2 HOURS
In wildlife photography the desire is usually to capture subjects that are tack-sharp, but what if we try a different approach and aim for something more abstract instead? This is a technique we learned from UK-based wildlife photographer Ben Hall. The trick is to lower your shutter speed just enough to blur the movement of the animals, while still retaining areas of relative sharpness and discernible shapes. The results can be stunning. Sure, things won’t be pin-sharp, but instead you get a wonderful sense of natural speed and motion in the image.
You could try this technique out on any wildlife, but it’s especially suited to bird photography. Birds are almost always on the move, especially those that love water. This poses a challenge in terms of focusing, framing and lens reach, but it’s worth it when you capture a moment that conveys the beauty of birds in motion. There are several approaches – we can either keep the camera still and blur the bird’s movement, or we can pan with the moving birds and blur the backdrop; or – and this is the most satisfying – we can aim to blur some parts of the animal, like the wings or heads, while keeping other areas relatively sharp. It takes time and patience to get a great shot, and you might fill up an entire memory card for just a handful of keepers – but if you manage to capture a cracker then it’s well worth the effort.
HOW TO GET SET UP TO CAPTURE MOTION BLUR
Choose your location, pack the right gear, and study your subjects
1 LOCATION
Denne historien er fra May 06, 2021-utgaven av Photography week.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May 06, 2021-utgaven av Photography week.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
CALIBRATE YOUR COLOURS
James Paterson reveals how he captures stunningly colourful sunsets by using this secret weapon
ABSTRACT PORTRAITS
Mike Harris shows you how to use slow shutter speeds and multiple exposures to capture a series of motion-blur portraits
BREATHTAKNG IMAGES FROM ABOVE AND BELOW THE WAVES
A final hit of inspiraton: Ocean Photographer of the Year reveals stunning winning photos
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO AUTUMN
James Abbott reveals the secrets to capturing amazing images during the most eye-catching season of the year
CANON UNVEILS NEW PORTABLE, FULLY-WIRELESS PHOTO PRINTER
The Selphy QX20 is ideal for quickly printing your smartphone snaps on the go
FUJINON GF120MM F4 MACRO R LM OIS WR
This powerful medium-format lens is ideally suited to extreme close-ups
HOW TO...CLEAN UP A SCENE WITH AI
James Paterson shows you how the AI-powered Remove Tool can revolutionise your retouching
SHOOT AN '80S PORTRAIT
Jason Parnell-Brookes recreates the neon look of the 1980s using torches and hollow acrylic rods
THE BEST MONOCHROME IMAGE OF 2024 IS A REAL CRACKER
Black and White Photo Awards announces stunning selection of winning images
88 TIPS FOR GREAT BABY PHOTOS
From lighting to posing and pacifying, here's how you get the perfect shot