Photographing objects in motion produces pictures that are more dynamic and exciting than frozen, posed subjects, but it can be difficult to get a sharp image. The most important factor in stop motion photography is shutter speed. Once a photographer masters that technique, amazing images are possible.

Shutter Speed 101

Shutter speed is the amount of time the shutter is open, exposing the light sensitive components of the camera to the image. The light sensitive component of older cameras was the film itself, and in modern digital cameras it's the light sensors that translate the image into digital information.

Shutter speeds are measured in seconds--usually in fractions of a second. Stop motion photography requires a shutter speed of 1/60 or faster, and "faster" means the number after the slash needs to be larger. So a shutter speed of 1/300 will capture a fast moving object more sharply than a shutter speed of 1/60. The less time the shutter is open, the less the object will move, and the less blur will be visible on the final image.

Lighting

The downside of a fast shutter speed is there is less time for the camera's sensors to record the light. This won't be a problem if the subject is well-lit, such as something photographed outside on a bright, summer day, but can become an issue for pictures taken when the sky is overcast, the sun is low, or when indoors.

Photographic studios use arrays of lights to enhance stop motion photography. These lights are designed specifically for photography, and won't change the natural colors of the subject. In cases where it's not convenient to carry around an array of lights, the camera's flash can provide the illumination needed to get a sharp image but only as long as the subject is in the range of the flash. Many cameras have a flash range of only fifteen feet, so check your manual before snapping pictures.

Dealing With Blur

Blur is a fact of life in stop motion photography, especially in poor lighting. The photographer needs to decide whether the subject or the background should be blurry. In most cases, it's preferable to keep the subject sharp. Track the subject as it moves, keeping it in the center of the frame. Use a tripod to minimize any other motions. The background will have some blur to it, but this can enhance the picture by giving the image a sense of motion.

Other times the photographer may prefer to keep the background sharp and give some blur to the object being photographed. This can be an artistic choice or a practical one. Keep the camera steady and snap the picture as the subject enters the frame.

Stop motion photography is quite challenging and requires a great deal of practice to get right. Keep shooting so your skills improve, or hire a commercial photographer who is experienced with photographing fast-moving subjects.