Shutter speed question

[KobraCarry]

Does anyone have a general rule for shutter speed when shooting candids, kids, etc...

[ldelacruz]

Yes. The one where you achieve the correct exposure Or do you mean to freeze action?

[KobraCarry]

I knew I'd get an answer like that. :) I guess as far as freezing action, when would you start at say 100 vs 250 vs 400 etc...

[ldelacruz]

Why would you expect anything less? 1/250 should do the trick on kids. If they are spinning, twirling or jumping them 1/500 would be better.

[wandrson]

Well, I choose aperture first. For instance if I want shallow depth of field I may choose the lowest aperture available with a particular lens. I will then adjust shutter speed to accommodate that aperture.

Now if I am looking for the sharpest photo I can I will usually close the aperture down three stops (f/8 or so) and adjust the speed appropriately.

If I am working with significantly varying light levels, I'll set my aperture and choose aperture priority mode to take advantage of the built in light meter.

Now if your looking for "action" shots of sports and such, then none of the above really apply.

[humminboid]

Basic basic, maybe not needed so much now that anti-vibration technology is becoming common, but still a good r.o.t:

Shutter speed equal to or above the maximum focal length of the lens you are using. 50mm=1/60 sec. 135mm=1/150 sec., 300 mm. 1/320-1/500 sec. and so on.

The subject will govern your shutter speed. People, especially kids will move, and you need to be quick when "the moment" happens. A small auxiliary flash, or the camera's built-in will help with movement and sharpness.

Learn to pan your camera.

Know your camera's the flash sync speed.

Try to anticipate natural lulls in the action. (The ends of a swing's travel, a cheerleader's jump, just before gravity takes over, and she starts back down, etc.)

This does not apply to point and shoot cameras. Although manufacturers are working on it, they still haven't reduced the shutter lag acceptably, imo. Despite what you do, kids today see the light, and they will move. You will always be somewhere behind the curve. Arrrrgggghhh!!! Don't ask!

With my media credential at the track, I can get close enough to the cars to use a flash, but won't, for obvious reasons; one being a driver does not need to have his concentration disturbed at 90 mph going into a turn. Just not done, old boy! But, I find 1/250sec. to 1/400sec. will give me good sharpness and some wheel movement, so the car doesn't look like a butterfly pinned to a board.