G’day ladies and gents, it’s Scott Maxworthy here, and welcome back to my photography blog! Today, is week 7 of my photography challenge and we’re going to be talking about capturing motion in animal photography.

If you’re anything like me, you love taking photos of your furry friends and wildlife in action. But how do you capture that movement in a still image? Let’s dive in and explore some creative and effective techniques for capturing motion in animal photography.
How do you photograph animals in motion?
Capturing animals in motion can be a challenge, but the results are absolutely worth it. One of the most important things to consider when photographing animals in motion is your camera’s shutter speed. A fast shutter speed, such as 1/500 or higher, can help you freeze the motion and avoid blurry shots.
But don’t stop there! Capturing motion in animals is all about the story behind the movement. Try to think about what story the movement is telling, and use your composition to support that story.
Another great way to capture motion is to use continuous autofocus (AF-C) on your camera. This will help you keep the animal in focus as it moves around. Finally, try to get down to the animal’s eye level to create an intimate and engaging photo.
What are the 3 different types of motion techniques in photography?
There are three main types of motion techniques in photography:
- freezing motion,
- panning, and
- motion blur.
Freezing motion is what we’ve been discussing so far – using a fast shutter speed to capture a crisp, clear image of the subject in motion.
Panning involves moving the camera along with the subject to create a sense of motion while keeping the subject in focus.
Finally, motion blur is achieved by using a slower shutter speed to create a blurred effect that shows the subject in motion.
Each of these techniques can create a different mood and tell a different story in your photo. Experiment with all three to see which one works best for your subject and the story you want to tell.
How do you photograph a dog in motion?
As a dog owner and photographer, I can tell you firsthand that photographing dogs in motion can be a bit of a challenge. But it’s also incredibly rewarding when you get that perfect shot! One of the most important things to keep in mind when photographing dogs in motion is their energy level. Dogs are energetic creatures, and capturing that energy in your photo can be a great way to tell a story.
When photographing dogs in motion, try to use a fast shutter speed to freeze the action. Additionally, using burst mode can be incredibly useful in capturing that perfect moment. Get down to the dog’s eye level, and don’t be afraid to get up close and personal with your subject. This can create an intimate and engaging photo that tells a story about your furry friend’s unique personality.





Join our 52-week photo challenge
And speaking of telling stories with your photos, don’t forget to join our 52 week photo challenge! This week’s theme is animals, and we want to see your best shots of our furry and feathered friends. Remember to experiment with different motion techniques, use your composition to support the story, and most importantly, have fun!
That’s it for this week’s post, ladies and gents. I hope you’ve learned something new and are feeling inspired to capture some amazing photos of animals in motion.
Until next time, keep shooting and keep exploring the world through your camera lens.