How do you capture motion blur in wildlife or sports photography?

1 Choose your subject

The first step to capture motion blur is to choose a subject that is moving fast or unpredictably, such as a bird in flight, a running animal, or a cyclist. You want to capture the contrast between the blurred motion and the sharp details of the subject, or the background if you are panning. Look for interesting shapes, colors, and patterns that will create a dynamic composition and convey the mood and energy of the scene.

2 Set your camera

The next step is to set your camera to the appropriate mode and settings for motion blur. You can use either manual or shutter priority mode, depending on how much control you want over the exposure. The key setting is the shutter speed, which determines how long the sensor is exposed to light and how much blur is captured. The slower the shutter speed, the more blur you will get, but also the more risk of camera shake and overexposure. A good starting point is 1/30 or 1/15 of a second, but you can experiment with different speeds depending on the speed of your subject and the light conditions. You also need to adjust the aperture and ISO accordingly to achieve a balanced exposure. A smaller aperture (higher f-number) will give you more depth of field and a lower ISO will reduce noise, but both will also reduce the amount of light entering the camera, so you may need to compensate with a slower shutter speed or a flash.

3 Use a tripod or stabilizer

One of the challenges of capturing motion blur is to avoid camera shake, which can ruin your shot by making everything blurry and out of focus. To prevent this, you need to use a tripod or a stabilizer, such as a monopod, a gimbal, or a lens with image stabilization. A tripod or a stabilizer will help you keep your camera steady and your focus sharp, especially if you are using a long lens or a slow shutter speed. If you are panning, you need to use a tripod or a stabilizer that allows you to move your camera smoothly and horizontally along with your subject.

4 Focus on your subject

Another challenge of capturing motion blur is to focus on your subject, especially if it is moving fast or unpredictably. To do this, you need to use a continuous autofocus mode, such as AI Servo or AF-C, which tracks your subject as it moves across the frame and adjusts the focus accordingly. You also need to use a focus point or a focus area that covers your subject, and avoid any distractions or obstacles that may confuse the autofocus system. If you are panning, you need to keep your subject in the same position in the frame as you move your camera, and use a single focus point or a small focus area that matches your subject.

5 Experiment with different techniques

The final step to capture motion blur is to experiment with different techniques and effects that can enhance your creativity and style. For example, you can try panning, which involves moving your camera along with your subject at the same speed and direction, creating a sharp subject and a blurred background. You can also try zooming, which involves changing the focal length of your lens during the exposure, creating a radial blur that draws attention to the center of the frame. You can also try multiple exposures, which involve combining two or more shots of the same scene with different shutter speeds, creating a layered blur that shows the movement of your subject over time.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?