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The MasterClass Series #2

Capturing speed in a still image – bareback rider, Kila Raipur

Equipment

EOS 5D Mark III
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

EXIF

Focal Length: 70mm
Aperture: f /11
Shutter Speed: 1/50
ISO: 100

Editing

Adobe Lightroom CC

The story

This shot is from the famed Rural Olympics of Kila Raipur, Ludhiana. Rassakashi (tug of war), akhara (wrestling), gatka (the skill of wielding a sword or stick), tractor race, bareback riding race, and bullock cart race (now discontinued on the Honourable Supreme Court’s orders) are the most-followed events here.

In the many quaint rural sports held here, while the winner gets the glory, the loser gets humiliation. So, losing is not an option. The bareback riding race is no exception. It is all about speed. And winning!

Capturing speed in a still image challenge

A normal photographic frame is not dynamic. While we may freeze a moment, capturing the excitement and speed eludes us. Besides, to bring alive a story, you need a spur-of-the-moment judgement call on what or who to focus on.

  • Use of slow shutter speed and panning to capture speed - Travelure ©
  • Use of slow shutter speed and panning to capture speed - Travelure ©
  • Use of slow shutter speed and panning to capture speed - Travelure ©
  • Use of slow shutter speed and panning to capture speed - Travelure ©
  • Use of slow shutter speed and panning to capture speed - Travelure ©
  • Use of slow shutter speed and panning to capture speed - Travelure ©

The shot

After the ‘how to’ of capturing fast action in sports, this week we look at ‘how to add dynamism to a still shot while capturing speed. Capturing speed in a still image is never easy. Motion-freeze would not help. So, I decided on a slow shutter speed pan shot. Instead of the winner, I focussed on the one lagging behind. I felt it brought out the drama of the bitter contest, better. What makes this image interesting is intensity and grit on the face of the losing rider.

To slow down the shutter speed to a desirable level, I narrowed the aperture and shot at f/11, used the lowest ISO (100). I used AI Servo AF mode to ensure a sharp focus on the face of the horse and the rider’s expression. I spot-metered on a specific area of the rider that would be around the 18% grey mark, kneeled and panned along with the action. 

Pro Tip – Panning: As you pan, you don’t move the camera. Instead, you treat the camera as part of your body and twist your body as you press the trigger and follow the action. Also, shoot bursts and then select the best shot.

Panning blurred the background. And the result was a remarkable feeling of speed and motion. 

Next week, I’ll bring you another challenge and ways to overcome it.

Busy now? Pin it for later!

  • Use of slow shutter speed and panning to capture speed - Travelure ©
  • Use of slow shutter speed and panning to capture speed - Travelure ©
  • Use of slow shutter speed and panning to capture speed - Travelure ©
  • Use of slow shutter speed and panning to capture speed - Travelure ©
  • Use of slow shutter speed and panning to capture speed - Travelure ©
  • Use of slow shutter speed and panning to capture speed - Travelure ©

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