Content starts here
Take advantage of motion |
|
A wide aperture brings the foreground into focus and leaves the background blurry (above). With a slow shutter
speed, stationary objects stay detailed, and objects in motion blur (below).
|
|
Most digital cameras are designed to stop the action, but try breaking out of that mode by experimenting with
sharp and blurry effects. Turn off your camera's flash and explore these creative ideas.
-
Blurry background
Widening your camera's aperture lets you focus on objects closer to you, leaving everything in the
distance blurry. This is known as narrowing your depth of field,
and it allows you to frame subjects near you clearly while leaving cluttered, busy backgrounds out of
focus.
If you have a camera with manual controls, lower your aperture to a low f-number (wider aperture) like
f2.8. Select either the Av (Aperture priority) or M
(Manual) shooting mode on your camera to adjust aperture.
Many HP cameras also have a Portrait shooting mode that will open up the aperture automatically.
-
Foreground blur
Use a slower shutter speed (200 or slower) to capture a stationary background (such as a statue) while
blurring pesky passers-by. Remember that slower shutter speeds require you to hold your camera steady.
If possible, use a tripod or position yourself against something solid.
Select either the Tv (Shutter priority) or M (Manual)
shooting mode on your camera to adjust shutter speed.
|
Blur using zoom |
|
 |
|
This technique is mostly for fun, and gives your photos an abstract look. It requires a pretty slow shutter
speed to give you time to adjust focus during exposure. Try it at night or in low-light conditions. It also
requires your camera have manual focus.
-
Slow your shutter speed (two to five seconds for evening shots). Once you press down the trigger,
immediately zoom in or out to give your photos a three-dimensional look.
|
Follow your subject by panning |
|
 |
|
Panning, or tracking as it's sometimes called, captures relatively sharp photos of objects moving past you. It's
the perfect way to add energy and motion to your photos. It also takes a little practice to get right.
-
With your camera set to a lower shutter speed (1/80 or 1/60 of a second), depress the trigger and follow
your object's motion until you hear the click. The resulting photo will be mostly blurred except for
detail on the object you tracked. Remember—it takes practice!
|
Capture moving water |
|
Bright conditions require a slow shutter speed and a very narrow aperture.
|
|
Perhaps the most dramatic use of blur is photographing moving water. For this technique, it's best to set
your camera to M (Manual) so you can adjust both the shutter speed and aperture
independently. Slow your shutter speed to below 200, and adjust your aperture up (letting less of the bright
light in).
-
Use a tripod, or find a stationary object to set your camera on, such as a wall or rock.
-
Because the shutter speed has to be so slow, it's also a good idea to use your camera's timer. Your
finger simply pressing the trigger can cause enough movement to blur the rest of the details in your
photo.
|
Combine your skills |
|
Once you get more comfortable adjusting your camera's shutter speed, explore
night and low light photography.
Product recommendations |
|
Find the right HP printer for you with the HP printer buying guide. See the full lineup of HP Photo printers.
Learn more |
|
|
|
Award-winning support |
|
|
|
Related links |
|
|
|
Del.icio.us
Digg
Magnolia