"Light in Motion" - Image Copyright © 2009-10 Mishelle Lane Photography

Creating zoom motion is an easy and fun technique to learn how to do.   It’s done by zooming in or out during an exposure, and the end result is an interesting kaleidoscope of light and/or color.

Here’s what I do to make motion with my dSLR and zoom lens:

Choose Color and Contrast

When picking a subject to photograph using zoom motion I pick something colorful and contrasted.

Either Way, Go Fast or Go Slow

When playing with zoom motion I experiment with both long and short shutter speeds. Either will give me a different effect.  A long exposure (1-2 seconds or more) let’s me use the whole zoom range and it ultimately produces very abstract images. Shorter exposures produces very dreamlike streaks along with an identifiable subject.

Dabble in Aperture Painting

No matter which way I choose to go (small or large apertures) I can get very artistic results. Small apertures (high f-numbers) will result in thin streaks, whereas large apertures (small f-numbers) produces wide streaks.

Zoom In or Zoom Out

The starting point can either be at the longest focal length, moving to the widest, or vice-versa;  each way will produce two clearly distinct image styles.

To Tripod or Not, that is the Question

If I use a tripod or mono-pod the major difference is straighter streaks, but it’s not entirely necessary. I, personally,  prefer to handhold my camera so I can move right, left, up, or down as I zoom in and out.