Timing

01. PRINCIPLES TIMING

ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY IS ALL ABOUT TIMING. It’s about being in the right place at the right time and executing. Understanding the timing of throws, catches, layups, jump shots, hits, swim strokes, and kicks allows you to capture the peak moment when the action is the most dramatic.

USE BACK-BUTTON FOCUSING

In your camera, you can change your focus button from the shutter release button to a custom button on the back. Most cameras have an AF-on button which is typically used when separating the auto-focus from the shutter release button. There are endless resources on YouTube for step-by-step instructions on how to set this up. You’ll never use the shutter release button to focus again!

KNOW YOUR SERVO-SPOT-FOCUS

Canon users, this is for you. Nikon cameras only feature single servo and continuous focus, but Canon has Spot, AI Servo and AI Focus. AI Focus will track your subject and lock in the focus while AI Servo will continue to track a moving subject. Here’s an easy way to remember what to use: • One-Shot is for when neither you, nor the subject, are moving. • AI Servo is for when either you, or the subject, is moving. AI Focus is for when neither you, nor the subject care if your focus is accurate.

NOT ALL MEMORY CARDS ARE CREATED EQUAL

Ever feel like your images are taking forever to record to your card? It might be time to upgrade. Remember, the cheapest SD card is not always the best. Large capacity cards mean that more is lost if a card is corrupt. Invest in smaller capacity, quality cards and always carry multiple cards!