SHOOTING SKILLS
Shoot energetic impressions of motion with longer shutter speeds and changing focal lengths
Zoom burst is a creative photographic technique that adds dynamism and transforms a still subject into a visually more captivating image. This approach involves changing the focal length of the lens during the exposure, resulting in a dramatic blur and radial lines emanating from the centre of the image. By creating the illusion of movement, you will draw the viewer’s eye towards the centre of the image while blurring the surrounding elements. This technique is ideal for conveying a sense of excitement, chaos or drama in your shots.
To capture a moment in time with a heightened sense of energy, you will need a DSLR or mirrorless camera where you have manual control over the settings and a zoom lens, preferably in the range of 24-70mm or 70-200mm. This technique can be done handheld but to achieve the most intense effects, it is advisable to work with a tripod, remote shutter release or the camera’s builtin timer to ensure a steady shot during the longer exposure time.
As the outcome of the zoom burst depends on the scene’s light intensity combined with the chosen exposure time, it’s best to experiment with shutter speeds. Here, popular subjects are colourful city lights at night or bright objects in the daytime. Travel photographers often use this technique to convey the atmosphere of a bustling city or vibrant nightlife, while sports photographers use it to highlight their subject’s speed.
1 Choose your subject To achieve a more powerful zoom burst effect, select a subject that will stand out in the centre of your frame. Landscapes, urban scenes, nightlife and even people can all make g
