Shutter Speed and Movement - 5 Tips

The effect of movement in a photograph is achieved by the amount of blur or sharpness in your image. This is controlled primarily by the shutter speed. A fast exposure or even flash will freeze the action giving a pin-sharp image, but this is not always the effect you want. Here are five techniques which can be used to express movement in your photographs.

*The first of these, shutter speed, is more important than just getting the right exposure. The choice of exposure time, from very slow giving long exposures, to very fast, can determine how movement is conveyed. To take control of the shutter speed you must be in shutter priority or manual mode.

*To get a sharp image of a moving object, use a fast exposure - 1/500 or even faster - to freeze the action. Alternatively, pan, that is following the subject with your camera, to blur the background and keep your main subject sharp. This takes practice, but gives great results.

*Try to anticipate how the action will unfold. Watching and learning from repeated events allows you to predict what is going to happen next, so you can be prepared. If you have an idea of what is going to happen, and when it will happen, you can be ready. Often movement will come to a halt and let you get your shot when your subject is at a stand still. A child on a swing for example.

*A sharp image is not always the best way of expressing movement in a photograph. A much more dramatic and evocative effect can be achieved by using a slower shutter speed and allowing a controlled amount of blur. When photographing moving water - a mountain stream or waterfall for example, using a slow shutter speed will give the effect of flowing water. If you were photographing a runner you might pan the camera and use a fast exposure to get the main subject sharp, but slightly blur the background.

*Long exposures are very effective for night photography. An exposure of a few minutes can capture a firework display, lightening or even stars in the night sky. Street scenes come alive with buildings lit up and car lights streaking across the image. Remember you will need a tripod when using long exposures.

So try experimenting with different exposure times to see what effects they have, and practice panning to get a sense of movement in your photographs. Photographing moving subjects needs a short exposure if you want to freeze the action, but a longer exposure if you want your main subject to flow. By panning the camera to keep the subject in the viewfinder you should get a sharp image and blur the background. Anticipating when movement is at its slowest, or when the subject comes to a stand still, will help you get a sharp image even with a slower shutter speed. Movement can be captured by using a slower exposure giving an amount of blur. You should try to reach a compromise between sharpness in the main subject and a degree of blur in the background.

Away have your camera with you so you can be ready to take photographs at any time.