Here is an experiment I tried today on the Frog Bayou. The idea was to show motion with everything in the picture blurred except the paddler. This was the closest I got, but I am not sure it really works?
I set the ISO low and attempted to move the camera with the subject as I took the shot.
That's some of the most beautiful water I've seen, Tom! Makes me thirsty just to look at it.
You've done a great job here. I can see the trees are somewhat blurred horizontally, while the boat and paddler are sharp in comparison. The unpredictable up and down, AND horizontal motion makes this a very difficult shot.
I'm certainly no expert, and pan shots have always been tough for me, and most people, I think. One thing to remember is to use a fairly slow shutter speed (1/15th - 1/60th or so, depending on the angle that the subject is moving relative to you, and its speed)). I also think that shooting in continuous fire mode helps a lot - you just pan and hold the shutter release down like shooting a machine gun. It really takes a lot of practice and a steady hand to get the kind of shot I think you're talking about, especially in these conditions. But then, there's always photoshop to the rescue if you want to fudge a little.
Posted by Dena Sanders on July 4, 2007 at 10:43 PM
The water looks luscious and the movement makes you really feel like you're there. I think it works great!
Posted by Tim Buchanan on July 4, 2007 at 10:44 PM
Looks like a tough shot to attempt! I've never even come close!
Thanks for the comments. I used my Sony R1 point and shoot and it does not fires as fast as my Canon camera. Next time I think I will try Bill's suggestion and use my Canon and fire away and see what happens.
Ahhh but then you won't have that glorious Zeiss glass if you shot Canon! It does have a look all its own, point and shoot or otherwise...
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on July 4, 2007 at 11:30 PM
Tom, a very nice attempt here. I think this is a very good shot considering the conditions. With both horizontal and vertical movement in the subject, I'm not sure you could do it any better.
Hey Tom
I think to easiest get the effect you are describing is just use a slow shutter speed of a paddler surfing or in an eddy. That way the creek is moving by rapidly but the paddler is motionless. The paddler and water are moving about the same speed when running downstream. Just my thoughts.
Discussion
8 repliesI set the ISO low and attempted to move the camera with the subject as I took the shot.
You've done a great job here. I can see the trees are somewhat blurred horizontally, while the boat and paddler are sharp in comparison. The unpredictable up and down, AND horizontal motion makes this a very difficult shot.
I'm certainly no expert, and pan shots have always been tough for me, and most people, I think. One thing to remember is to use a fairly slow shutter speed (1/15th - 1/60th or so, depending on the angle that the subject is moving relative to you, and its speed)). I also think that shooting in continuous fire mode helps a lot - you just pan and hold the shutter release down like shooting a machine gun. It really takes a lot of practice and a steady hand to get the kind of shot I think you're talking about, especially in these conditions. But then, there's always photoshop to the rescue if you want to fudge a little.
I think to easiest get the effect you are describing is just use a slow shutter speed of a paddler surfing or in an eddy. That way the creek is moving by rapidly but the paddler is motionless. The paddler and water are moving about the same speed when running downstream. Just my thoughts.