Motion blur can bring a dynamic quality to any photograph. We take a look at some of the best examples from Photocrowd

‘Windmill in Motion’ by Mike Bramell, Nikon D3200, 16-85mm, 13/10sec at f/71. ISO 100

Capturing the action of a scene is always an exciting prospect in photography. Today’s cameras are able to achieve incredible shutter speeds, meaning even the swiftest subject can be frozen in time, particularly when combined with flash. However, there’s much to be said for using slower shutter speeds and allowing some motion blur to occur in your image. This is an effective way of visually communicating velocity and speed. It makes you feel like you’re there in the scene, hearing the rush of motor engines or the crash of waves on the shore. We take a look at some of the best examples from Photocrowd photographers.

‘Dynamic Docklands’ by Kim Benson, Canon EOS 7D, 100mm, 1/80sec at f/8, ISO 320

‘Motion of the Ocean’ by Trevor Cole, Nikon D800, 14-24mm, 2secs at f/6.3, ISO 50

‘Calm’ by Indrek Ladva, exposure unknown

‘Cardus’ by Martin J, Canon EOS 60D, 100-400mm, 1/125sec at f/11, ISO 100

‘Interstellar Overdrive’ by Andrew Robertson, Canon EOS 5D Mark III, 24-70mm, 1sec at f/5, ISO 320

‘Motion’ by Lee Acaster, Canon EOS 5D Mark II, 18mm, 4/5sec at f/8, ISO 100

‘Walking Through the Night’ by Patosan, Nikon D810, 24-70mm, 1/25sec at f/2.8, ISO 1600

‘Landsdown Woods’ by Bristol Mono, Canon EOS 70D, 17-55mm, 1/15sec at f/11, ISO 160

‘Velo’ by David Hopley, Canon EOS 7D, 24-105mm, 1/25, ISO 100

‘Desert Rider’ by Marek Kosiba, exposure unknown

‘Moorgate Underground Station’ by Simon Hadleigh-Sparks, exposure unknown

‘Masai Woman’ by Heather Allen, Nikon D800, 28-300mm, 1/5000sec at f/5, ISO 500

‘Pinpoint’ by Aaron Yeoman, Sony SLT-A99V, 16-35mm, 481secs at f/14, ISO 100