kittysingsuwan
Sometimes it’s business as usual, and sometimes you’re treated to a surprise photo excursion on a RIB in the Atlantic.
(RIB = rigid inflatable boat)
I was unprepared, but had a blast. I wasn’t in complete control (of my camera), but came away with a few good shots – even sharp ones. Impressive, since the waves caused our RIB to rock and sway, a lot.
(Glad I took a Kwells beforehand.)
That’s the first thing I’m gonna mention… if you’re going to take photos while moving in a boat or car or train… and you’re prone to motion-sickness like me, do what you can to keep your mind still and stomach calm. As you’ve already guessed, there’s no room for tripods or shutter releases while you’re in motion. So make sure you’re comfortable and confident, because you need to focus (pun intended 😉
Like I said, I was ill prepared and made mistakes. If I had to do it again, and I hope to someday, this is what I would do to take the sharpest photos possible while moving:
Camera Settings
First, let’s talk camera settings.
A priority shooting mode, with auto ISO
Whether it’s Aperture or Shutter, choose a priority mode that allows you to concentrate on changing one, and only one, setting as you’re moving and shooting. Let your camera handle the rest.
Hint: if photographing wildlife is a possibility, select Shutter Priority.
Continuous auto focus
This adjusts focus when the shutter button is pressed halfway, and useful when photographing anything that’s moving, or while you’re moving.
Burst mode
Or continuous shooting mode, takes multiple photos in quick succession, increasing your odds of capturing a sharp photo.
A Few Other Things
Keep your upper body still
In the absence of a tripod, you become one. Do what you can to keep your upper body and camera still. I like to brace one foot against something if I can, and keep my left elbow tucked in and down while shooting.
Accept that you’ll take a bunch of bad, blurry photos
It is what is is, right? You’re moving. Your subject is moving relative to you. Bad + blurry photos will happen.
If you can wrap your mind around that, it’ll free you up to keep going. Because somewhere in between the bad + blurry will be some sharp ones. Good ones. Ones worth editing!
That it! I hoped this helped. Have fun taking those insanely sharp photos!
Until next time,
K
