Gone are the days when photographing beautiful portraits and landscapes was the only way to ensure you were the best photographer in town! Now it is all about innovation and creativity in your art. One such way of creating unique photographs in all kinds of photographic genres by employing lesser-known techniques – is motion photography. We’ve put together some information on what you need to know about the amazing art of motion photography!
What is motion photography?
Motion photography is a technique of incorporating an element of speed or movement into your photography. Instead of just photographing a moving subject at a high shutter speed, it is a technique of capturing the motion of that subject.
There are different techniques to add motion to your images which we will discuss further, but by experimenting with motion photography you can add more depth and narrative to your photographs. Not to mention that it will ensure your work stands out and enhances the subject of attention even more. Let’s see how we can implement motion photography techniques in different photography genres!
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Blur it out
Blurring backgrounds is the easiest way to add motion to photographs. This is the beginner-friendly technique for motion photographers. For example, a ball in the air if captured normally would just seem like a ball on a plain background but adding a slight blur to the background will enhance its movement and produce a sense of its speed. During this technique, panning is the key ingredient that will create wonders.
Panning
Panning is motion photography
If you don’t know what panning is, it’s moving your camera along with your subject’s motion, so that you get the perspective correct as well. Focus on the moving subject and pan the camera at the same speed as the subject. This creates an actual motion in your camera like that of your object and creates a real-looking motion blur whilst keeping the subject in focus.
Moving subject examples
Some examples where motion photography can produce great results are: A vehicle moving along a freeway at high speed, an athlete running on the athletic track, panning with a slow shutter speed as a bus moves past in the dark of night.
Out-focus
As opposed to blurring the background, we can also blur the subject while keeping the background in one place. This will again showcase the motion of your object. It is recommended that one uses a tripod for this technique as it requires a steady hand to capture it correctly. You will need to focus on the background usually with a slow shutter speed so that you can capture the background in its crisp still mode while blurring the subject.
Motion photography is a technique of incorporating an element of speed or movement into your photography.
Fast freeze the moment
Known as the freeze motion, you are photographing a scene where the object is in motion. This technique is all about finding the right moment to showcase your subject’s motion, be it in the process, before it starts or after it has been completed.
For example, a photograph taken when the ball has just hit the bat, a photograph when a skater is in the air or when a bike has just landed after completing a stunt. This technique of motion photography might require long hours of standing in one place and multiple takes to get the right result.
Action sequence
Even though it is not exactly considered a part of motion photography, action sequencing also showcases the motion of your subject in a motion type of way. This technique is more heavily dependent on good post processing rather than timing, camera settings or photography techniques.
In action sequencing, the photographer will take a fast click burst of shots of action and then merge a few frames to create a picture where your subject’s movements are traced at different time intervals.
Places to try out motion photography
Motion photography is a unique way to enhance all kinds of images and scenes. Even a regular fashion shoot can be made fun and creative with the help of motion photography. Motion photography is mostly used in the sports and fitness photography genres, but we can use motion photography in almost scene where at least one part of the scene has some motion.
Experiment
You can experiment with motion photography in all kinds of sports photography, such as ball sports, horse racing, motor sports and fitness. These are just some prime locations for experimenting with motion photography, but you can also use motion photography for capturing wildlife in motion, and regular cityscapes.
Monetizing your motion photography skills
Once you have good hands-on experience with these motion photography techniques, you should think about going a step beyond experimenting and monetize those skills. Creating a portfolio with your motion photos is the first step to monetizing your photography abilities. You can then contact sports groups, motor sport associations, vehicle suppliers, gyms and fitness groups, magazines and newspapers.
Social media is the best place to showcase your skills. Starting with a blog page covering events on your own can also help to turn your experience with motion photography into a monetary benefit for you over time.
Create a website portfolio of your sports work, and upload your most striking motion photographs. Build a unique portfolio on your social accounts such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.
It is a technique
Motion photography is not specifically a genre but a technique in itself. However, with enough experience and recognition you may just be able to turn motion photography into a well-known style. Using this technique in all kinds of genres will enhance your regular photography with captivating effects.
Now that you know what motion photography is, it’s time to go try it out. Don’t forget to experiment with motion photography in different settings and unexpected genres to create something unique for yourself!
Have fun with motion photography!
There is movement everywhere, ready for you to capture with motion photography.