Some time ago, in the article “Tips for capturing and transmitting motion in a photograph”, I told you that one of the most popular techniques to give your photographs a sense of movement was the well-known technique of “Zoom”, but of course that was the reason why this article delve into this technique, I only mentioned its basics.
In today’s article that has changed: after reading it, you will learn not only to use this spectacular technique, but also to combine it with others to take your photos to another level.
- Don’t worry.
- It’s really very simple! You won’t have to go crazy to make them.
- Just get comfortable and read the article I’ve prepared for you.
- Are you going to lose him?.
Focus them? It is a technique that, through lines that converge in the center of the frame, will allow you to transmit the feeling of movement by zooming in on the lens, these lines will direct the viewer’s attention to the center (or not, you will). see why) of photography, generating a sense of movement and vertigo inwards or outwards, achieving an effect as special as it is attractive.
This barrier? With all objects in the frame around the center of the frame varying the focal length with its zoom lens, focusing a particular object you have chosen, using relatively long shutter speeds.
The main limitation of this technique is that the protagonists must always be located in the center of the frame to avoid “sweeping the scene” – zoom in or out, you end up scanning them. However, at the end of article I will teach you how to circumvent this limitation.
Sounds complex, doesn’t it? Don’t worry, it’s easier to do than explain!But first, let’s see what equipment you’ll need for this to happen.
In order to take these types of photos, you will usually need a camera that allows you to take photos in manual mode and that has a zoom, that is, a variable focal point. Contrary to what you can imagine, this effect is not just the power of SLR cameras, as it can achieve it with any camera as long as it meets the two conditions I have just mentioned.
Also, while not exclusive, having a tripod can not only make things a little easier for you, but also allows you to get better results. Remember that when you work with slow shutter speeds, it’s much more likely that any movement will end up ruining your photos. .
The key to getting it? The success of the zoom is the shutter speed. Depending on how long your camera sensor continues to receive light, the effect will be more or less pronounced, giving the viewer a more or less great feeling of dizziness, speed and movement.
See the following photos
Have you noticed the difference? In each of them a slower shutter speed was used, the first of which is the highest speed, while to perform the other two has been reduced (slower and slower speeds). Not only did the feeling of speed increase, but also, after a longer exposure, the photographs became “clearer. “
Note that the longer you leave your sensor receiving light, if you don’t compensate for exposure with any of the other components of the exposure triangle (ISO or diaphragm aperture), the more likely you are to overexpose your photos and that in Addition, they end up moving.
Anyway, don’t worry, with a little practice you’ll be able to master the “Zoom” effect. Easily.
Not sure what the display triangle is?Don’t worry, the following article will clarify all your doubts :?Detailed guide: How to make a correct measurement and exposure in your photos ?.
Now that you know how to do this, just follow a few recommendations
Although you can use this technique to take any type of photography and almost in all situations, this effect will not help you to make your photos more attractive.
This technique is ideal for transmitting the feeling of speed and adding a little vertigo to your photos, but if you don’t want to convey these sensations or if the subject of the photo doesn’t require it, you won’t be able to rotate. a good picture in an excellent one.
This means that not only should the effect be used well, i. e. with a clear protagonist, but it must also be enhanced with that effect.
No matter what kind of situation you are going to take your shots in with this technique, the result will not always be so spectacular, but look at the following photos:
So far you’ve seen how to use this technique to enhance the messages and sensations of your photos and increase their appeal, now it’s time for you to see some tips so that, combined with this effect, you can take your photos to the next level:
How to break the center limitation?
One of the main limitations of this technique is that, as I have already mentioned, for the effect to be effective it is necessary to place the protagonist of the photograph in the center of it, so that it is clear despite the “sweep”.
Now, with a little imagination, you can overcome this limitation and make images like this:
How? Try placing the subject in the center, taking your photo, and then cropping it, either by modifying it from the camera (the vast majority of current cameras allow cropping and cropping) or from the computer.
In other words, take the photo and then make the final composition on the computer!
Paint with light and zoom
Stop being the photographer and become a painter. Can you try to combine this effect with the one you used to achieve?Paint? Your photos to get unique brushstrokes.
When zooming, move the camera slightly to one side or the other to get brush strokes throughout the frame. At first, it will be difficult to combine the two effects but, with a little practice, you can become a real painter without using anything else. than your camera.
Add some light
Another way to add spectacularity to your enlarged photos is if, when you achieve this effect, you shoot a flash on your subject. The flash of the flash will freeze your protagonist, while zooming, barriers with everything around him.
This combination of effects will allow you to take amazing photographs as part of it will come out perfectly sharp and static while everything around it will be “swept”, conveying a sense of movement. Do the tests!
When you learn to master this technique, you can transform a photo like this:
In another like this
Just take your camera and go out and take pictures, what are you waiting for?