How to Photograph Somebody Jumping

Image by Noel Berumen (iPhotography Student)

Taking pictures of someone jumping can be super cool and exciting! You can capture their energy and movement in a single shot. But it’s not always easy to get the perfect picture. Don’t worry, though! In this guide, we’ll show you how to take awesome jumping photos step by step. Let’s get started!

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. This will stop the movement and make the jump look super sharp.

Aperture: Set your camera to a wide aperture, like f/2.8 to f/5.6. This will make the person jumping stand out from the background, creating a cool effect.

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.

Image by Adrianna Bielobradek (iPhotography Student)

3 Great Cameras for Jumping Photos

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

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

 

These cameras have awesome features that make capturing jumping photos easier and more fun!

Image by Phil Young (iPhotography Student)

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.

Image by Leonid Shectman (iPhotography Student)

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 detection 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.
Image by Wendy Wills (iPhotography Student)

Remember, Practice Makes Perfect!

Taking great jumping photos takes practice. So keep trying, experiment with different angles and backgrounds, and don’t be afraid to have fun with it! With time, you’ll capture amazing action shots that everyone will love.

Image by Steve Fleetwood (iPhotography Student)

Jumping Photography: Final Words

Now that you know all the tips and tricks for taking awesome jumping photos, it’s time to grab your camera and get shooting!

Adjust your settings, time your shots right, and troubleshoot any issues along the way. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep trying and have a blast capturing those awesome mid-air moments.

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