Pan-blur splash

Gallery: WildlifePosted June 13, 2013491 views11 comments

Creating good pan-blur shots is not easy at all and involves a lot of trial and error, but to me it is fun and even addictive in a way. I am not easily satisfied with these kind of shots though and also this one is not perfect, but it was one of the better ones from my recent trip and I kind of liked it due to the splashing water.
Would love to hear your thoughts.

Spooked zebras running from an Etosha waterhole.
Etosha NP, Namibia
Camera Model Canon EOS 1D X
Shutter Speed 1/15 Sec.
Aperture Value f/20
ISO Speed 50
Lens EF500mm f/4L IS USM
app 80-85% of original

Comments

11 comments

Comment posted by William Bickle on June 13, 2013 at 3:48 PM

Hello Vincent

Good Job, looks Impressive ! Amazing at 1/15 to have the main guy So Clean! The Water Trails really add to the Image.

I think you are on the Right Track here.

Bill

Registered on June 13, 2011, 183 Posts, 1702 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Clinch on June 13, 2013 at 6:19 PM

Vincent,
I think this pan-blur works well, the eye is clear and the water splashes look to be emanating from the eye, thus adding another element to the image. As mentioned, great sharpness given the shutter speed.

Registered on January 5, 2013, 37 Posts, 261 Comments

Comment posted by Balan Vinod on June 14, 2013 at 1:05 AM

One of the challenges of photography is that it does not have sound and motion. And here is a perfect example where you seem to have introduced that to tell the story. Those streaks of water ...and the vanishing hoof of the zebra talk about the energy and motion ....well conceived

Balan Vinod

Registered on March 20, 2006, 889 Posts, 2312 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on June 14, 2013 at 2:29 AM

I really like the amount of blur you achieved in this shot and the closest zebra is sharp on the neck and head where it needs to be! The shutter speed also captured the splashing very nicely. The background texture is very attractive when blurred by the panning. I think the photo could actually be stronger if the distant zebra wasn't in the frame, although having two makes the image feel a bit more artsy, nothing wrong with that.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Martin Dunn on June 14, 2013 at 3:41 AM

I think it works well Vincent. There's a real sense of urgency about the running zebras and the starburst of spray above the zebra's head adds to the drama.

Hand held or tripod?

Registered on February 20, 2013, 198 Posts, 1011 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on June 14, 2013 at 10:29 AM

@Martin - Beanbag support from vehicle.

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments

Comment posted by Jamie Douglas on June 14, 2013 at 11:14 PM

Hi Vincent, very nice work. Could do with a bit of shadow/exposure adjustment around the head area to bring out more detail IMO.

TFS

Jamie

Registered on July 16, 2012, 10 Posts, 87 Comments

Comment posted by Johan Malmros on June 15, 2013 at 1:01 PM

Beautiful Vincent. Looks like you pretty much nailed this one.

Too bad the light wasn't coming in from the front instead of the rear, even if you know I'm usually fond of butt shots

Is it a catch light or just a water drop in the right spot? It looks good anyhow.
How does it look with a bit more space on the sides?

Registered on January 6, 2011, 20 Posts, 154 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on June 15, 2013 at 2:10 PM

@ Johan: Well spotted Johan, that is not a real catch-light, but a water drop right in front of its eye. Unfortunately no more room right and left I had another zebra's muzzle in the frame...

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments

Comment posted by Jagdeep Rajput on June 16, 2013 at 4:07 AM

Great job on panning. cool frame!
Jagdeep Rajput

Registered on April 29, 2008, 686 Posts, 2857 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on June 16, 2013 at 8:57 PM

Nice panning blur Vincent. I like the inclusion of the second zebra and the flying water really adds drama to the shot.

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments