A rushed attempt at motion blur

Steve56 · Mar 30, 2011

Hi everyone,

I attempted motion blur on a passing freight train. Only problem was it came past me with me realising and as it's a freight line, it's difficult to tell when they'll pass again. So it's a rushed job. I attempted to pan the shot but didn't have the time due to the speed of the train.

JoshC. · Mar 30, 2011

These might look better in black and white. I like the last one, the rest dont really work for me.

480sparky · Mar 30, 2011

The first one is the only that works for me. The rest are way too much blur.

JoshC. · Mar 30, 2011

Looking at these again I think they need something in the foreground. I think something sharp in the foreground would contrast nicely with the blur behind.

Edsport · Mar 31, 2011

They would look better if the blur wasn't all the way across the photo. If the front of the train was visible it would be better...

Double H · Mar 31, 2011

Agreed, you need more stationary objects throughout.

jth · Mar 31, 2011

last one is best of these by far but could still use more creative shoot angle

KmH · Mar 31, 2011

You did an outstanding job at making excuses. :thumbup:

Derrel · Mar 31, 2011

I like the third shot, where the trees behind the train show up partially--that photo has some merit. Not a whole lot of merit, but some.

Steve56 · Apr 1, 2011

KmH said:
You did an outstanding job at making excuses. :thumbup:

Thanks, very helpful.

I understand there's not much creativity in the shot but as I said, it was a rushed job.

I have better examples here : Steve56 on deviantART

How would others make it look more creative? Considering it's the same dull brown train and that I can't get too close to the line without running a risk of injury? Taking into account as well that I'm using the standard 18.55mm lens?

This is probably my main weakness as a potential photography, lack of creativity and originality.