STEPS TO GET THE SHOCKING ZOOM OR ZOOMING EFFECT (WITHOUT PHOTOSHOP)

Some time ago, in the article " Tips to Capture and Transmit the Movement in a Photograph ", I commented that one of the most popular techniques to give a sensation of movement to your photographs was by means of the known technique of "zooming", but of course It was reason for this article to deepen about this technique, I only mentioned its fundamental aspects. In today's article this has changed: after reading it you will not only learn how to use this spectacular technique but also how to combine it with others to get your photographs to another level. Don't worry, it's really very simple! You will not need to go crazy to perform them, you just need to get comfortable and read the article that I have prepared for you. Are you going to miss it?

Do not go crazy

WHAT IS ZOOMING?

“Zooming” is a technique that, through lines that converge in the center of the frame, will allow you to convey the sensation of movement by using the lens zoom. These lines will direct the viewer's attention towards the center (or not, you will see why) of the photograph, generating a sense of movement and vertigo in or out, achieving an effect as particular as attractive. This “barrier” effect with all the objects in the frame that are located around the center of the frame by varying the focal length with your zoom lens, focusing attention on a particular object that you have chosen, by using shutter speeds relatively long The main limitation of this technique is that, the protagonists must always be located in the center of the frame so as to avoid that, by "sweeping the scene" by zooming or moving away, you end up sweeping them. Anyway, at the end of the article I will teach you to circumvent this limitation. Looks like something complex doesn't it? Don't worry, it's easier to do than explain! But first, let's see what equipment you will need to carry it out.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?

To be able to take these types of photographs, you will require, in principle, a camera that allows you to take photographs in manual mode and have a zoom lens, that is, a variable focus. Contrary to what you can imagine, this effect is not only the power of SLR cameras since you can achieve it with any camera as long as it has the two conditions that I just mentioned. In addition, although it is not exclusive, having a tripod can not only make things a bit easier for you, but it will also allow you to get better results. Remember that, when working with slow shutter speeds, any movement is much more likely to end up ruining your shots.

You will need a zoom lens

HOW TO DO IT? FOLLOWING THESE SIMPLE STEPS:

Once you have decided what the reason for your photography will be, frame it in the center of the scene.
To compensate for the “excess light” that will enter the sensor, use a diaphragm as closed as possible if you do not want to expose your shots. Also, by increasing the depth of field, if you close the diaphragm, it will increase the sharpness of your photographs and therefore, their quality.
Select a shutter speed less than what you would normally use to take the same shot. When working with slow speeds, the light will reach the sensor for a longer time, compensating for the lack of light by using more closed diaphragms.
Finally, while the shutter is open (allowing the light to reach the sensor), zoom in or out according to the effect you want to achieve. By varying the focal length, while your motive remains fixed in the center of the frame, "barriers" with everything around it.

THE KEY: SHOOT SLOWLY

The key to achieving a successful “zooming” effect is the shutter speed. Depending on how long the sensor of your camera continues to receive light, the effect will be more or less pronounced, transmitting to the viewer greater or lesser sensation of vertigo, speed and movement. Look at the following photographs: Have you noticed the difference? A slower shutter speed has been used in each of them. The first one is the one with the highest speed, while to perform the other two, this has been reduced (slower and slower speeds). Not only has the sensation of speed intensified but, in addition, as a result of a longer exposure, the photographs were “clarifying”. Keep in mind that, the longer you leave your sensor receiving light, if you do not compensate the exposure with any of the other components of the exposure triangle (ISO sensitivity or aperture of the diaphragm), the greater the probability of over-exposing your photographs you will have and that In addition, end up moving out. Anyway, do not worry, with a little practice you can master the "zooming" effect easily. Don't you know what the exposure triangle is? Don't worry, the following article will clarify all the doubts: “ Detailed Guide: How to Make a Correct Measurement and Exhibition in Your Photographs ". Now that you know how to do it, you just have to follow some recommendations:

It will be easier for you to apply this technique in low light conditions because it requires longer exposure times. The less "amount of light" there is in the environment, the less likely it is to "burn" your photographs, that is, you will expose them.
If you want to give it more spectacular, add some extra light sources such as: spotlights, posters, etc. The lines that will draw these in the frame will attract a lot of attention from your viewers.
Although the technique is known as "zooming", nothing prevents, instead of increasing the focal length, decrease it. The effect will be equally spectacular.
Try to take the same picture with different shutter speeds as in the previous example. The more you practice, the closer you will be to achieve that picture that you imagine so much.
Using a tripod will help you a lot in order to prevent vibrations from zooming out your photos.
Although with any objective that is not of fixed focus you can realize this effect, if you have a wide-angle lens at hand, use it. With a wide-angle lens, its distortions will make this effect spectacular.
Dare to combine this amazing technique with others to add more spectacularity. At the end of the article you will see some very interesting combinations.

Bárre with your photos

WHEN TO USE THIS TECHNIQUE?

While you can use this technique to take any type of photographs and almost in any situation, not in all of them this effect will help you make your photos fly more attractive. This technique is ideal for transmitting the sensation of speed and adding some vertigo to your photographs but, if you do not want to transmit these sensations or, the reason for the photograph does not require it, you will not be able to convert a good photo into an excellent one. This means that, not only must the effect be well used, that is, with a clear protagonist but also, it must be enhanced by that effect. Regardless of the type of situation where you are going to take your shots using this technique, the result will not always be so spectacular, but look at the following photographs:

So far you have seen how to use this technique in order to enhance the messages and sensations of your photographs and increase their attractiveness. Now it is time for you to see some tricks so that, when combined with this effect, you can take your photographs to the next level:

How to break the limitation of the center? One of the main limitations of this technique is that, as I mentioned before, for the effect to be effective, it is necessary that you place the protagonist of the photograph in the center of the same, so that it remains sharp despite the "swept". Now, with a little imagination you can get around this limitation and get pictures like this:

The sweep out of the center

How? Try placing the subject in the center, take your picture and then re-frame it , either by editing it from the camera (the vast majority of current cameras allow cuts and frames) or from the computer. That is, take the picture and then make the final composition on the computer! Paint with light and zooming Stop being the photographer and become the painter. You can try to combine this effect with the one used to “paint” your photographs to achieve unique photographic brushstrokes. While you zoom, move your camera slightly to one side or the other, to achieve brush strokes along the entire frame. At first it will be difficult for you to combine both effects, but with a little practice, you will be able to become a painter using nothing but your camera.

Turn your camera into a brush

Add some light Another way to add spectacularity to your zooming photographs is if, when you perform this effect, you shoot a flash on your subject. Why? The flash of the flash will freeze your protagonist , while zooming in, barriers with everything around him. This combination of effects will allow you to achieve amazing photographs since, a part will have come out perfectly crisp and static while, all around it, it will be “swept away”, transmitting a sensation of movement. Do the tests!

Use the flash to achieve this effect.

When you learn to master this technique you will be able to transform a photograph like this:

Photo WITHOUT zooming

In another like this:

Photo WITH «zooming»

You just need to take your camera and take pictures. What are you waiting for?

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