Cover photo by masa
※ cizucu-certified writer masa contributed this magazine article.
For many creators, moving subject photography, such as capturing birds or airplanes, is always a challenging genre. It starts with finding the right shooting spot and requires facing the subject while determining the optimal timing.
In low-light conditions, motion blur is more likely to occur, and using telephoto lenses often means dealing with bulky equipment. Additionally, without favorable weather or a stroke of luck, it can sometimes be difficult to even begin shooting.
However, it is precisely because of these challenges that moving subject photography offers unique joys. This time, we delve into the charm of moving subject photography.
Enjoying Serendipity
Bird photography, a staple of moving subject photography, presents a significant challenge right from the start: finding the bird itself. You rely on faint chirps amidst the myriad sounds of nature to locate small birds hidden between the trees. Sometimes, even after hours of waiting, you may not encounter your target bird.
Photo by Randy
However, the joy of finally encountering your subject is unparalleled. From that moment, it becomes a race against time. Within seconds, you must frame the small subject located tens of meters away, focus, and capture the shot. The photos you take after such an encounter become exceptional works, enriched by the effort behind them.
Capturing the Flow of Time
Moving subject photography requires careful camera settings, with particular attention to shutter speed (TV value). Incorrect settings can result in unintended blur or, conversely, static and uninteresting photos.
Photo by RYUURI
For example, when photographing a propeller plane, you might choose a slower shutter speed to convey the dynamic motion of the propellers. On the other hand, for a fast-moving bird like a kingfisher, you may want to freeze its wing movements to capture the beauty of its feathers.
Moving subjects expand the range of photographic expression, making it enjoyable to experiment with different settings.
Rediscovering Your Camera
Moving subject photography is also a style that allows you to fully enjoy the capabilities of your camera. To capture moving subjects, you need to maximize features such as burst shooting speed and autofocus tracking performance.
Photo by kinaco
By fully utilizing these features, you may rediscover the charm of your equipment that you hadn't noticed during still photography. For instance, the satisfying sound of the shutter during burst shooting, the subtle vibration of the mechanical shutter, and the exhilaration of achieving perfect focus. Moving subject photography offers unique joys that deepen your attachment to your camera.
