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Capturing moving subjects is difficult enough on a camera, especially if you use Auto Mode and similar settings. Since smartphone cameras often have even less control, you might be thinking it’s impossible. That isn’t the case, however, and I’ll give you some tips on how to do it.
Is It Possible to Capture Moving Subjects on a Smartphone?
It’s very much possible to capture moving subjects on a smartphone, but you have to consider your camera’s limitations. Most smartphone cameras don’t let you customize the shutter speed, which will significantly impact how much control you have over your images. It also means that you’ll need to be more reasonable with what you can and can’t photograph.
However, capturing moving subjects on a smartphone is much easier than it used to be. Smartphone cameras are much better these days, and their image stabilization is also streets ahead of what it used to be. So, you’ll find it much easier toavoid blurry photos.
How I Capture Moving Subjects on a Smartphone
Now that you know that it’s possible to capture moving subjects on a smartphone, let’s look at how to do that. Below, I’ll provide my seven biggest tips to improve at taking pictures of moving subjects on your device.
1. Capture Subjects That Aren’t Moving Too Fast
The best way to take non-blurry pictures of moving subjects on your smartphone is to pick something that isn’t moving very fast. For example, when I take pictures at sporting events, it’s almost always more difficult to capture decent shots when someone is running very fast. Here’s an example of a photo that I took a while ago where the person on the ball was running quite quickly (as you can see, they’re also blurry).
If I’m in a higher seat, the effects are often mitigated. But if you’re up close to anything moving quickly, it’ll be harder to get everything in focus. This also includestaking photos of your pets. Slower-moving subjects include people walking and boats.
You can, of course, also use blur to your advantage. For example, here are some pictures I took at a soccer game a few years ago that I think look quite cool.
Despite their advancements,smartphone cameras still lag behind DSLR camerasand need several features before they can compete. For example, you can’t change the shutter speed on many devices (although this is changing). Fortunately, you can access several additional features via third-party apps. This includes apps that let you change your camera’s shutter speed.
ProCamera for iOSis one app that you’re able to use to change your shutter speed. While it costs money, the investment is worthwhile if you want to unlock new smartphone camera elements (you can also change the ISO, for example).
If you may make your smartphone camera take pictures at a faster shutter speed, you’ll find it much easier to capture better images of moving subjects.
3. Use a Tripod or Flat Surface
When taking photos of moving subjects, you want to reduce as much motion in your image as possible. For this reason, I recommend using a tripod or flat surface where possible. If you’re out and about, for example, you may use benches, walls, and even put your phone on the floor.
Once you’ve stabilized your phone, you’ll be more free to think about your photo composition and capturing the subject. When trying to photograph things like birds and cars, you may have to wait for another opportunity. However, the initial prep work will make the wait more worthwhile.
You can check out thesegreat phone tripods for capturing the perfect momentif you don’t know where to start.
4. Take Burst Photos
Some smartphones let you take burst photos, and if your device has this feature, I strongly recommend using it. As I have learned through taking pictures with my smartphone and capturing images as a professional photographer, you sometimes have to rely on the luck of the draw when capturing moving subjects. You significantly increase your chances of success by taking burst photos.
On some devices, such as iPhones, you can use Burst Mode. Here’s how to do that:
5. Don’t Move Your Screen
Another simple way to take better photos of moving subjects is by keeping your screen as still as possible. You should avoid as much motion as possible when capturing your images, and this will go a long way toward that.
The best way to stop your screen from moving so much is to bring your phone closer to your body. I’ve found that this works especially well in colder weather when your body tends to move more. You can also wait a few seconds before taking a picture to stabilize yourself.
6. Wait and Observe Before Photographing
One thing that I’m particularly guilty of is beingtooquick when taking photos. This often works in my favor, but it can be detrimental when you’re capturing images of moving subjects. When you take pictures in the excitement of the moment, you risk the shot becoming blurry. So, it’s a good idea to wait and observe before shooting (unless it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity).
If you see a scene that looks particularly intriguing, such as astreet photographysetting, take a few minutes to observe your surroundings and think about anything else you may want to include. Your final result will be more interesting.
7. Zoom Out to Minimize How Obvious the Blur Looks
Another way to take better photos of moving subjects on your smartphone is to zoom out. On my iPhone, for example, I take pictures at 0.5 x zoom if it’s a fast-moving subject. Creating distance, as I mentioned earlier, will also help significantly.
You can later crop your images if needed, but it’s good to at least have the flexibility to do that.
Taking photos of moving subjects on a smartphone will require more effort and thinking, but it isn’t impossible. You can take better shots by downloading apps that control your shutter speed, but even within your smartphone, you have options. For example, if your device has a burst option, I suggest using that.
