Freezing Motion

© Photographer: Braendan | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Freezing motion is easy, all you need is to keep your shutter speed between 125 - 250 when you are using off camera flash and if you are using natural light ensure you are using shutter speed 250 and above depending on the speed of your subject. The rule of thumb is the faster your shutter speed the better it gets at freezing motion.

I normally shoot in manual mode which gives me more control over the end image result. Using manual mode is easier than you think. Below is a 3 step proceed which I use when I am using manual mode for studio shots:

© Photographer: Braendan | Agency: Dreamstime.com

• First Determine the Aperture - Before I press the shutter I already have a conceptual idea on the depth of field which I require on a particular subject matter. Take the above subject for example, where I needed to ensure the entire subject is in focus hence I used a smaller aperture e.g. f/11

• Secondly Determine the Shutter Speed - When it comes to using off camera flash such as shots above my shutter speed would range between 125 - 250 where 250 is the maximum sync speed between your shutter and your off camera flash.
  

• Thirdly the ISO - For studio shots the ISO would normally not exceed 200. I notice even for FX if you using anything above ISO 200 when some post processing is applied to the images you may notice noise in the dark areas which is a no no for microstock. So try to keep it at ISO 200 or below.

• Lastly the Flash output - Not everyone runs around with a light meter so follow the above steps first then adjust your flash output till you have achieved the desired results.

Tips 1: When shooting outdoors or natural light set your ISO first then your aperture then change your shutter speed to achieve the desired exposure. Remember this:

• Aperture - Used to separate your subject from the background and foreground. So the smaller your aperture number (f/1.4 - f/4) the more blurred your background and foreground would be.

• Shutter Speed - Use to demonstrate or freeze motion. The faster the shutter speed the better it is at freezing motion. Use 125 - 250 when you have off camera lighting and 250 and above when you use natural lighting.
  

• ISO - Your cameras sensitivity to light. The higher the ISO e.g. 1000 - 6400 the more sensitive it is to light which is useful when shooting under low light condition without flash. However high ISO does also increase noise in your images which can be undesirable depending on what your want.