Taking pictures while you're moving, or capturing movement in your photos, involves adjusting your camera settings to either freeze the action or create a sense of motion blur. Here's how to do it:
Understanding Shutter Speed
The key to capturing motion effectively is understanding shutter speed. Shutter speed is the length of time your camera's sensor is exposed to light. It's measured in seconds (e.g., 1 second) or fractions of a second (e.g., 1/250 second).
- Fast Shutter Speed: Short exposure time, freezes motion.
- Slow Shutter Speed: Long exposure time, creates motion blur.
Freezing Motion
To freeze motion, you need a fast shutter speed.
- Set Your Camera to Shutter Priority Mode (S or Tv): This allows you to control the shutter speed while the camera automatically adjusts the aperture for proper exposure.
- Choose a Fast Shutter Speed: Start with 1/250 second or faster. For very fast-moving subjects, you might need 1/500 second or even 1/1000 second.
- Consider Lighting Conditions: Faster shutter speeds require more light. If it's dark, you may need to increase the ISO (light sensitivity) or use a wider aperture (lower f-number) to compensate.
Example: Photographing a running dog might require a shutter speed of 1/500 second to freeze its movement.
Creating Motion Blur
To convey a sense of speed and movement, use a slow shutter speed.
- Set Your Camera to Shutter Priority Mode (S or Tv): As above, this gives you control over shutter speed.
- Choose a Slow Shutter Speed: Start with 1/50 second or 1/100 second and adjust as needed. Slower speeds create more blur.
- Use a Tripod or Image Stabilization: Slower shutter speeds increase the risk of camera shake. A tripod or image stabilization (in the lens or camera body) will help keep the background sharp while the subject blurs.
- Panning: Panning involves moving the camera along with the moving subject. This technique can keep the subject relatively sharp while blurring the background, creating a dynamic sense of speed.
Example: Photographing a car driving down the road at 1/60 second while panning will blur the background and show the car's movement.
Considerations While Moving Yourself
If you are taking pictures while you are moving (e.g., on a train or in a car), several factors affect the picture:
- Your Own Speed: The faster you're moving, the faster the shutter speed you'll need to freeze the scene outside.
- Image Stabilization: A lens or camera with image stabilization (IS) or vibration reduction (VR) is crucial to counteract your movement.
- Focusing: Use continuous autofocus (AF-C) to keep the subject in focus as you and it move.
- Window Reflections: Be aware of reflections if shooting through a window. Try to minimize them by positioning yourself carefully or using a lens hood.
Summary
Taking pictures while moving, whether you are capturing a moving subject or moving yourself, requires careful attention to shutter speed. Fast shutter speeds freeze motion, while slow shutter speeds create motion blur. Other factors like lighting, image stabilization, and focusing also play crucial roles in the final image.
