How to Photograph Somebody Jumping

Jump shots are fun, energetic and full of life – the trick is freezing the subject at the peak of the jump, sharp and mid-air. The key is a fast shutter speed and good timing. Here’s how to photograph somebody jumping.

A jump is one of the few things that puts real energy into a still photograph, and it is harder to get right than it looks. The window is a fraction of a second wide, and the difference between a keeper and a bin shot is timing rather than gear. This guide works through the settings, the timing and the usual reasons a jump comes out soft.

Best Camera Settings

To freeze the action and capture a sharp photo, you need to adjust your camera settings just right. Here are some tips:

Shutter Speed: Use a fast shutter speed, like 1/1000th of a second or faster. That is enough to stop the movement of an arm or a foot, which is where the blur shows first.

Aperture: Set your camera to a wide aperture, like f/2.8 to f/5.6. That separates the person from the background without going so shallow that you lose their feet.

ISO: Keep the ISO as low as possible to avoid noise in your photos. Start with ISO 100 or 200 and increase it if needed in darker places.

Autofocus: Use the continuous autofocus mode to track the person jumping. This way, your camera will stay focused on them while they’re in the air.

3 Great Cameras for Jumping Photos

While any camera can work, some cameras are especially great for jumping photos. Here are three of our favourites that have fast autofocus and frame burst modes:

• Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
• Nikon D850
• Sony Alpha a7 III

All three have fast continuous autofocus and a deep burst buffer, which are the two things that matter here.

It’s All About the Timing

Timing is everything when it comes to jumping photos. Here are some techniques to help you get the perfect shot:

Anticipate: Try to predict when the person jumping will be at the highest point in their jump. Focus your camera on that spot in advance to capture the moment perfectly.

Burst Mode: Use the burst mode on your camera to take a bunch of photos in a row. This increases your chances of getting the perfect mid-air shot. Start taking the photos as your model bends their knees before they leave the ground and keep shooting through the motion. A number of those photos won’t be useable but it is designed to help you get the timing perfect for the jump.

Troubleshooting Blurred Photos

Sometimes, your jumping photos might turn out blurry. Here’s how to fix that:

• Increase Shutter Speed: If the photo looks blurry, your shutter speed might be too slow. Make it faster to freeze the action.

• Use Continuous Autofocus: If your subject appears blurry, make sure your camera is set to continuous autofocus (C-AF). This helps keep the focus on the person jumping. Use the subject tracking focus mode on your camera if you have one. If not, use the zonal focus area so the camera is constantly assessing the whole frame to detect motion.

• Add Light: If it’s dark, your camera might struggle to capture fast-moving action. Try adding more light by using a flash or finding a brighter spot.

Remember, Practice Makes Perfect!

Taking great jumping photos takes practice. Work through different angles and backgrounds, and expect to shoot a lot of frames for every one you keep. Getting down low and shooting slightly upwards is the single change that makes a jump look higher than it was.

Jumping Photography: Final Words

That is the whole method: fast shutter, continuous autofocus, burst mode and a low angle.

Adjust your settings, time your shots right, and troubleshoot any issues along the way. It rewards repetition more than most subjects, because you are learning to fire a fraction of a second before you think you should.

For more, read our guide to action photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I photograph someone jumping?

Use a fast shutter speed (1/500s or quicker) to freeze them, shoot in burst mode, and time the shot for the peak of the jump where they hang momentarily. Continuous autofocus keeps them sharp.

What shutter speed freezes a jump?

Around 1/500s freezes most jumps; 1/1000s or faster guarantees crisp results, especially for fast or twisting jumps. Too slow and limbs or the whole body will blur.

How do I capture the peak of a jump?

Shoot in bursts and aim for the top of the jump, where movement briefly pauses. Counting the subject in (“three, two, one, jump”) helps you anticipate and time it.

What settings are best for jump shots?

A fast shutter (1/500s+), continuous autofocus, burst mode, and enough light, raise ISO or open the aperture if needed. Outdoors in good light makes a fast shutter easy.

How do I make jump photos look good?

Get the whole body in frame with space above, encourage expressive poses and faces, shoot from a slightly low angle to emphasise height, and freeze them crisply at the peak.