IPG October Challenge! Photo Challenge!

Heather has determined our October challenge for us and will be judging which photo, in her opinion, best fits project. Without further ado, she decided on "Motion".

We're not just taking photos of things (or people) in motion though. We're going to explore using blur, normally something to be avoided, to communicate motion. The goal here is not to get a high shutter speed, freeze frame of motion that one normally sees. We want to see blur introduced to give the viewer an impression of motion.

Some tips on how to capture motion blur:

• Slow the shutter speed. A high shutter speed eliminates all motion blur. Auto-Sports settings speed this up to do just that. Avoid that setting, but for this project, the shutter speed will be more important than the aperture setting I'm assuming you are all normally concerned with. They DO work together, but here shutter speed becomes more important. The slower the shutter, the more the motion blur. You'll need to balance the amount of blur using the shutter speed. Be careful. Slower shutter speeds allow more light and you run the risk of overexposing highlights. A balance MUST be maintained. Be careful. Full manual or shutter priority will be the keys on this.
• Using the slow shutter means a chance to overexpose. You can avoid this if you have to much light by switching to full manual and closing down that aperture. Every 1 stop decrease in the aperture closes the opening to the lens by 50%. Frankly, I think it's better to underexpose than overexpose if you don't go to far.
• Another method to prevent overexposure is to decrease the ISO. If your camera can do this...Do it.
• Another option is to use a Neutral Density filter. Very inexpensive, they're like sunglasses for your camera lens and come in handy in a variety of situations...like a bright landscape where a slow shutter speed is called for. Don't confuse this with a graduated ND filter. I know some people who actually shot through their sunglasses as a substitute.
• A Polaroid filter might help, just be aware that this will affect the entire look of the shot as it will allso cut the glare and reflections...heck, even change the color of the sky. Not necessarily bad...just be aware it will be different. DSLR and SLR camera users will be able to see this before taking the shot just in setting it up.
• TWO ways to get this are possible. Either the subject moves or the camera does. For slow shutter and moving subject, a tripod and perhaps a remote shutter, or self timer, will make certain the camera is NOT moving. If BOTH move (like a tremble when you push the shutter release) the forget it. The shot will be bad. Just the facts, people, I didn't write them. Those of you with VR lenses (vibration Reduction) have a slight advantage...don't push it though, they have limits too and though you may not think you need a tripod...use one if you must.
• Panning is the term used when you move the camera to get the blur. My race car photo is an example of panning. It's difficult to do well. You need to get the subject nailed in the focal plane and keep it there by following it while it move...blurring the background. The other method you have seen with light trails from traffic over bridges, etc. Nothing moves but the cars and all you see are head and tail lights.

It's a difficult challenge. Nobody expects poster quality shots. We DO expect you to stretch those wings and give it a shot though!

Any questions or advice needed can be asked of either Gayle or I and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Just add IPC to the e-mail tag. J

Helpful Links!

http://www.picturecorrect.com/photographytips/expressing_motion_sports_photography.htm

http://www.hp.com/united-states/consumer/digital_photography/take_better_photos/tips/blur.html

http://buzzfeed.com/scott/motion-blur-photography

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/08/24/45-beautiful-motion-blur-photos/

Some examples from my portfolio of motion blur:

If the motion is already high-speed, like the wings of a hummingbird...shutter speed may not be the first concern.  For those seeking hummingbird shots, keep in mind they re-check food sources about every 15 minutes.  This guy has been dubbed Gumby and is a repeat visitor to the House of Chastain.

This from my sweet, adorable, can-do-nothing wrog granddaughter's first dance recital.  VERY tough conditions, so a slow shutter to get the light as the dancers left the stage.

This is an example of panning at the Irwindale raceway NASCAR race....i Spun, the BG blurred.  VERY tough to do as you MUST match speed.

Also from the Irwindale Raceway.  I was still...the flag on the subject was not!

Long Beach Port.  It's ALWAYS good if SOMETHING in the shot is clear so it's obvious it's not just a blurry shot.  Here, water and ship motion are balanced by the unmoving dock.

The moving train is blurred....but not the view from the elevated platform and city beyond!

Long Beach at night.  The ship is about to go out and abuzz with activity.  Water motion also blurs the shot.  BUT....the foreground is crisp.

The rocks and the seagull don't move, but notice how the water has smoothed?

AGAIN....Notice how the wings are blurred?  Higher shutter could have frozen them...but here we see motion suggested.  (Hi Gumby!)

Have fun with the project and don't hesistate to ask questions!