For those in the photography world that don’t know, (but many of you already know), there are TONS & TONS of photography related blogs/websites out there! Many of which I follow on a daily basis. One of which is called Clickinmoms,yes I know, I’m not a mom…yet…but aspiring moms can be photographers too! (hehe) Anyway, my New Years Resolution to myself was to join their forum and become a lifetime member and it was the BEST DECISION ever!!! There are loads of information, videos, & links, there are workshops you can take, and the best of all, the SUPPORT you get from others is amazing! Everyone is learning, doesn’t matter if you are a Pro or a newbie with a point and shoot. It is a place where you can have others critique your work and give you feedback, or a space to just share what you are doing, and best of all, just ask questions about anything and everything!
As I was perusing through the forum one night I stumbled upon a few posts labeled Creativity Exercise, each with a number attached to it. Along this journey of mine, I have been so focused on making sure my settings were correct, my exposure was perfect and so worried about getting it right each time in camera that I was missing out on the chance to be creative! I have already had the opportunity to assistant in 2 weddings this year (with no pressure attached–meaning I can just shoot away and if the main photographer likes some of my pictures she can/will use them!) Fantastic, right?…I get to build my portfolio without the stress of the bride & groom killing me! This was my opportunity to shoot outside the box, be creative, find my own style, play with the light, my shutter speed, & my depth of field…but I had been too focused on doing the wrong things, getting in the way of guests, and being intrusive that I was hesitate to try.
So that ends today! I’m hoping to do this weekly, but life does get in the way, so monthly might be more realistic!
This is where I am going pick a different technique and practice my skills, so when it comes time to use them in a high-pressure, stressful situation, I’ll be able to utilize them effectively!! That’s the plan at least!
So before this becomes to long of a post, I want to show you my first technique. MOTION BLUR! I coach track in the spring and what better way to practice motion blur than on moving children!
So there are two times of Motion Blur you can shoot:
1. The subject can be blurred and the background is in focus. (For example, someone running, cars moving down a highway…(Example) *most popular and easier; keep focused on the background, tripods can/should be used if shutter speed gets to low.
or
2. The background is blurred and your subject is in focus. (A couple dancing while people move (blurred) around them) *the key is to track your subject while it’s moving to keep them in focus and the background blurry (in my case, the runner on the track).
Both give a neat effect when done right; just think of things around you that move! Rides at the fair, cars on the road, water flowing, & moving children!! One thing to keep in mind is your settings: to capture movement you want a slow shutter speed (I started with 1/30 and make adjustments from there. *I shoot in manual which allows me to customize my settings depending on the environment). Remember too, when using a slower shutter speed you have to adjust your aperture to capture correct exposure… a smaller opening is key, or higher number, for example F11 or F13.
My Creations:
1. 200, 1/40, F16
2. 200, 1/15, F13
Now it’s your turn! Happy Shooting!
