Intentional Camera Movement: Rotation Trial 2

For this second trial at rotational camera movement I tried moving the camera during a long exposure. I hadn’t tried this before as I didn’t have a strong enough neutral density filter to get the long exposure.

I overcame this problem by using 2 circular polarising filters back to back (or front to front) and rotating them relative to each other to get a strong enough effect. Trying this out didn’t work at first and it was only by trying different combinations that I hit on something that worked. It was only afterwards that I did some research and now understand what is going on. In the setup photos you may be able to see the Blue Tack holding the front polariser on.

What I am showing below is first the static view, then a number of attempts that give different impressions – this is not the whole set: some didn’t work well enough and others where too similar. I indicate the exposure times for each rotational view. The view I used is of a tree across a field of rapeseed at the back of our garden.

The static view I used is a tree across a field of rapeseed
1.9 seconds
2 seconds
2.5 seconds
5 seconds
4 seconds
3.7 seconds
4 seconds
4.5 seconds
4.3 seconds
Top view of the camera setup pointing across the field
Side view of the camera setup pointing across the field

What was interesting is how the effect changes with the speed of rotation, the duration, and the amount of rotation. Although I took care in aligning the setup on the trunk of the tree, on some images the centre of rotation has moved – care is needed!

Author: Paul L.G. Morris

I am an amateur photographer whose photography is mostly of gardens, nature and the rural environment. My specialities are close-ups, panoramic views, or a combination of both that I call 'Nearscapes'. I work mostly for my own interest having closed my business PM Studios Ltd.