Motion blur photography tips You won’t go wrong if you…
Try to combine sharpness and blur
The most effective motion blur shots are invariably those where there’s a contrast between stationary elements and moving, blurred ones. Even more abstract, intentional camera movement-style photos tend to work better when there’s a discernible ‘entry point’ into the shot.
Free up some memory card space
Shooting successful motion-blur shots can take some experimentation, plus it’s also one of those addictive techniques where it’s hard to resist just one more go… it takes practice to get the right balance of shutter speed and movement, and practice can quickly fill a memory card!
Move the camera smoothly
Perfecting your panning skills pays off. Not only does it improve your chances of recording a sharp moving subject amongst all the blur, but motion blur in one direction is often more pleasing. This is true whether you’re tracking a tiger or panning up the trunks of trees.
Use Manual exposure mode
While it’s perfectly possible to make creative blur shots with any of the advanced shooting modes, selecting Manual exposure mode gives you more time to focus on your technique. When it comes to action shots, though, the automation of Shutter Priority may be easier.
Use second-curtain sync
When you’re shooting with flash and timing isn’t critical, experiment with the second-curtain sync option. It’s especially effective for shooting cars at night, as the light trails will stream from behind the flash-lit vehicle.