How fast should my Shutter speed be for a person running?

[MI77ERman]

I will be shooting some Parkour (free running) and I want to be fully prepared. Approximately, what is the minimum shutter speed I should have to isolate a person running a jumping? Is their any other tips for me? Should I shoot in TV or AV? Thanks for the help everyone!

[SnapLocally.com]

Practice makes perfect.

[tomd]

I will be shooting some Parkour (free running) and I want to be fully prepared. Approximately, what is the minimum shutter speed I should have to isolate a person running a jumping? Is their any other tips for me? Should I shoot in TV or AV? Thanks for the help everyone!

I'd also suggest going to Zenfolio for example and searching marathon. Hoover the cursor over some the the shots that come up and you will see basic exif data. After doing this for 10 or more pics, you will get an idea what other photogs have done in particular conditions. Use this info as a starting point for your practice and experimentation.
Tom
example (http://fling.zenfolio.com/p1049396345/e9726c9#h9726c9) (not my pics)

[BenJohnson]

If you want subject isolation, shoot in Av and keep the aperture wide open. Adjust ISO so that the shutter speed is well above 1/500th of a second. For blur free images in good light, don't be afraid to go up to 1/1000th-1/2000th of a second or faster, there's really no harm until the light levels get low and your ISO is unreasonably high.

[cstewart]

Also don't be afraid to try some slower shutter speeds and then pan with runner to get some blurred backgrounds and creative effects.

[MI77ERman]

Awesome Thanks everyone!

[Mike R]

Dont forget to use AI Servo for focusing.

[AdamLewis]

1/320 is the lowest I would ever consider going for anything moving and thats already lower than I would really be happy with. Like Ben said, for grown men running around I would say do at least 1/500 if you can (of course this is assuming you want frozen images with little->no blur).

[mrbtd]

Dont forget for women with long hair it will have to be a little faster.

[FlyingPhotog]

I think I'd be searching for Gymnastics images instead of just people running...

Parkour is a little more dramatic than just run fast, turn left.

[liam5100]

1/320 is the lowest I would ever consider going for anything moving and thats already lower than I would really be happy with. Like Ben said, for grown men running around I would say do at least 1/500 if you can (of course this is assuming you want frozen images with little->no blur).


I agree, you can get away with a SS this low if the person is coming straight at you and not really trucking all that fast, but you'll start to see blur in hands/feet at this level pretty quick. When I shoot NCAA track I try to keep 1/800 or above for sprints and hurdles. Jumping I'd even try to go higher if possible.

Although I could flip the IS switch and then I can shoot down to 1/80th and stop motion... right??

[AdamLewis]

Although I could flip the IS switch and then I can shoot down to 1/80th and stop motion... right??

:lol: Do you have some beach front property for sale?

[wyofizz]

Generally you will need a faster shutter speed if they are coming straight at you than if you are panning side to side. Won't quote a speed as that depends on your light.

[dcoughla]

When I shoot NCAA track I try to keep 1/800 or above for sprints and hurdles. Jumping I'd even try to go higher if possible.

This has been my experience as well (1/800 or higher). Not too hard midday outdoors, have to push the ISO a bit at dusk/indoors but it's fairly necessary.