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The sheer energy of this image leaps off of the screen, and the expression on the lower dog's face as it watches the other dog bear down on it is priceless. The timing is brilliant, and although the image has been heavily cropped, it retains plenty of clarity. The background is a little muddled, but there's not much to be done about that when this sort of scene is unfolding in front of you!
We've seen a lot of traffic trail images in our time, but this one stands out for several reasons. First, the location means there aren't multiple light sources to confuse the eye. Second, shooting when there's light and detail in the sky - as opposed to being pitch black - creates a pleasing balance. Finally, the curve of the road takes the eye round the image, leaving us wondering what's around the bend.
Brief
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Recording action and movement can be tricky, so be prepared to spend time experimenting. We are looking for shots of anything in the process of moving, from cars to animals, waterfalls or sportsmen. Alternatively you might decide to move your camera up and down or from side to side during the exposure to create an ICM (Intentional Camera Movement) shot. The choice is yours. If you want to transform water into a milky blur slow down your shutter speed and keep checking the results on screen. It can help to include a static object, such as a rock, in the shot too. Capturing movement is largely about trial and error.
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This is a great example of freezing time and showcases the subject's streamlined movement. While the backdrop is indeed simple and devoid of clutter, there's too much empty space and it feels quite a dominant part of the picture. It would be great to get a little closer to the subject to see more detail.
The idea of capturing a swan in flight while panning with a long exposure is a strong one. Although we appreciate it's a tricky shot to achieve, next time, try if possible to get closer, perhaps even filling the frame only with the bird and its reflection, and excluding the surroundings. The resulting abstract image could be very compelling.
