13.08.10
Chris Hill-Scott: Capturing action with flash
Learn how to take these striking images with BMX rider and photographer Chris Hill-Scott. Follow his steps to capturing action with flash.
1. Choose your favourite moment
I want every little detail in my picturesto resonate with the people in them.So the most important thing to remember is that the best photos tella story about the ride, the trick, the spot and the location. In all these photos it’s pre-arranged between the rider and photographer where the rider will be going and what trick they will be doing. It’s choosing which story to weave from these threads that is the most exciting element for me.
2. Communicate your vision
Really good portrait photographers are able to instantly strike up a rapport with their subjects. This helps them to get the image they want. The same applies in action photography. If you explain to the athlete what you are trying to achieve, it makes it easier for them to trust you. The beauty of digital is that you can review the results immediately, which helps with convincing the subject to do the trick as many times as you need. Communication is a vital part of good action photography.
3. Pick your composition
The angle you are looking for should be all about showing the trick in the most flattering way. As a general rule you should position yourself on the front side of the rider because that is where the action happens. The angle should also show where the rider is taking off and where they are landing. Unbalanced compositions are more interesting and give the rider empty space to move into visually. This can give the image a sense of drama.
4. Use flash
Most BMX pictures like these have an underexposed background. I pick up the action and get the exposure right by using up to four flashguns fired by radio signal. Flash helps to freeze the action and reveal the form of the rider. As a basic guide, it’s better not to have flashes pointing in the same direction as the camera, nor back towards the camera. The best lighting for BMX photos is evenly spread, revealing shapes and textures without creating harsh shadows.
5. Take the shot
Unlike other sports photography where the photographer follows the action letting the camera’s autofocus keep the picture sharp, I tend to focus the camera in advance, hold the composition and wait for the rider to come into shot. Where possible, having the rider stand in position beforehand is a good way to get the shot you want in focus. Timing is everything with these kinds of photographs and it can help to visualise doing the trick yourself. Most action hasa peak, and there’s no substitute for practice, but sometimesit is better to ask the rider when they think it wouldbe best to time the photo, than having to ask them to endanger themselves again.
Whats in your kit bag?
- Nikon D700
- Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.40G
- Nikon AF-D 80-200mm f/2.8
- 3x Nikon SB-28
- 1x Nikon SB-800
- Tamrac Cyberpack 8
- 4x PocketWizard Plus II Transceivers
- 2x Portaflash LS-2 8ftlight stands
- Miscellaneous hotshoe adaptors and PC cables
Biography:
Chris Hill-Scott is 23 years old. He has been riding BMX for nine years and started photographing the sport four years ago. Within a year he was published in Ride UK BMX Magazine to which he continues to contribute today. http://quis.cc/
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