a moment in time that tells a certain story.

For example, consider a photograph of a runner crossing the finish line of a marathon. By using stop action photography, you can freeze the runner’s motion just as they cross the finish line, capturing a moment of triumph and accomplishment. In this particular case, this image will tell a story of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

4. Artistic Expression

The fourth reason stop action photography is used is for artistic expression.

By playing around with different elements such as shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and composition, you can create images that are not only technically impressive but also visually striking and unique.

For example, you can use stop action photography to capture images that emphasize the symmetry and beauty of nature. By using a fast shutter speed, you can freeze the motion of falling water or leaves blowing in the wind, creating a unique and visually stunning image.

Another way you can use stop action photography as a form of artistic expression is to capture images that emphasize the contrast between motion and stillness. You can play with focus and depth of field to create images that highlight a specific subject wile blurring out the surround motion, resulting in an artistic and unique-looking image!

What are the Best Camera Settings for Stop Action Photography?

When it comes to stop action photography, choosing the best camera settings is critical to achieving that “stop-action” look.

Shutter Speed

The most critical setting for stop action photography is the shutter speed.

In order to freeze motion effectively, you will need to use a fast shutter speed such as 1/1000th of a second or faster.

Aperture

The aperture controls the amount of light that will enter your camera lens.

When you are photographing stop actions, I recommend that you use a wide aperture so you can create a shallow depth of field and isolate the subject from the background.

ISO

The ISO controls the camera’s sensitivity to light.

When you are photographing a stop action image, you’ll want to use the lowest ISO possible to reduce the amount of digital noise in your image.

Focus Mode

When capturing a fast-moving subject, it’s essential that you use the right focus mode.

Continuous autofocus (AF) mode, also known as AI Servo or AF-C, can help you track and focus on moving subjects as they move around the frame.

Drive Mode

Drive mode, also known as burst mode or continuous shooting, is a must so you can take a series of images in quick succession.

Anytime you take images of fast-moving subjects, I recommend taking multiple burst images so you can increate your chances of capturing the perfect shot.

Image Stabilization

Image stabilization will help reduce any camera shake and keep your images sharp and in focus.

If your lens or camera has image stabilization, be sure to use it when you are capturing stop action photography.

How to Do Stop Action Photography?

With the right equipment and know-how, you can easily capture a stop action photograph.

Let’s dive into the all the tips now:

1. Choose the Right Equipment

The first tip when taking a stop action photograph is to choose the right equipment.

When it comes to choosing the right equipment for stop action photography, there are a few key factors you’ll want to consider.

Firstly, you need a camera that can shoot at high shutter speeds to freeze the motion of your subject. Most modern DSLR and mirrorless cameras can shoot at speeds of 1/8000th of a second or faster, which is ideal for stop action photography.

Additionally, you’ll need a lens that can focus quickly and accurately on your subject. A telephoto lens, such as a 70-200mm, is ideal for stop action photography as it allows you to zoom in on your subject and create a shallow depth of field, which can help to separate the subject from the background. Although I did want to note that I have had success at a 50mm lens.

In addition to a fast shutter speed and a telephoto lens, there are a few other features to consider when choosing a camera for stop action photography. Look for a camera with a fast autofocus system that can track moving subjects, as well as a high burst rate, which will allow you to capture multiple shots in quick succession.

While a high-end camera and lens can certainly help you capture great stop action photos, it’s important to remember that the equipment alone does not make the photographer.

2. Set Your Camera to Shutter Priority Mode

The second tip in order to capture a stop action photograph is to set your camera to shutter priority mode.

While it is very important to understand the exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) and how to shoot in manual — it will make your life a lot easier photographing in shutter priority mode when trying to capture a fast subject.

Shutter Priority Mode is a great choice for stop action photography because it allows you to control the shutter speed while letting the camera adjust the aperture and ISO for you.

I recommend this mode especially if you are indoors or on a bright day with changing lighting conditions.

When you are trying to capture a stop action photograph, you should be solely focused on the subject and there are only split seconds for you to capture a great image, so setting your capture to Shutter Priority Mode will allow the camera to help balance the exposure for you automatically.

In order to set your camera to Shutter Priority Mode, just look for the “S” or “Tv” mode on your camera’s mode dial. Once you’ve set your camera to that mode, you can adjust the shutter speed using the command dial or control wheel, depending on your camera.

As mentioned earlier, when it comes to actually setting the shutter speed, I’d recommend choosing a fast shutter speed such as 1/1000th of a second, although it really does depend on the speed of your subject and the lighting conditions.

