Second Assignment-Motion

"Panning the camera"        Levon Parian

Your second assignment is “Motion” and I would like you to think about capturing movement on film by experimenting with your camera’s shutter speeds.

Remember a longer shutter speed refers to the shutter remaining open to light for a longer time. To compensate for longer exposure time, use a higher f-stop number (smaller aperture) or change the time of day you are shooting.

Try two different types of shots to create motion: First move the camera at the same speed as a moving object and take its picture. This is called “panning” the camera. When panning, make sure that you pre-focus and pre-judge your exposure and mark a spot where the moving object is going to pass near you. Follow the moving object and take the picture on your mark continuing to follow the object after the shot to keep your action smooth. Try panning at 1/500, 1/125. 1/60, 1/15 and 1/4 of a second.

Make sure you write down all the information on each shot so that you can go back and see the affect each shutter speed has on the film. Also don’t forget that if your subject is close to you and moving quickly you will have a different affect than if it is further away and moving slowly. Stick to the same subject for a set of exposures so that you can compare the effect of the different shutter speeds. Always safety first, remember having a camera in your hands does not shield you from an on coming vehicle!


Subject moves          Levon Parian


Next photograph motion with your camera in a stationary position and allow objects to move in front of your frame. Place the camera on a tripod or some stationary object and if you have a shutter release cable use that to reduce the chance of camera shake. Once again bracket the same shutter speeds and f-stops as the pan. 1/500, 1/125, 1/60. 1/15, 1/4.

For the next 8 shots of your roll try the Bulb ("B") feature. Here the shutter will remain open as long as your finger is on the shutter. Try some shots moving the camera and also try some with the camera on a tripod or stationary position. Finish the roll with anything related to the shutter and movement.

Darya Jitmetta -Bulb (camera stationary)

Look for interesting solutions and ideas; I want your pictures to start reflecting an inquisitive train of thought and exploring visual concepts. Think about how the world around us is constantly moving. Use depth of field to isolate your subject and create a poetic interpretation. Do not use flash on camera. Hand in all the 5 pans and the 5 camera stills, and 2 Bulb shots one with camera moving and one with camera still. Add any 3 shots that you like after that.

Information on long exposures:
https://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/how-to-expose-film-correctly-at-night/