The main purpose of photographs is to capture a moment forever. Any snapshot will do that in a technical sense, but with a little understanding of how a digital camera works and how to manually change the settings, photos can move beyond simple documentation and truly evoke a sense of the event. A purposeful blur of motion can make the viewer vividly remember spinning in the grass; artfully frozen motion can crystallize a fleeting memory of a special event. Understanding a digital camera's shutter speed settings is the key to capturing motion well.
Choose The Right Digital Camera
Digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) cameras allow for the best and most comprehensive manual manipulation of the camera settings, but many current point-and-shoot models also have a manual mode and allow for shutter speed and aperture manipulation. DSLRs take great pictures, allow for more photographer control, don't have an annoying delay after pressing the button to take the picture, and allow the user to change the lens to create different effects.
They're also much larger, heavier, and more expensive than most consumer digital cameras. Standard digital cameras are typically less expensive, lighter, and more compact. Even if they do have manual settings, those settings are typically only available by navigating through a series of menus; this makes it harder to make adjustments quickly, and the opportunity to capture a shot may disappear before the picture can be taken.
There are benefits and drawbacks to both digital SLR and standard consumer digital cameras. Weigh the options carefully when shopping, but if capturing motion and creating specific effects are important, an SLR is probably the best choice.
The Rule of Reciprocity
Shutter speed and aperture work together to create a proper exposure (an image that's neither too washed out nor too dark). The faster the shutter closes, the less light is let in the camera. Thus, the aperture (the size of the hole the light is moving through) has to be adjusted to compensate for the speed setting. If the shutter is faster (less light in), the aperture must be larger (more light in). This give-and-take relationship is key to getting the correct exposure. This tutorial focuses on shutter speed to create specific effects, but the aperture will also have to be adjusted to create a well exposed image.
Capture Motion in a Photograph
Artful, purposeful blurring immediately evokes a sense of motion. In order to create this effect, the camera needs to be on manual. Set the shutter speed to a low number—under 1/100, but around 1/60 is better. Anything lower than 1/60 will generally require use of a tripod; shaking hands create blur, too, but not the desirable kind. Capture the motion of dancers, a flowing stream, the thrill of carnival rides, or anything that moves. Experiment. Spin. Capturing motion is all about recording the energy and feel of a scene rather than an exact image, so have fun!
Freeze Motion in a Photograph
To freeze motion—a jump in mid air, a spray of water, etc.--set the shutter speed of the camera as high as possible. This will be substantially easier in bright natural light. Setting the shutter speed high (over 1/1000 is ideal) means that the camera is letting in light for a very small fraction of a second. That minuscule slice of a second is the only thing recorded—a bird in mid-flight, a drop of water hitting a puddle.
Take Plenty of Pictures
Don't be afraid to take a lot of shots. Not all pictures will turn out well, especially when trying to capture beautifully blurred motion. But by taking advantage of the large capacity of digital cameras and taking lots of pictures, chances are that at least one will be great. The duds can always be deleted!
