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 a posed shot. But try and do it while you’re chasing a toddler or a terrier and you’re in for a surprise.

The technical aspects of shooting motion are easy: a fast shutter speed (or the action or sports setting) will freeze motion, a slow one will introduce motion blur. Where you go from there makes the difference between a shot that merely documents and one that uses action to paint a scene or set a mood.

Up for some experimentation? We recommend you start with panning (as in golf, swing through the ball… er, click) and then try some nontraditional composition ideas. Our pals at DPS have a great post on each.

Mastering Panning
http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/mastering-panning-to-photograph-moving-subjects/

Nontraditional Motion Shot Composition
http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/leaving-space-behind-moving-subjects-composition/

Photo credit: Running Away by Ozyman

p.s. Today is the last day for XMAS delivery (USA orders) of awesome photo goodies from The Photojojo Shop! We’ve got refreshed stock, great stocking stuffers, and shipping is only $5!

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...

Fun with Food Photography… or, How to Capture Your Culinary Creations on Camera
Smoke pellets from special effects supply houses, glycerin-filled spray bottles, shoe polish, and microwaved cotton balls -- standard tools in any food photographer's arsenal. If you've...

12 Essential Photo Rules from Popular Photography
We're not big fans of following the rules, and we have a hunch you're not, either. But we know a good thing when we see it,...

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?