How To: Show Motion in Photography

This instructable will teach the viewer how to show stop action motion, show motion, and panning on any camera, digital or film, that allows you to adjust the shutter speeds.

Step 1: Materials.

For this lesson you will need a camera with a manually adjustable shutter speed and a tripod.

Step 2: Show Motion: Attach Camera to Tripod.

First attach your camera to the tripod. Make sure all the legs are fully tightened and your tripod is on sturdy ground to ensure the safety of your camera.

Step 3: Show Motion: Getting Set Up.

Set your shutter speed to something less then 1/60, 1/30 usually works well but it depends on the speed of the object you are trying to capture. If you are using a digital camera test out a few speeds if you are using a film camera you will want to bracket. If you are using a camera that has a "shutter priority" mode this will probably work best for all of this lesson. If your camera only has a fully manual mode once you have the shutter set then find the appropriate aperture.

Step 4: SHOW MOTION!

SNAP THE PICTURE!

Step 5: Stop Motion: Getting Setting Up.

You do not need a tripod for this one, but they are usually helpful. Set your shutter speed above 1/250 if possible, if the object is moving really fast you will want your shutter speed to be faster, the faster your shutter speed the better but it all depends on the lighting conditions and your film speed.

Step 6: STOP MOTION!

SNAP THE PICTURE!

Step 7: Panning: Getting Set Up.

No tripod for this one! Shutter speed should be set to 1/60 of a second. You need to have the moving object in your view finder and follow it (thats right you move too, or at least rotate, no need to run along side the object) along its path. At any point in this process you can snap the picture!

Step 8: PANNING!

If you get the motion right the moving object will be sharp and the rest of the image will be blurred.