Capturing great action shots might sound like something only the pros with fancy gear can do. Don't let that scare you! With some planning (and practice), basic know-how, and a good eye, you can photograph dynamic story-filled photos that bring your book to life.

PRE-PLANNING IS YOUR SECRET WEAPON

Before the event starts, do some recon:

• Scope out the location…where are the best spots to photograph from?
• How close can you get to the action?
• Learn the rules of the sport (yes, even golf). Knowing the flow of the game helps you anticipate the best moments like the swing or the spike.
  
  

SHUTTER SPEED: FREEZE OR BLUR?

To freeze motion and get crisp, sharp shots, use a fast shutter speed…a good place to start is 1/500th of a second. For really fast action (like basketball dunks or sprinting), bump it up to 1/2000th or more.

Feeling creative? Try panning! That's when you follow your subject with the camera while using a slower shutter speed (around 1/30th). The result? A sharp subject with a blurred background that screams speed.

APERTURE: WIDE OR NARROW?

Your aperture choice helps tell the story, so think about what you want the viewer to focus on.

• Want to isolate your subject and blur the background? Go wide…f/2.8 or f/4.
• Want to show the whole scene, like a team huddle or a crowd? Go narrow…f/16 or higher.
  
  

IT'S ALL ABOUT TIMING

The best action shots happen in a split second. That's why understanding the sport and using your camera's burst mode (rapid-fire shooting) can be a game changer. You'll have a better chance of catching that perfect leap, goal, or celebration.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

Introduce yourself to the event organizers. Ask where you're allowed to shoot from, and where you're not. You might even get access to cool spots like the sidelines, the balcony, or the locker room (with permission, of course). Be sure to arrive early to catch warm-ups and fan excitement. Stay late for post-game reactions. These moments are gold and are integral to sharing the story.

DON'T FORGET THE FANS

Remember that the crowd is part of the story too! Capture the cheers, the gasps, the high-fives, and even the heartbreak. Reactions from both players and fans add emotion and depth to your coverage.