Freeze | How to Take Sharp Action Pictures

March 6, 2017 by Debra 2 Comments

SHARP ACTION PICTURES

Hi, taking pictures is what I do. Sometimes I just need to play; to remember why I love photography so much. Have you ever wondered how to take sharp action pictures? Here are the simple sure steps to freeze a picture while shooting in manual mode.

FOCUS MODE: AF-C
Select AF-C that continuously maintains focus on a moving subject while the shutter button is held halfway down.

FOCUS AREA: WIDE
Select Wide that automatically focuses on a subject, wherever it is positioned within the frame.

DRIVE MODE: Continuous Shooting- Hi
When shooting a moving subject, select Continuous Shooting that takes continuous shots while the shutter button is held all the way down.

SHUTTER SPEED: 1/500 sec. or faster
Try to select a fast shutter speed, so that the subject doesn’t become blurred.

The family image above settings info:
Focal Length: 70.00 mm (in 35mm: 105 mm)
Exposure: 1/640 sec; f/3.5; ISO 200; Manual

If you are just beginning to shoot out of the Auto mode, set your camera to the Shutter Priority mode (S or TV on camera top dial). Next set your Shutter Speed to 1/1000 or simply 1000. Then continue with the Focus Mode, Focus Area and Drive Mode. Note: With a shutter speed of 1/1000, this is very fast. You will want to be in a very bright area; outdoor action photos. An excellent reference is the camera manual. I keep mine in my camera bag. A pdf copy is on my smart phone as well! In case you have miss placed your manual, simply Google your camera make, model along with the word manual. This is how I saved a pdf copy to my smart phone.

Exciting events: While writing this post, Kevin asked if I would stop for a bit and walk down to the pond with him. Sure– how fun. I grabbed the camera. Good thing I did. Merle went with us and when Kevin cast his line out, Merle would go into the water after it!

Images on this website, I use the Sony Nex-5n and Sony a6000 exclusively. If your camera settings do not match the ones given above, please refer to your camera’s operating manual.

This was a time I wished I grabbed the zoom lens. Post edited the zoom in Photoshop for the images above.

Lens: E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS
Focal Length: 50.00 mm (in 35mm: 75 mm)
Exposure: 1/1000 sec; f/5.6; ISO 200; Shutter priority

Have I inspired you to get out and freeze some photos?

Best Wishes,

Requesting Models for New Equipment Testing

February 24, 2017 by Debra 18 Comments

UPDATE: The Model Call is now closed. All appointments are full. Please be sure to sign up for the Nifty Newsletter for future photo ops and specials!

Hi, I have new equipment and looking for models to test it out!

Details

The model session will take approx. 20 minutes. The session will take place in lovely Lawrence, KS or magnificent McLouth, KS. The location, date and time of appointment will be determined when booking your session. A model contract/release will need to be completed and submitted prior to the model session.

The model will receive the session along with 5 digital negatives at no charge. Additional digital files can be purchased at regular price.

Reserving a Session

What you will need to do- Provide your name below and how many will be in your group. Be sure to “like” gmasDiary Facebook page. I will be contacting you to schedule a date and time. This will be on a first come basis with limited appointments available.

Best Wishes,

Grandma and Grandpa Celebrating Briella’s Fifth Birthday!

February 20, 2017 by Debra 2 Comments

Briella’s Fifth Birthday

Hi, this gma and gpa had the time of our life with Briella. We had made prior arrangements to spend this past weekend together. It was fun filled- late night Friday, early morning breakfast and Moon Marble.

Friday evening was low key, just hanging out at the house visiting. Saturday began with breakfast at the Waffle House.

After breakfast we headed over to the Marble Moon Co. Several years ago when Erika and Adam were kids we took them to this same place. Thought it would be fun to take Brie- tradition! I was terrible and did not get as many images as I should have. Below are a few, and of course if you visit the link- it will have more for you to see. There is no charge to see the marble making demonstration. We did purchase a few marbles and a T-shirt on the way out.

The demonstration was full. Many people of different walks of life- one group (school kids) was from Korea. It was fun hearing the interactions between them and the person giving the demonstration!

And then my favorite part of the weekend- a mini photo shoot with Brie!

A truly fun weekend celebrating Briella’s fifth birthday. Now I’m already wanting to find more fun, free things to do with our grand-daughters! If you have any suggestions, please share. Thanks!

Best Wishes,