What Is Motion Blur in Photography? Why It’s Happening and How To Do It On Purpose For Amazing Results
by Demarcus O’Dell - July 10 2021

Photography captures still images of the world around us. Yet not all photographs are not static. Using motion techniques; a sense of speed, activity, and the passage of time are revealed. Motion blur in photography can create dynamic images and occurs when your subject, or your camera, moves during an exposure.

by Demarcus O’Dell

Shutter Speed; motion blur occurs during a longer exposure time. The best way to get long exposure is by slowing your shutter speed. A fast shutter speed will freeze motion, while a slower shutter speed will cause your subject to blur.

by Demarcus O’Dell

As you decrease your shutter speed, more light will reach your camera’s sensor or film. You will notice overexposed photos. To compensate for over exposure; adjust ISO and/or aperture.

by Demarcus O’Dell

To blur motion; you must first take into consideration your subject. if you are making an image of a person; a shutter speed of 1/60 or slower can be affective. While, a moving vehicle may need a shutter speed of 1/125. Or, for light trails or light painting; a shutter speed of 1/30 to 10 seconds or later could be necessary. Capturing waterfalls for example, could need shutter speeds of 1/6 to 30 seconds.

Image courtesy: photoblog.com

In a professional photography studio you may be using off camera flash for your lighting. If this is the case, motion blur can still occur. Constant light sources can create motion blur too follow the same guidelines above. Adding constant light sources alongside of an off camera flash and decreasing the shutter speed can make the same effect. With this technique, you or the subject must move to create a blurred light painted effect.

by Demarcus O’Dell

Make it happen! We only improve when we try, experiment and learn. Check back here for more!

by Demarcus O’Dell

BLOG

What Is Motion Blur in Photography? Why It’s Happening and How To Do It On Purpose For Amazing Results