Photographing eMotion

As photographers we often ask ourselves how do we create extraordinary images? How do we present a scene in a manner that brings out its true essence? The answer is simple, just don't let your camera shoot the scene without you interfering... cameras are extremely intelligent nowadays... in taking snapshots (aka record shots).

Recently, I have this love for slow exposure. I can't remember when or how it started but I'm loving it! 

Here are some of my favourite slower-than-usual exposures taken recently.

A mother waiting patiently at Beijing Airport.

This would probably look like a snapshot if I am to let the camera take control in Aperture Priority mode. Instead I switched to Shutter Priority mode and burst a few continuous shot – handheld – at 1/15. At such slow speed, handshake blur may occur or the mom may move a little, therefore I will not attempt this shot (at this speed) without bursting 3 to 5 frames.

Master illusionist, Lawrence Khong performing in Vision @ The Esplanade

This is a particularly difficult shot. At 1/8 (with the help of a tripod), there is a high chance of one or both of my subjects moving resulting in blurry faces. I took the risk and the result's stunning. Paper bits "flying" out of Lawrence's palms turned into streaks of light, so much more surreal and magical – just the way I've envisioned it.

Oslo's popular waterside Akerbrygga, twilight at 11.15pm.

Slow exposure is particularly fun when it gets darker. I saw a ferry approaching from afar, I predicted its path, compose the shot (on tripod), meter and fire a 4 seconds shot when the ferry reaches the center of the frame. This would've been a very ordinary snapshot without the light streaks.

Oslo's Vigeland Park

When hand-holding a camera with a medium-range zoom lens, I often start off with a conservative speed (usually 1/100 for 70mm without IS), slowly decreasing the speed. This method ensures I get some safety shots while I push the scene further. This shot was taken at 1/40.

Bornfire 2010

Long exposure is extremely useful in capturing objects that move in a certain formation. This was shot at 2.5 seconds (on tripod), one of those lucky shots where the performer didn't move her face for the entire duration. The ratio of getting a shot like this is probably 1 out of 50. The rarity of such shot makes it worthwhile. Capturing this scene at 1/100 will not do justice to the performers.

Osim International Triathlon 2011

Slow exposure – often in the form of panning – is highly desirable in sports photography. Firstly, it adds motion to the scene. Secondly, it can blur-off (known as motion blur) the often unsightly and cluttered backdrop.

Singtel Singapore Grand Prix Formula One 2010

A static (non-panning) slow exposure is like the opposite of the cycling shot above. The main subject is in motion blur while the background is in focus. These two images demonstrate very well how various methods can be applied in getting the image you envision... you have total control over your camera, that is if you know where the dials and knobs are.

I will be releasing a blog on panning soon...

The next time you are about to shoot a mundane scene, crank-up your camera a little :-D