You already know what motion blur is: the subject’s in focus, but it’s moving so fast that the background streaks into a mere blur.

And you already know what kind of photos look great with motion blur:

• High-speed sports
• Busy streets
• Small children wrestling an alligator atop a speeding train

But we’ll bet you hadn’t thought of using it for slow-moving subjects. Wind, water and clouds look surreal and dream-like when photographed slowly enough to capture their movement.

The next time you wake up to a dark and windy day, don’t snuggle back under the covers with a cup of hot cocoa. Those are the best days to catch clouds and wind on the move.

So bundle up, grab the tripod and stop down to your tiniest aperture: it’s time to go out and explore the other side of motion photography.

(Then you can go back to bed.)

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Capturing Motion Blur

45 Brilliant Motion-Blur Photos

p.s. Thanks to everybody who came out for our recent Photo Safaris in New York City and San Francisco! We totally have the best fans anywhere. If you haven’t already, sign up for updates. We’ve one in SF this weekend.

Photo credits: T.MoE, Extra Medium and Mace2000

People in Motion — Two Quick Tips for More Interesting Shots
Capturing motion well is one of the most difficult photographic challenges. It can be hard enough to get the lighting and composition just right in...

An Inspiring Stop-Motion Video (Modest Mouse Fan Video)
Stop-motion photography ain't easy. It requires patience, patience, planning, patience, and a whole lot of patience. So we gotta hand it to Max Tyrie and his...

How to Make Stop-Motion Video Shorts with Your Digital Camera
Stop-motion animation is one of the simplest, most fun animation techniques. Mix equal parts digital camera, computer, and imagination (you've got all three), and you're on...

Want more?
Photojojo covers the best photo projects,
DIY ideas, and gear, twice a week.

Subscribe by Email We solemnly swear: "No spam, not ever"

or, Grab our RSS → What's RSS? | How do I use it?