All the Action: How to Photograph Action Shots on the Snow

Are you geared up to capture the high-speed thrills of snowboarding? Snapping those action-packed moments can be a bit challenging, but with the right techniques, you’ll be shooting breath-taking shots in no time. Let’s explore some expert snowboard photography tips for taking better action shots on the slopes. 

Capture Every Thrilling Moment with Burst Mode

Snowboarding is all about keeping up with dynamic, fast-paced action. To ensure you don’t miss a beat, switch your DSLR camera or iPhone camera to burst mode. This setting allows you to take multiple shots in quick succession, capturing every twist and turn. Imagine taking a sequence of these fast-moving and action-packed moments and turning them into beautifully framed photos for your living room or home office—it’s like bringing the energy of the slopes right into your home!

Master Shooting in Manual Mode for Perfect Shots

You need full control of your camera settings to get the best action shots. If you shoot in manual mode, you can adjust your shutter speed and ISO to capture the scene perfectly. Try starting with a fast shutter speed, like 1/1000 of a second, to freeze the action and manage the bright light. From there, you can experiment with your shutter speed to capture the smallest details, such as snowflakes in midair, that can make your photos more impactful. Adjust your ISO carefully, too. Higher ISO usually means brighter photos, but watch out for increased noise levels that may ruin your action sports photography. 

Here’s another aspect where manual mode is beneficial: aperture. Snow can be too bright and may fool your smartphone or DSL camera’s built-in light meter into thinking you are shooting with more light than you actually are. If your camera is in auto mode, it will likely overcompensate by underexposing your shot. The result? Gray photography—and you don’t want that for snowboarding photos. To avoid that, try overexposing your shots by one to three stops. That will make the snow appear as brilliantly white as it does in real life, making your subject stand out. 

Snap Action Shots with Good Lighting and Composition

As mentioned, lighting plays a crucial role in snowboard photography. Besides being so bright, the snow is a natural reflector, eliminating harsh shadows but sometimes reducing contrast. To add depth and dimension to your photos, shoot when the sun is low—early morning or late afternoon, better known as golden hour. The warm, soft light at the golden hour helps create long, dramatic shadows, adding contrast and giving your action shots a professional and dramatic look. A framed picture of a golden hour shot would be a breath-taking addition to any space.

Also, consider your composition—position yourself downhill to capture the snowboarder’s face and body as they descend. Look for visually interesting backdrops or unique foregrounds to elevate the impact of your snowboarding photos.

Bring the Right Lenses and Filters for Flawless Shots

Taking your DSLR camera to the slopes? Be sure to bring the right lenses & filters, too. 

When shooting in fast-paced environments like the slopes, having a versatile lens can make all the difference. A telephoto lens like a 70-200mm is often the go-to choice. It allows you to capture the action from a distance, giving the rider enough clearance and capturing the intensity of their moves. Want to snap up-close, dynamic shots? Consider using a fisheye lens, as it can add a dramatic, immersive feel to your photos.

Protecting your lenses is crucial, especially in the harsh mountain environment. UV filters are a must for safeguarding your lenses from scratches and wear. Additionally, a polarizing filter can be a game-changer. It helps darken skies and manage the intense brightness reflected off the snow, giving you more creative control over your camera settings and boosting the overall quality of your action photography shots.

Be Patient in Waiting for the Right Moments

Patience is an important element in snowboarding photography. Wait for the right moment, and don’t hesitate to take lots of shots. Just like in any craft, the more you practice, the better you’ll become at capturing those spectacular snowboarding moments. Pretty soon, you’ll have a collection of incredibly shot snowboarding photos you can share on social media or frame for your gallery wall.

Capture the Action, Frame the Moment

Capturing the essence of snowboarding is all about the manual techniques, the artistry, and the breath-taking snowy backdrop. Once you’ve nailed those perfect shots, why not bring them to life off the screen? Let us turn them into framed masterpieces you’ll treasure forever. At Livestock Framing, we’re equipped to transform your snowboarding shots into stunning, gallery-quality framed prints. Perfect for decorating your space or sharing as gifts, your very own beautifully framed snowboard photos will keep the spirit of the slopes alive all year round. 

Learn more about our online photo printing and framing services today.