Shutter Priority Mode

If you’re still learning manual exposure, Shutter Priority mode can be a convenient option.

Depending on your camera, it may be labeled:

• S
• Tv

You choose the shutter speed, and the camera automatically adjusts the aperture to achieve an appropriate exposure.

For example, you could set:

1/1000 sec

and allow the camera to determine the aperture.

This lets you focus on capturing the action without constantly adjusting exposure manually.

Use Continuous Autofocus

Children rarely stay still during sports day.

For this reason, continuous autofocus is extremely useful.

Depending on the camera manufacturer, it may be called:

• AF-C
• Servo AF
• Continuous AF

The camera continuously adjusts focus while the subject is moving.

This is particularly useful for:

• Running
• Relays
• Dancing
• Jumping
• Ball games
• Tug-of-war

The original TAMRON guide recommends continuous AF for moving subjects during sports day events.

Use Subject Detection if Available

Many modern cameras include subject-detection autofocus.

If your camera can detect people or faces, enable the appropriate subject-detection mode.

This can help the camera maintain focus on your child as they move through the frame.

However, sports day events can contain many children.

The camera may occasionally lock onto the wrong person.

If this happens, consider:

• Using a smaller AF area
• Selecting your subject manually
• Tracking your child before the action begins
• Using face/eye detection when appropriate

Practice with your camera before the event.

You don’t want to be learning the autofocus system during the final race.

Use Burst Shooting

Another useful feature for sports day photography is continuous or burst shooting.

Instead of taking a single photograph, the camera captures a sequence of images while you hold down the shutter button.

This can help you capture:

• The moment both feet leave the ground
• A runner’s expression
• A relay handoff
• A jump
• A ball being thrown
• A child’s reaction after finishing

Not every frame will be perfect.

That’s normal.

The goal is to increase your chances of capturing the decisive moment.

Choosing the Right ISO

ISO controls the camera’s sensitivity to light.

On a bright outdoor day, you may be able to use a relatively low ISO.

For example:

ISO 100–400

On cloudy days, you may need:

ISO 800–1600

or higher depending on your shutter speed and aperture.

The original TAMRON guide suggests approximately ISO 200–400 on sunny days and ISO 800–1600 or higher in cloudy conditions as starting points.

However, don’t treat these values as fixed rules.

Your camera should determine the final ISO based on the lighting and shutter speed you need.

If the choice is between a slightly noisier photograph and a blurry photograph, the sharper photograph is usually more useful for a fast-moving subject.

What Aperture Should You Use?

Aperture controls the amount of light entering the lens and influences depth of field.

A wider aperture, represented by a smaller F-number, allows more light into the camera and can create stronger background blur.

For sports day photography, something around:

F4–F8

can provide a useful starting point depending on the lens and lighting.

A wider aperture can help separate your child from the background.

Stopping down slightly can provide more depth of field, which may be useful when you need a little more room for focusing errors.

Use Image Stabilization

Telephoto photography makes camera shake more noticeable.

For example, when you’re using a 300mm focal length, even a small movement of the camera can be visible in the photograph.

If your lens or camera has image stabilization, make sure it is enabled when appropriate.

TAMRON’s VC system is designed to help reduce the effects of camera shake when shooting handheld.

Remember, however, that image stabilization doesn’t freeze your child’s movement.

That’s the job of your shutter speed.

Think of the two separately:

Fast shutter speed → freezes subject movement

Image stabilization → reduces camera movement

Photographing Running Races

Running races are among the most exciting events to photograph.

They also happen quickly.

One useful strategy is to position yourself where you can photograph your child approaching you rather than trying to follow them across the entire field.

The finish line can be particularly useful.

As the child approaches, keep them in the frame and continue tracking them.

Use continuous autofocus and a fast shutter speed.

Then shoot a burst as they approach the important moment.

Photograph the Start

The starting moment can also make a strong photograph.

Instead of focusing only on the running itself, consider photographing:

• The starting stance
• The moment the race begins
• The first few steps
• Your child’s expression
• The reactions of the other children

A wider composition can sometimes communicate the atmosphere of the event better than a tight portrait.

Photograph the Finish

The finish line is another excellent location.

Children may be:

• Running at full speed
• Smiling
• Looking toward their parents
• Raising their arms
• Celebrating
• Catching their breath

These reactions can be just as meaningful as the race itself.

Don’t immediately stop photographing once the child crosses the line.

Often, the moments immediately afterward are more expressive.

Photographing Relays

Relay races offer several opportunities.

The handoff is an obvious choice.

Try to anticipate where the exchange will happen.

Keep your camera ready before the runner arrives.

Use continuous autofocus and burst shooting.

You can also photograph:

• The runner approaching
• The handoff
• The next runner starting
• The reaction afterward

A telephoto zoom allows you to adjust the framing quickly as the subjects move.

Photographing Dance and Performances

Sports day isn’t always about running.

Many schools include dance performances, cheering competitions, or other stage-like activities.

These events can actually be more challenging to photograph because the children may move in different directions.

Try to identify where your child will be positioned.

If possible, learn the routine beforehand.

Knowing where your child will move allows you to anticipate the moment instead of constantly searching for them through the viewfinder.

Focus on Your Child’s Expression

When photographing a group performance, it’s tempting to photograph the entire group.

Don’t forget the individual moments.

Use a telephoto lens to isolate your child.

Look for:

• Smiles
• Concentration
• Excitement
• Eye contact
• Hand gestures
• Expressions during important parts of the performance

A longer focal length can help you create a more intimate photograph even when you’re far away.

When You Can’t Get a Tight Shot

Sometimes your child may be too far away even with your longest focal length.

Don’t force the composition.

Instead, photograph the scene more widely.

Include:

• Your child
• The other participants
• The venue
• Decorations
• Spectators

You can also crop the photograph later if you have sufficient image resolution.

A wider photograph can sometimes tell a better story than an extremely tight crop.

Photographing Group Events

Events such as tug-of-war, ball tossing, and other team activities are full of movement.

Children may move:

• Left
• Right
• Up
• Down

This is another situation where burst shooting can be useful.

Instead of trying to capture one perfect frame, photograph a sequence.

Look for moments when:

• A child throws the ball
• Everyone pulls together
• A child jumps
• The team reacts
• Someone celebrates

Don’t Forget the Wide-Angle Perspective

While telephoto lenses are useful for individual photographs, don’t spend the entire event zoomed in.

Switch to the wide end of your zoom when you want to show the environment.

Photograph:

• The entire field
• The crowd
• The school
• Team formations
• Group activities
• Decorations

These photographs help preserve the atmosphere of the event.

When you look back at your photos years later, the wider photographs can help you remember where the event took place and what it felt like to be there.