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How to Take Blurred Motion Pictures

When you take a picture of fast-moving objects, you can freeze the subject and create a crisp shot. Or you can keep the subject sharp, but blur the background. This technique can capture the feel of how fast the subject is moving. The technique is called panning and it takes a little bit of practice to get it right.

Instructions

- 1
  Set your camera's exposure mode to "M" for manual. You can also use the "Shutter priority" automatic program and accomplish the same results. You want to be able to control the shutter speed on the camera yourself.
- 2
  Press the "ISO" button and select a low number, such as 100, if shooting outdoors. The shutter speed will be a little longer than normal for outdoor shots, letting more light into the camera.
- 3
  Set your shutter speed to about 1/60th of a second. The shutter speed will vary depending on how fast your subject is moving. If the subject is slow, like a small child running, then the shutter will need to stay open longer to create the effect. A race car that covers distance more quickly won't need as long a shutter speed. Experiment with different shutter speeds.
- 4
  Set the aperture until your camera's light meter indicates you have a proper exposure.
- 5
  Hold the camera up to your eye and "pan" the subject as it moves past you, moving the camera to follow the subject. Keep the center of the lens on the same spot on the subject as it passes in front of you, which should ensure that the subject is sharp and the background is a complete blur. For more blur, use a longer shutter speed; for less blur, use a shorter shutter speed.

Photography