One caveat I did want to mention is that when shooting in Shutter Priority Mode, the camera will adjust the aperture and ISO automatically for your to maintain proper exposure. This means your creative choice in depth of field and noise/grain control with ISO may be compromised.

For example, if you are in a low-light setting, then your camera may automatically set the aperture to a low f-stop number and a high ISO setting which could introduce some noise or grain into your image.

So if you’re concerned about every aspect of image quality, then it’d be best if you shoot in manual mode but Shutter Priority Mode is a great choice for beginners just to get the hang of capturing a stop action photo.

3. Use Continuous Autofocus

The third tip in order to capture stop action photography is to use continuous autofocus (AF-C) also known as AI Servo AF on other cameras (AF-C is usually for Nikon cameras and AI Servo AF is for Canon Cameras).

Continuous autofocus allows the camera to continuously adjust the focus as the subject moves. I find this particularly useful when photographing a very fast-moving subject such as an athlete sprinting or a car on the road.

In order to use continuous autofocus, you’ll need to set your camera to your continuous autofocus setting depending on your camera type. As mentioned different cameras have different names for this setting.

Once you’ve selected your continuous autofocus setting, press the shutter button halfway down and the camera will continuously adjust the focus as long as you keep the shutter button pressed halfway down.

One issue I have sometimes is ensuring the camera is focusing on the subject and not the background.

In order to ensure the camera is focusing on the subject and not the background, use the camera’s focus points to track the subject.

Many cameras have a variety of focus point options — ranging from single-point autofocus, to dynamic area autofocus, to group-area autofocus. All of these focus point options warrant their own guides so I recommend experimenting with these different options to find the one that works best for your subject and shooting situation. Personally, I only use single-point autofocus.

4. Burst Mode

The fourth tip to capturing a stop action photograph is to use burst mode.

I find burst mode to be extremely helpful for stop action photography because it will allow you to capture a series of images in rapid succession, increasing your chances of getting the perfect shot.

In order to use burst mode, just set your camera to this mode and press and hold down the shutter button. While the button is held down, the camera will take multiple shots in rapid succession.

Do note that shooting in burst mode can quickly fill up your memory card because so many photos are taken at once. With that being said, be sure to check your camera’s memory card and space.

When I first used burst mode, I remember going to town and just holding the shutter button down. I ended up with hundreds of images that were duplicates and it took forever to go through all the images!

With that being said, be sure to use it, but don’t go overboard.

Once you have all the images, be sure to cull through your images in post-production to find the best ones.

5. Background and Composition

The fifth tip to capture a stop action photograph is to consider your background and composition.

A cluttered or distracting background could take away from your subject and make the image less effective — while a well-composed image can add interest and emphasis to the motion and energy of your subject.

One technique that will help when composing your shot is to use a shallow depth of field by controlling your aperture (lower f-stop number). This will help blur the background and make the subject stand out more while also adding depth.

Another technique is to consider certain composition techniques such as the rule of thirds, symmetry, or leading lines. By using composition techniques such as these, you will not only be able to capture an engaging image with the stop action element, but you will also be able to guide the viewer’s eyes into the image and create a sense of movement or flow within the image — making it more impactful.

6. Experiment With Different Techniques

The final tip to mastering stop action photography is to experiment with different techniques.

This includes playing around with different shutter speeds to see how they affect the motion of your subject, trying out different angles to capture the subject in a unique way, and experimenting with different lighting to create different moods.

For example, if you’re photographing a skateboarder, then you may want to try shooting from a low angle to make the subject appear more dynamic and if you’re photographing a dancer, you may want to experiment with different shutter speeds to capture the movement of their body.

In addition to experimentation, it’s important to try out different techniques because you must always be ready for unexpected opportunities. Sometimes, you’ll have to adjust your settings on the fly or quickly change a composition to capture a fleeting moment.

By being open to experimentation and willing to adapt to the changing situations in front of you, you will be able to capture a successful stop action photograph every time.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, stop action photography is a technique that can add a new dimension to your photography. Whether you’re capturing sports, wildlife, or just everyday moments, mastering stop action photography allows you to freeze motion and capture sharp, detailed images that tell a story and evoke emotion.

By choosing the right equipment, setting your camera to the right mode, paying attention to lighting and composition, and experimenting with different techniques, you can take your stop action photography to the next level.

With practice and perseverance, you’ll be able to capture stunning images that leave a lasting impression on your audience. So grab your camera and start experimenting, and soon you’ll be a master of stop action photography.

Frequently Asked Questions