Still pictures (photos) and moving objects are seemingly contradictory.   Movement result in blurry, and thus undesirable images.  The typical remedy is a high enough shutter speed to freeze the action.  Not always, though!  We can take advantage of the movement to create more lively pictures.  The "trick" is to keep the central object sharp.  Hence, if that central object is moving, we simply track it with our camera.  In other words, we move the camera to keep the key object steady (resulting in a moving and therefore blurred background).     The effect is very cool!

Technique

To create the effect, choose a relatively slow shutter speed.  In the example photo, the shutter was open 1/100s, with a lens focal length of 135mm (telephoto lens).  Track the central object with the camera, keeping it steady in the picture.  Then, while in motion, press the shutter release.

Try several times, as not every shot will work!

Example: The race horses ran by at a speed of about 40 mph, yet are relative free of blurr.  The background is blurred, thus creating the fast motion effect.  This picture was taken with an old Leica IIIc (made 1945) and an uncoated 135mm telephoto lens.  t= 1/100s, F=5.6, Film Kodak T 400CN.

(c) Christian Wagner, 2001