by Dudley Hanks

Created on: October 26, 2008   Last Updated: October 30, 2008

With a good automatic digital camera, it's easy to take action pictures. In most cases, all you have to do is set the dial to the sporty little icon, and off you go. However, even after you've shelled out $150 to $300 for your dream camera, there are a few photography tips you should know about.

One of the best action photography tips I've ever heard is: "know what you're shooting." This tip applies both to the players and the game. The more you know about the players, the easier you can anticipate what they're going to do as the game heats up. If Mr. Baseball likes to hit long balls, try to get yourself into a position to capture his mighty swing, or maybe line yourself up with the fence to catch the inning- or game-ending grab. If he's into bunting in pressure situations, zoom in a bit and get ready for the pitcher's lunge, or the catcher's dash.

Knowing the rules of the game can also help get you an amazing picture. In football, Joe Receiver has to keep his feet from crossing the side-line if he wants his catch to count. Tracking him as he runs his pattern will eventually pay off. A helmet clad hero stretching as far as humanly possible, with his straining toes just grazing the line and the ball just teasing his fingertips, is one of the most breath-taking stop action photography shots you can imagine.

pictures like these are not that hard to take as long as you are both patient and knowledgeable.

Sports photography tips pertaining to actual camera usage aren't much different than for shooting any other subject.

First, you need to hold the camera firmly. Try to support as much of the cameras' weight as you can with your left hand. This makes it easier for you to curl your pointing finger up to the shutter release. The less strain you place on your right hand the more control you'll have when you click the shutter.

Better control means better pictures.

Second, regardless of how pressure-packed the moment, never jamb down the shutter release button. Anticipation is everything. Just before you think the time is right, press the button down halfway. Pause for a moment for your camera to focus and decide how to set the exposure. Then, finish the shot by "gently "squeezing" the shutter button the final distance.

In general, modern digital cameras are incredible. With nothing more than a cheap "point-and-shoot," you can take pictures that will enlarge a fair bit. If the sensor is six or seven megapixels (or higher), you'll even be able to leave yourself a bit of room for cropping. Zooming out a bit helps a lot because you can follow the game more easily, and it's easier for your camera to keep everything in focus.

If you pay attention to these sports photography tips and use a half-ways decent camera, you'll end up with hundreds of awesome pictures. Shots you'll be proud to carry in your wallet or hang on a wall. Whether it's your daughter's first figure skating lesson, or your son's debut in the NBA, you won't be shut out of the game.

Good luck!

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