In-Camera Off-Center Zoom-Twirl

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10-09-2008, 04:24 PM
Chris Starbuck

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In-Camera Off-Center Zoom-Twirl

On a windy morning at a photo workshop last year one of the leaders gave us a special assignment (way off-topic for the workshop): Shoot blurry flowers. This is one of mine, using a technique that I play with a bit now and then. Of necessity, it's handheld. With a twist-type zoom lens and a long exposure, hold the zoom ring stationary while twisting the camera (the opposite of what's usually done during a zoom). This produces a spiral effect in the subject. If you also start with the center of interest off-center in the frame, and carefully move the camera in that direction during the exposure, you can keep the COI off-center in-camera without needing to crop in PP. I didn't do it in this image (rats!:eek:), but adding 2nd-curtain flash can help add some sharpness to the COI. My technique is by no means perfected yet, but I think it's fun.

Canon 20D, Tamron 28-300 zoomed from 28 to 300, 3-stop ND, ISO 100, 1.3 sec @ f/22, handheld.
ACR: exposure tweak, warmed the WB, reduced noise
PSCS2: full frame (uncropped), boosted contrast with several techniques, fairly aggressive large-radius sharpening with an edge-derived mask, burned/dodged

All comments/critiques welcomed!

Chris
10-09-2008, 06:40 PM
Julie Kenward

I think it's fun, too! Love the effect you got on the outer parts. I wish one or two flowers in the center of the swirl were more in focus but this is really beautiful as is. Nice work!!!
10-09-2008, 07:13 PM
Joanna Trescott

Chris. Thanks for the description. When you get less than great conditions, there are so many ways to use what is given. I have never tried turning the camera. I will try this. This has such nice colors -- I would defintely use some actions on this one!
10-10-2008, 02:06 PM
Chris Starbuck

Quote:

Originally Posted by Julie Kenward

I wish one or two flowers in the center of the swirl were more in focus

Me too.:) Next time I try this I've got to remember the 2nd-curtain flash. And maybe bracing my hand on top of my tripod.

I posted this mainly because I think the technique has potential, and wanted to give you all some food for thought. But I'm glad you like this one, too.

Chris
10-10-2008, 02:09 PM
Chris Starbuck

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joanna Trescott

I would defintely use some actions on this one!

Hmm... maybe (not my strongest interest). I mainly wanted to illustrate what can be done in-camera. I'd really like to see what you (and others) can do with this technique.

Chris
10-10-2008, 07:25 PM
Fabs Forns

Very beautiful, my wish is that the sharp ones would be more on the rules of thirds placement. Very nicely done and thanks for sharing your technique with us :)
10-10-2008, 08:30 PM
Roman Kurywczak

Hey Chris,
I have been pushing myself to try things like this. Personally...........i like that it's all OOF........but maybe everyone is on to something..........sharp.......then OOF. I'll be giving it a try.
10-10-2008, 09:04 PM
denise ippolito

Hi Chris- the colors are spectacular! I can't wait to try this.
10-10-2008, 10:49 PM
Chris Starbuck

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fabs Forns

Very beautiful, my wish is that the sharp ones would be more on the rules of thirds placement. Very nicely done and thanks for sharing your technique with us :)

Thanks. I really was trying for ROT placement, and some of the other attempts that morning got closer, but didn't look as good overall. Zoom, twist, and pan the aim-point all at the same time, handheld, is kind of tricky. I'll keep practicing!

Chris