Taekwondo Tips for Photographers: How to Photograph Martial Arts

To photograph taekwondo and other martial arts, turn the flash off, use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/500 second (1/1000 or faster to freeze kicks), open the aperture as wide as your lens allows, and let auto ISO handle the indoor light. Set continuous autofocus and burst mode, and start shooting just before the peak of each kick. A fast telephoto lens such as a 70-200mm f/2.8, or a budget 50mm or 85mm f/1.8 prime, works far better indoors than a kit zoom. Ask the instructor or organizer where you can stand, stay quiet and out of the way, and check before posting photos of other people’s children.

Etiquette

Rules and etiquette for martial arts photography

• Ask first: the instructor (sabeomnim in taekwondo, sensei in karate, sifu in kung fu) or the tournament organizer decides where spectators and photographers can stand. Never walk onto the mat or into a ring without permission.
• No flash: flash can distract or startle athletes mid-technique and is banned at many events. Switch it off before you arrive, including on your phone.
• Stay quiet and still: use silent or quiet shutter mode during belt tests, forms and bows, and do not block other parents’ view.
• Respect privacy: follow the event’s photo policy and ask parents before posting clear photos of other children online.
• Know the school: every school and organization runs things a little differently. See how to choose a taekwondo school.

See taekwondo tournament tips, which includes advice for parents.

Camera settings

Camera settings for sharp martial arts photos

Indoor gyms are dark for a camera, and kicks are fast, so exposure is a balance between three settings: shutter speed, aperture and ISO.

Shutter speed

Shutter speed matters most. Start at 1/500 second for general action and move to 1/1000 to 1/2000 second to freeze a fast kick or a board breaking. In shutter priority mode (S or Tv) you set the speed and the camera picks the aperture. If photos come out blurred, the shutter speed is too slow.

Aperture

The aperture is the opening in the lens. A wider opening (a smaller f-number such as f/2.8 or f/1.8) lets in more light, so you can keep a fast shutter speed indoors. It also blurs a busy gym background, which makes the athlete stand out.

ISO

ISO is the sensor’s sensitivity to light. Raising it brightens the photo at the cost of more grain (noise). Modern cameras handle high ISO well, so set auto ISO with a sensible maximum, such as 6400 on many current cameras, and let it rise as needed. A sharp, slightly grainy photo is better than a clean, blurred one.

Focus and drive

Use continuous autofocus (AF-C on Nikon, Sony and Fujifilm, AI Servo on Canon) so focus follows a moving athlete, with a single point or small zone on the athlete’s body. Set burst mode and shoot short bursts through each technique. If the gym lights flicker, turn on your camera’s anti-flicker or flicker-reduction setting if it has one.

Gear

Cameras and lenses for martial arts photography

• Camera: a mirrorless camera or DSLR with fast continuous autofocus and good high-ISO performance. Mirrorless cameras have largely replaced DSLRs, but either works well.
• 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom: the classic indoor sports lens, letting you frame tight shots from the sidelines in low light.
• 50mm or 85mm f/1.8 prime: an affordable way to get a fast lens if you can get reasonably close to the mat.
• Kit zoom lens: usually too slow indoors (around f/5.6 at the long end), forcing high ISO. Fine outdoors or in bright gyms.
• Extras: a spare battery, a fast, large memory card for bursts, and a monopod for long events.

Taekwondo tips

Taekwondo tips for photographers

• Anticipate the kick: start shooting as the knee lifts (the chamber), so the burst catches full extension.
• Sparring: shoot from a corner of the ring, where you can see both athletes’ faces more often. Electronic scoring headgear and trunk protectors hide a lot, so look for moments when a kick lands or a fighter turns toward you. See taekwondo sparring rules.
• Poomsae (forms): shoot from the front or a slight angle during strong, still moments, such as a stance at the end of a block or a kihap. See poomsae training.
• Board breaking: pre-focus on the board, set a very fast shutter speed and shoot a burst as the technique starts. See taekwondo board breaking.
• Demonstrations: jumping and spinning kicks look best from a low angle. See taekwondo demonstration teams.
• Belt tests: capture the bows, the instructor tying the new belt and the certificate, and stay silent during the test itself. See taekwondo belt order.
• Faces tell the story: focus on the eyes when you can; expressions often make the best photos.

Knowing the techniques helps you time the shot. See taekwondo kicks and the role of the referee in taekwondo.

Phones

Taking martial arts photos with a phone

• Turn the flash off and avoid digital zoom, which lowers quality; move closer or use the phone’s built-in telephoto lens if it has one.
• Use burst mode or an action mode, and tap the screen to focus on the athlete.
• Shoot video at a high frame rate and save stills from it later; it is often the easiest way to catch the peak of a kick.
• Hold the phone steady with both hands or brace your elbows against your body.

Posed photos

Posed photos and portraits

After a test or tournament there is often time for posed photos: the student with a new belt, a medal or the instructor. Move close, use a plain background, and ask if flash is allowed now; outside the competition area it often is. A low angle and a strong stance or kick held for a second make portraits more dynamic. See taekwondo black belt levels.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions