What Is Motion Blur and How To Capture It?
Motion blur can be a fantastic technique to use in your photography. It creates smooth images and adds an artistic vibe. After all, freezing action is what cameras are made to do, but what if you can both blur and freeze at the same time? The complex-looking result can be achieved with simple techniques. Read on to find out how.
Motion blur adds dynamics and movement to your image. It also helps separate the subject from the background, just like bokeh. Motion blur helps to capture the scene like the human eye: fast-moving objects are blurred, while stationary objects appear sharp. The ability to capture that blur in a natural-looking way is no easy task at first. However, with practice and a few simple techniques, this result can be achieved very fast. Motion blur is common in almost all genres of photography: from fashion to nature, and from sports to landscape.
Regardless of what technique you use, there is gear that is a must if you want to capture motion blur. First, of all, a good stable tripod that will support your camera and lens. The second is a good tripod head which can lock in place, but also let you make fine adjustments in composition. Finally, a remote shutter release is never a bad idea as it helps you eliminate unwanted shake from the picture.
There are two techniques that you can use to capture motion blur. We will discuss how to capture motion blur by having your subject move, and how to capture motion blur by having your camera move. The two yield different results, and it is beneficial to know which to use when, as a different situation will demand a different approach every time.
Have Your Subject Move
The first method of capturing motion blur is having your subject move. Suppose the following situation: you’re photographing a scene with flowing water and static rocks.You want to capture the scene and use the motion of water to create motion blur.
This is possible with a long shutter speed, the longer the shutter the smoother the water. In order to reduce shake and make the image possible, you will need a tripod, tripod head, and a remote release.One such combination is the Manfrotto , and the .
This high-performance kit combines two characteristics of a good tripod: lightweight and reliable. The tripod itself has become a go-to among many creators for their most demanding projects. Now it enjoys the “professional” status because it features the new high-performance carbon fiber legs. Lightweight, yet rigid construction allows the to be much lighter. At the same time, the twist locks add to the portability of the 190go.
As mentioned, ball heads should be rigid enough to hold your camera and make sure it doesn’t slip. The is just that. It ensures camera stability and security even with heavy equipment. It features an innovative triple locking system that ensures shake-free shots.
Finally, the Link is a tool that will allow you to let go of your camera and serve as the ultimate remote trigger. Using the Genie Micro is as simple as sliding it into the hot shoe, connecting it to the camera, and opening the relevant app on your phone. The Genie Micro will enable you to capture stunning imagery without the risk of unwanted shaking. Be sure to create the time-lapse of your life, and worry about the creative, not the technical. After all, gear is there to make your job easier.
Finally, the is a tool that will allow you to let go of your camera and serve as the ultimate remote trigger. Using the Genie Micro is as simple as sliding it into the hot shoe, connecting it to the camera, and opening the relevant app on your phone. The Genie Micro will enable you to capture stunning imagery without the risk of unwanted shaking. Be sure to create the time-lapse of your life, and worry about the creative, not the technical. After all, gear is there to make your job easier.
Have Your Camera Move
Moving your camera will introduce a different kind of a blur, a so-called panning blur. Ever wondered how photographers take photos of fast-moving subjects and keep the subject sharp while the background is blurred? That is done by moving the camera, both panning, and tilting
Simply set your shutter speed to a low value, meter as you normally would, and shoot!
The challenge in doing this sort of blur is in the accuracy with which you can follow the subject. Doing it handheld is possible, but it is not without considerable challenges.
The same applies to using a ball-head. Because it moves in all 3 axes, it becomes very difficult to track a subject and ensure sharpness. Lastly, there is no comfortable way to grip the camera.
This exactly is where the Manfrotto
comes in handy. A system comprised of a dedicated 190X video aluminum tripod featuring a levelling column for quick and easy set-up, and
the
is the best solution to panning with accuracy and reliability.
The fluid cartridges inside the video head will ensure that the panning and tilting are as smooth as possible.
A landscape photographer should always look for ultimate stability, as well as accurate framing. Of course, stability is the most important reason for using a tripod with your digital camera in landscape photography as it helps to avoid camera movement during exposure. But it also enables greater creativity for shooting in low light or capturing the ‘unseen’, like creamy white water or star trails in the sky.
The is the ideal option for photographers with DSLR and full-frame mirrorless cameras. It's also easy to set up using the quick-lock system, saving time while letting you concentrate on the creative side of your art. Should you want to add accessories, such as friction arms, the Easy Link connector allows you to do just that.
For even more creativity, you can use the 3-way head tool. With its precise 3-axis movement, you can use even the heaviest of cameras and lenses without worrying about them breaching the weight limit or negatively impacting your shots. Compared to a ball-head, this is the best way to compose shots if you care about the exact placement of your camera and want to make precise adjustments.
A final important benefit is the ability to quickly set up and leave the scene to chase the next image. The 055 kit has a Quick Power Lock system which allows it to be set up and broken down within seconds - this is especially beneficial for photographers working outside where the weather can be unpredictable.
Overall, the 055 is an incredibly versatile piece of kit that is quick and easy to set up, while also being extremely stable and allowing for precise adjustments. In other words, the 055 is a must-have for landscape shooters, especially those with DSLR or mirrorless cameras.
Macro images should capture the very smallest features, often on tiny objects or organisms, resulting in intricately detailed photography. Macro photographers need to use specialist tripods with even more movement than those designed for landscape photography, like the 055 Kit.
The best option for macro photographers is the , for a multitude of reasons. The main element that sets it apart from others on the market is the stable and secure 90° column, allowing the camera to be offset from the leg position while ensuring you can shoot from ground level or directly overhead with accuracy and stability.
Previously, a macro photographer would simply use the camera as a handheld device, as a tripod was not practical to use for this type of photography. However, with the introduction of the BeFree GT Xpro, this is no longer a problem. The centre column can move in any direction, allowing for ultimate versatility and stability, while the head itself is a ball-head, delivering fast set-up and easy-to-use functionality.
If your subject is likely to move suddenly, in an ideal world you’d like to be able to open a single knob and move the camera with it - the ball-head allows you to do just that. Additionally, it's incredibly small, folding to a compact and discrete 43cm. This means it’s the perfect accessory for photographers who shoot on location or those who frequently travel as you can easily fit it into your hand luggage.
Genie Micro – the best way to control your camera* remotely & more
As well as camera accessories and in-body image stabilisation technology, another key tool that should be in every professional photographer's camera bag is the Genie Micro. This all-in-one smart remote has been designed for mirrorless cameras and DSLR cameras, enabling photographers to control their cameras from an intuitive smartphone app.
The takes the concept of a remote release and amplifies it to new heights. One of the common reasons to use a remote release is to avoid touching the camera in long-exposure photography. Another reason is to be able to control the camera from a distance, should it not be directly accessible.
Essentially, the Genie Micro is the ultimate smart remote for your camera. With control via the smartphone app, it eliminates the need for cables; you can be as far as 10 metres away from your camera and still control it seamlessly without ever touching it.
Photographers of all genres will enjoy the comfort of being able to set up long time-lapses, use HDR mode, and even use the live control mode to create stop-motion work all from a phone app that makes remote control of your camera as easy as a single touch. Plus, with an internal rechargeable Li-ion battery and around 7-hour battery life, it's the perfect camera accessory for day-long shoots.
Closing Remarks
As you can see, the ability to capture motion blur is a valuable asset in your creative arsenal, and you can use it to create fantastic imagery.
All you have to know are the two techniques.
Pair this knowledge with fantastic and reliable equipment, and you will have everything you need to create your next great image with motion blur!