Photo How To

How about an "advanced" shooting technique that's easy enough for anyone to master in minutes? What makes this method so cutting edge isn't because it requires special skills, but rather because it delivers eye-catching effects that stand out from the crowd.

The topic of this tutorial from the Better Pix YouTube channel is a unique form of motion blur that's created by zooming during a longish exposure while slightly moving the camera. All you need to get the job done is whatever camera you own, any zoom lens in your arsenal, and the tips described in the next three minutes.

Our unnamed instructor puts it like this: "In this video you'll learn how to create motion blur in the camera and not cheating with post-production tricks." We recommend having your camera and lens handy as you watch, so that you can try it yourself as the simple steps are explained.

You may have tried zooming in or out while capturing a shot, but today's approach includes a unique twist that accentuates the effect. That's because it involves shifting the camera up-and-down, side-to-side, or in a circular motion as you zoom. The magic is accomplished while shooting handheld.

You'll learn the best way to brace your camera as you move the camera while zooming. Our instructor covers the necessary settings and suggests this as a starting point; "I recommend a shutter speed of 1/8—1/15 second while zooming the lens during that slice of time."

As you'll see, this technique involves a bit of experimentation with shutter speed, ISO, and aperture depending on prevailing light levels and the specific subject at hand. In other words, there's no right way to achieve a variety of compelling effects. Just play around with the suggested variables until you capture a photo that really strikes your fancy.

The finer points of this simple approach are best understood by watching the following video demonstration, so we won't bother summarizing them here. We're pretty sure that you'll be inspired to get out there and see what you can create.

And if you're thinking about investing in new gear, be sure to watch the recent video we featured with another knowledgeable pro who explains how to determine if the camera you own is the right choice for your style of photography—or if it's finally time to invest in something new.