Action!

It is critical when shooting fast moving subjects, to use the correct shutter speed. An example would be taking pictures at a sports event. If your shutter speed is fast, you will freeze the subject. This isn't necessarily wrong, but makes for a less exciting photo. The subject won't look like they are in the midst of dashing down the field, or catching a fly ball.

However, if you slow the shutter down a bit (trial and error will find the best speed for your subject) parts of the subject will blur. This better emulates the quick pace of sports. Below is a shot at Arlington Race Track in Arlington Heights, Illinois. While you can see the subjects clearly, it just isn't very exciting. It certainly doesn't convey the speed at which they were flying past me. My shutter speed was a quick 1/500 of a second.



The next shot used a shutter speed of 1/25 of second. It is important to note that I followed the racers with my camera as they flew past. This keeps the horses in relative clarity, while the background blurs. NOW I feel how fast they are travelling.





Neither shot is "wrong", both just serve different purposes.