Tips For Getting Perfectly Timed Photos
If you are a parent or friend going to support a loved one at a martial arts tournament or promotion ceremony, it’s likely that you will want to take photos while there. And, if you’ve never tried taking pictures at an event like this, it’s entirely possible that you will look at your first shots and wonder what went wrong – boards on the ground, knees pointing for the kick but not the kick, and weird blurred motion.
Photographing at martial arts events can be tricky – not only is the subject exceptionally fast, but the lighting is almost always lousy, often overhead florescent lights. Flash photography is out as it would be hazardous to the athlete. Often times you are not allowed on the competition or training floor – for your own safety as much as the athletes. All that aside, here are a few tips to think about when shooting martial arts.
Equipment
Your camera really does matter here – as do your lenses. If you have a DSLR, you’re off to a better start. You have more options in faster lenses and controls for your camera. If you have a DSLR, a lens with a moderate zoom (28-55) or fixed 50 or 75 mm would be best. With the resolution of digital cameras now frequently over 12 MP, you can always crop images as needed. Digital point and shoot cameras can do the job, but are often not as fast or adaptable for action photography.
Exposure and Shutter Speed
Keep in mind that most martial arts are fast-moving, and frequently unpredictable. Use the fastest shutter speed that you can. In this era of digital photography, don’t be afraid to bump your ISO up to 1600, 3200, or even 6400. Your photos will have more “noise”, rendering them slightly more granular, but in focus and the motion will be stopped. If you have the option of going manual with a DSLR, do it! Aim for at least 1/250, preferably 1/500+ second for full motion stop. If you want to have the potential for some blur to indicate motion, shoot around 1/125-1/250. You’ll likely need to open your F-stop wide to achieve these speeds in indoors training and competitions, which is ultimately a good thing, as it helps your subject be defined, and the background blurred.
Many digital cameras come with varying burst speeds, which also affects the quality of image rendered. 
Personally, I use the middle-speed burst, not the highest speed. It’s a compromise on how quickly images are shot, but I get better quality image resolution. If you are shooting mostly for personal printing or online sharing, you can choose to go for the sports setting as well if its an option for you with your camera.
The Perfect Moment
The moment the board cracks, the foot reaches the apex of a kick, an opponent is lifted from the ground – these are the shots we all dream of getting. When I first started to photograph taekwondo, I found I had pictures of perfectly chambered knees, boards on the floor, and nothing was what I wanted. It takes work – and practice. If you have the chance, prior to the first event you want to shoot, attend a class, watch, and take photos there. Look at the photos as you take them so that you can learn what works. With the advent of digital photography, it became easier to get instant feedback and to make mistakes to learn the best techniques. One thing to keep in mind, if you wait for the motion to start, you’ve likely already missed it. To get the best shots, breathe and prepare in your mind with the athlete. Release the shutter as they exhale and start their techniques.
Friends who know me know that at the end of a testing or tournament, I’m exhausted not only from working all day, but from picturing every break as it happens and trying to release the shutter at the exact moment someone moves their hands or feet to capture that perfect moment.
Stay Alert
If you are allowed on the edges of the training space, walking around rings at events, or near people breaking boards – STAY ALERT. Whereas pattern work is fairly predictable, sparring and breaking are not. Pay attention to competitors, referees, and where your gear is. Don’t get so caught up in the action that you end up getting hit, tripping someone, or stepping into a ring to get the shot. Awareness is key in all areas – to be at the right ring, to be in the right space, or get the right shot.
Play!
Not everything is about the sport, the competition, and the technique. Don’t forget to take time to capture some of the other things – friends goofing off together, photos of the items used in promotion ceremonies, even close-ups of hands or belts. All these things may not be as important to you as they are to the participant. These ceremonies and friends are part of what keeps the interest and passion strong for us! Shoot from different angles, even holding the camera above your head. Get down on your knees and shoot at the same height as the kids.
Taking photos of martial arts is not easy, but it sure is rewarding when you get that moment or smile.
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Canon 5D m3 and never really knew how to use the still shot, I got it for the full frame movie mode. What settings should I put it on to catch a high speed shot? Also is there a shutter speed you would suggest?
Personally, I try not to go below 1/250 for speed. If I can go faster, I do. My best results are using the 1600 and 3200 ISO options.
Enjoyed the article. I take pictures of class, tests, exams, etc. etc. and I’m the chief instructor at my school. I have a Cannon T5I and use my 18-135mm lens pretty much all of the time on burst mode when shooting martial arts. Often times in class I have to use 3200 ISO to have enough light to use the faster shutter speeds and even then I have blur at the mid 125-200 range of shutter speed.
I agree – at 125 I sometimes have blur as well, especially in the more advanced ranks. The corollary there is that despite being faster, the higher ranks are also usually easier to shoot, as there is much more predictable and precise movement.