Photographing objects in motion is a challenge that presents itself quite frequently to photographers of a skill levels. There is more preparation and work involved in making images of objects that fly, roll, crawl and run than in photographing still objects. However, with some practice and a few tips, the ability to freeze motion in images is well within the reach of all people. Read on to learn capture motion in photography.
Instructions
1. Set the appropriate shutter speed. Set your shutter speed to the proper shutter speed for your subject. Finding a shutter speed that will keep your subject in focus but allow you a proper exposure may require some experimentation. The faster your subject is moving the greater the shutter speed needed to achieve an acceptable sharp and blur-free image.
2. Pre-focus your lens. Since your subject will often not be in the frame ahead of time for you to focus on you will need to pre-focus your lens. Focus on a stationary object, such as part of the landscape, at the same distance you expect your subject to be at when you release the shutter. Once you have achieved an acceptable focus disable your auto focus system to prevent any further changes in focus.
3. Anticipate the action and pan with the subject. Survey the area and anticipate how your subject will come into the area you want to photograph it in. It may also be helpful to have a few visual references that will clue you in to the exact area you pre-focused on earlier. Follow the subject with your camera, remembering to keep it composed in the frame. This will ensure that when you take the picture the subject is a sharp as possible and the only blur present is in the background.
4. Release the shutter. When the subject passes in to the area you have selected to take the picture and pre-focused for, release the shutter. If you are using a digital SLR check your image on the rear LCD screen for proper focus and exposure. Adjust your shutter speed if it is not high enough. Not all of your images will come out perfect, and in your first attempts there will be many cases where quite a few images will turn out poorly due to focus issues or difficulties in panning with the subject. But your images will improve with practice.
