TRAIL RUNNING
Fast shutter speed … or slow
If you want to freeze the motion of a runner , then you need to use a fast shutter speed . The faster the shutter speed , the more motion will be frozen in the image . Generally , a shutter speed of 1 / 1000 of a second or faster is recommended for freezing motion . You may also need to adjust the ISO and aperture settings to accommodate the higher shutter speed .
When shooting in poor lighting , the ISO needs to be increased in order to capture enough light while keeping the shutter speed high . Increasing the ISO will allow the camera to collect more light , but it will also increase the amount of noise in the image . For example , in poor lighting , if the shutter speed is 1 / 1000 and the f-stop is 4 , then the ISO could be set higher to accommodate the lack of light , and this would result in a brighter image , but it would also create more image noise . Alternatively , the ISO could be set lower for a less noisy image , but the photo will be darker . Modern cameras can easily shoot at an ISO of 16800 .
Tip 8 : “ A slow shutter speed creates a panning shot that gives an illusion of speed by blurring the background , while keeping the subject in focus .”
Tip 10 : “ When off the trail , you are probably trampling some very sensitive fynbos into oblivion .”
A slow shutter speed is needed to create a panning shot that can be used to give an illusion of speed by blurring the background while keeping the subject in focus . This technique produces a dynamic and energetic look to a photo , as if the subject is moving quickly . When setting up for this shot , the photographer should use a slow shutter speed ( usually between 1 / 15 and 1 / 60 of a second ), and pan their camera with the subject as they take the photo . This will result in a sharp subject against a blurred background , conveying a sense of motion and speed . It ’ s a technique that requires a fair amount of practice , and even pro ’ s will only get a hit rate of 10-15 % useable shots .
Be ready for action
When shooting trail running , you need to be prepared for anything , and it is essential to always have the camera turned on and ready to shoot , in case an athlete suddenly appears . When you are being paid to shoot a race , it is important to capture the lead male and female runners for the event press releases , but the first runners always tend to materialise without warning , usually just two metres in front of you ! Having your camera turned on and ready to shoot allows you to react quickly and capture the moment , without having to fumble around with settings or wait for the camera to power up . This ensures that you don ’ t get that most embarrassing of shots , the back of a disappearing runner !
Be aware of your environment
When you are out in the wild , one of two things is almost always happening . Either you are damaging the environment , or the
environment is trying to damage you . When you are up on a mountain , shooting runners or mountain bikes coming past you , then you are not on the trail , but next to it . If you are on the trail , then get off it , because it belongs to the athletes , and you should be doing everything in your power not to annoy or impede them , but remember that when you are off the trail , you are probably trampling some very sensitive fynbos or indigenous vegetation into oblivion .
So , tread lightly , because we want to be allowed to go back there the following year . Conversely , always be supremely aware that you are tramping around the home ground of things that can kill you in very nasty ways . Things like snakes , leopards , zebra , and a host of smaller creepy crawlies , can all turn your lovely day on the trail into a nightmare . Oh , and beware that 20-metre cliff face just behind you … yes , the one that ’ s totally hidden by those ferns !
About the Author
Chris Hitchcock is a Cape Town-based adventure , action and sports photographer . He has toured the world , raced cars , been a policeman ( seriously ), competed in triathlons ( including Ironman ), and loves the process of photography . In his time behind the lens , he has photographed a wide range of events and brands , as well as top sports stars from Springbok rugby captains to Olympians , and his work has been published in major magazines all over the world . More at www . chrishitchcock . co . za .
Images : Chris Hitchcock
Tip 9 : “ It ’ s important to capture the lead male and
56 ISSUE 156 | www . modernathlete . co . za female runners for the event press releases .”