{"id":1855,"date":"2021-04-13T10:37:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-13T14:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dev.wordpress\/?p=1855"},"modified":"2024-03-21T11:59:31","modified_gmt":"2024-03-21T15:59:31","slug":"how-to-capture-motion-blur-in-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/how-to-capture-motion-blur-in-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Capture Motion Blur in Photography"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In sports<\/a> and action photography<\/a>, sometimes freezing the action isn\u2019t the best way to capture it. When we think of sports photography, the first priority seems to be: Stop the action. Fast shutter speeds are action photography settings that freeze subjects in mid-motion, but they\u2019re not always the best way to capture the feel of the action. In fact, you may want to add motion blur to your photography to enhance the action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s how it works.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Photo by lalo Hernandez on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

What is Motion Blur?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Motion blur photography involves a technique that involves using a slow shutter speed to allow moving subjects to blur<\/strong> through the frame. You can blur motion significantly with a faster-moving subject and a slower shutter speed. Additionally, you can do this by focusing on a small amount of movement with a slightly faster shutter speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Motion blur intentionally captures blurred images to convey motion. It mimics how the human eye registers fast movement as an unfocused, quickly passing object. It is so appealing and eye-catching that it has developed into a separate photography genre<\/a> (i.e., motion blur photography).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To achieve the motion blur effect, either the camera or the subject needs to be in motion while taking the picture. If the camera is stationary and the subject is moving, the motion blur effect will appear on the subject. But if the camera is panning or follows the moving subject, the motion blur effect will appear in the background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also achieve this effect by taking photographs from a moving vehicle. In this case, the motion blur will be in the foreground.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"ballerina
Photo by Ahmad Odeh on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Tips for Capturing Motion Blur in Photography<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Photographers can capture motion blur in a variety of ways. You can create blur with the motion of the subject or with the motion of the camera. Each method creates a different look and has its own specific uses. With either technique, watch the exposure of your image and adjust ISO or aperture to avoid overexposing<\/strong> your image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adjust Shutter Speed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When creating motion blur by slowing the shutter speed<\/a>, you will need to adjust the speed depending on how fast your subject is moving<\/strong>. Photographers may find it helps to shoot in shutter priority mode for making setting adjustments easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Capturing a Fast-Moving Subject<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For example, a faster moving subject, like an action or sports photography subject, will appear as a blur at a much faster shutter speed<\/strong>. When your subject moves quickly enough, you can get a blur at shutter speeds like 1\/200, 1\/125, 1\/100, or 1\/60.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Capturing a Slower Subject<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your subject is moving much slower, like a person walking or a slow-moving stream, you\u2019ll need a much slower shutter speed<\/strong> to capture the motion as a blur. In that case, you\u2019ll want slow shutter speeds closer to half a second, a full second, or even longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Move the Camera<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can also create motion blur photography by moving the camera when the shutter is open<\/strong>. For example, you can add a motion blur effect by zooming in or out while the shutter is open. With this technique, the camera causes the blur rather than the subject. Make sure to use a tripod<\/a> to help avoid camera shake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Panning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another option to capture motion blur is a technique called panning, which works when the photographer moves the camera from one side to the other with the shutter open<\/strong>. Panning<\/a> generally results in a still subject and a background blur.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Photo by Kinson Leung on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Executing Panning in Motion Blur Photography<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To execute this technique, move your camera as fluidly and steadily as possible, parallel with the movement of your subject. In layman\u2019s terms: Follow your subject like a steady hawk.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using a tripod with a panning head helps achieve this effect but is not entirely necessary. An example of an appropriate tripod for panning would be the Benro BV10 Video Tripod<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Camera Settings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your camera should be set to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n