How to Capture Action Photos on Your Phone (Without Looking Like You Just Discovered the Camera App)
I get it. You’re on the sidelines with your phone, trying to capture your kid's big moment—or maybe your friend landing a sweet dunk—but your photos keep turning out like a blurry Bigfoot sighting. Good news: You don’t need a $5,000 camera or a degree in sports photography to grab a killer action shot. You can capture awesome, dynamic images on your phone—with a little know-how (and maybe a little luck).
Let’s break it down.
1. Use Burst Mode Like a Boss
Most smartphones have burst mode—just hold down the shutter button and let it fire like a tiny photo machine gun.
Why? Because you’re not psychic. You won’t know exactly when that touchdown, tackle, or air-guitar leap happens. Burst mode gives you options. You can scroll through the chaos later and pick the one magical frame where everyone looks awesome (or at least has both feet off the ground).
Pro tip: iPhone and Android both let you favorite and save the best frames from a burst—no need to clog up your storage with 73 photos of someone blinking.
2. Light Is Your Best Friend (or Worst Enemy)
Action needs light. Good light. Outdoor sports during the day? You’re golden. Indoor gyms or late afternoon shade? Now you’re in “grainy photo of a cryptid” territory.
Bright daylight? Great—snap away.
Low light? Move closer to the action, and try to avoid using flash (unless your goal is red eyes and washed-out faces).
Cheeky truth: If your phone needs a second to think before taking the shot, it’s probably too dark for anything fast-moving.
3. Zoom With Your Feet, Not Your Fingers
Digital zoom is basically just your phone guessing what pixels should be there. It’s not helping. If you want sharp images, resist the urge to pinch and zoom. Instead…
Move closer to the action. Yes, that means actually walking. Your legs are the best zoom lens your phone has.
Bonus: You'll also look more committed and possibly get mistaken for a pro. Nice.
4. Keep It Steady, Superstar
Blurry action is one thing. Blurry everything is another. If your whole photo looks like it was taken mid-earthquake, try this:
Tuck your elbows in.
Use both hands.
Lean against something if possible (fence, goal post, etc).
Or get a cheap phone tripod or grip—it’s worth it.
5. Follow the Motion (Yes, Like in the Movies)
Want a little drama in your shot? Try panning—follow the motion of your subject as you take the photo. It takes some practice, but it can make your subject pop while blurring the background for a sense of speed.
Translation: It’s the difference between “Look, he’s running” and “LOOK AT HIM FLY.”
6. Edit Like a Champion (But Don’t Overdo It)
Your phone has built-in editing tools. Use them. Boost contrast, sharpen a bit, maybe crop out that random guy eating nachos behind your kid’s big moment. Just… don’t go wild with filters.
Unless your aesthetic is “1997 sci-fi VHS cover,” in which case—respect.
7. Know When to Put the Phone Down
This might sound weird coming from a photographer, but hear me out: Sometimes it’s okay to miss the shot and live in the moment. Or hand the phone to someone else so you can actually cheer, coach, or just watch.
But when you do want the shot? Now you know how to get it.
Final Word
You don’t need fancy gear to snap incredible action photos—you just need a little prep, some practice, and a phone that’s not from 2013.
So go out there. Get the shot. Capture the chaos. And don’t worry—if all else fails, just call me. 😉
Need help capturing your athlete’s biggest moment? Contact me here!