Mastering Action Shots: Sharp Photos and Smarter Autofocus

Capturing sharp sports shots or detailed portraits of wildlife demands more than pressing the shutter button. Even with advanced autofocus systems, poor technique can ruin your results. To consistently achieve razor-sharp images, you need to follow specific steps that complement your camera's capabilities.

Coming to you from Jan Wegener, this practical video breaks down essential techniques for getting the most out of your autofocus system. Pre-focusing is a key strategy. Wegener explains that setting your lens focus near the expected distance of your subject helps your camera lock onto it faster. When you're completely out of focus, the camera often struggles, especially in fast-paced situations like tracking a bird in flight. Pre-focusing reduces the time it takes to locate your subject in the viewfinder and improves autofocus accuracy.

Another critical tip is to understand how autofocus systems work. Wegener highlights that most cameras perform better when focusing from closer to farther distances rather than the reverse. This technique also minimizes the chances of the autofocus jumping to an unintended background element.

Wegener also emphasizes the importance of enabling subject detection, which allows the camera to follow your subject across the frame. This feature is particularly useful for action photography, as it lets you concentrate on composition while the camera handles focus. However, there are moments when subject tracking struggles, such as when the subject is partially obscured by foliage. Wegener recommends assigning a separate button for spot autofocus to quickly switch to a more precise mode in challenging situations.

Hand-eye coordination plays a major role in action photography. Wegener suggests practicing pointing your camera at a subject without looking through the viewfinder to improve your speed. By mastering this skill, you'll waste less time aligning your shot, which is crucial for fleeting moments like a bird’s landing or takeoff. Another useful technique is what Wegener calls "focus bumping." Instead of holding focus on a subject for too long—risking the autofocus shifting—he recommends focusing briefly, releasing, and refocusing as needed. This approach keeps the camera engaged and reduces the chance of focus errors during critical moments.

Wegener also shares a surprising tip: if you're struggling to acquire focus on horizontal elements, such as a bird on the water, tilting the camera slightly can help. This technique takes advantage of how autofocus systems are often better at detecting vertical lines. It might feel unusual at first, but it can make a noticeable difference in difficult situations. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Wegener.