Photography is a varied genre, and you can use your camera in several ways to get the most desirable results. When you’re trying to capture images of fast-moving subjects, you’ll need to think a little harder about how to get the best shots.

Continuous shooting mode, also known as burst mode, is one of the most popular ways to successfully capture events as they unfold. But what are some specific situations you should use it in?

What Is Continuous Shooting (Burst) Mode?

Continuous shooting mode is a setting on your camera that lets you take multiple images at once. You’ll typically hold onto the shutter button when you activate this setting while capturing your pictures. Once you let go, the camera will stop taking photos.

Finding continuous mode on your camera will depend on the manufacturer you use. On top of that, different models and bodies will have slight alterations. In some instances, you’ll find a dial—but in other situations, you’ll need to activate it by going to the menu.

Now, let’s look at some situations where you would use continuous shooting mode. Below are scenarios where having this mode activated is a good idea.

1. Photographing Busy Streets

photo of a busy street scene

Street photography is one of the most dynamic genres you can try, and it forces you to think on the spot. When capturing busy streets in urban areas, you can use a single shot mode on your camera. But since scenes change quickly, you’ll want something that enables you to get exactly what you’re looking for.

When you put your camera in continuous mode, you can capture multiple shots of the same street scene. Once you edit your pictures in your editing software of choice, you’ll have more of a selection to choose from.

2. Photographing Wildlife

photo of a sea eagle about to capture a fish

Wildlife photography is challenging for several reasons. In many cases, you’ll need to use more of a telescopic lens. This is particularly true if you’re capturing potentially dangerous creatures like polar bears or lions.

Another reason that capturing wildlife is challenging is because any small move can scare the animal you’re trying to photograph. Since animals often move quickly, single shooting modes can sometimes needlessly hold you back.

When photographing wildlife, you’ll also want to consider using an auto face detector to make sure that the animal is in focus.

3. Taking Pictures of Children

Children are often very energetic, and taking photos of them in a natural setting can be challenging. While you can always get them to pose in an ordinary portrait, younger ones might not be so compliant. Moreover, it can take something away from the moment.

Continuous shooting mode is an excellent option if you want to photograph your kids as they’re having a good time. You can capture them enjoying their favorite activities at a party, and it’s much easier to follow them as they run around.

Like when photographing wildlife, you’ll probably want to use the face detection feature on your camera. Most modern devices have this option.

4. Photographing Sporting Events

photo of a soccer player with a ball at their feet

When photographing most sporting events, you’ll need more of a telescopic lens. You’ll also notice that many sports photographers use continuous shooting mode when capturing the game in front of them. Sporting events are incredibly fast-paced, and each moment is crucial—hence the requirement to use this setting.

If you get the opportunity to photograph a sporting event, you should use a slower shutter speed to avoid blur. To compensate, you’ll typically need to adjust the ISO and aperture. Try to find a happy medium between capturing the event and losing too much detail.

5. Using a Slower Shutter Speed

photo of someone taking pictures

A slower shutter speed will increase your risk of blurry images regardless of the scenario. If you don’t use a tripod or have a telescopic lens, the potential for this to happen increases further.

Using a slower shutter speed will let your camera take in more light. You might need to use one for several reasons, such as capturing images at night. Continuous shooting will enable you to get more versions of the same frame, allowing you to choose the picture with the most detail.

You should still consider resting your camera on a flat surface or using a tripod when using a slower shutter speed.

6. Portrait Photography

Portrait photography is one of the most enjoyable kinds of photography. While it’s far from easy to get right, the genre does offer a route into paid gigs for many picture-takers.

Photographing adults often involves changing scenes. In some instances, you might have a lot more luck when using the continuous shooting feature on your camera. An example of when you might want to use it includes photographing others who are walking.

If you’re asking the person you’re photographing to move about a lot, you might also want to photograph in bursts.

7. Adventure Photography

photo of a person skiing on a mountain slope

Adventure photography can cover multiple topics. For example, you can photograph yourself and your friends on a ski or snowboarding holiday. But adventure photography isn’t purely limited to cold destinations; you can also take pictures when underwater or when going through rainforests.

Generally speaking, adventures have an ever-evolving story. And if you’re trying to improve your visual storytelling, you need to think about how you can best capture the moment. You can use one of your camera’s single shooting modes, but you might find that doing so causes you to miss a moment.

Using continuous mode in adventure photography will allow you to capture key moments. You’ll also have more options to help you piece together the story, allowing others to experience things like they were there in person.

Continuous Shooting Mode Is Great for Capturing the Action

You will probably use a single shooting mode on your camera in many instances. That could be manual mode, but it might also be something like aperture or shutter priority. But in some situations, using the continuous setting is critical for capturing the best moments.

Using continuous shooting mode is a good idea if you find yourself in any fast-paced scenario. You probably won’t use most of the images captured, but the ones you do will be gems.