Cineversity

How can I create the impression of a image where the camera pans with the motion (in this case bicycles moving at about 60 kph on a velodrome) so that the subject(s) are sharp but the background is blurred because of the camera panning?

Thanks,
Greg

Hi Greg,

Typically the camera could have a target, and the bicycle you like to keep sharp is the target. With Motion Blur enabled, that should be all.

You wrote the “impression of”, which feels like you have a fixed background and that should be just blurred, which could be done in Photoshop. The Blur filter is called Motion blur, and you need to set the direction and strength.

I have attached an image from my time shooting German Championship races on the Hockenheim Ring. I used a longer lens and moved with our Driver.
It was in the 180º curve, so moving with the subject was easy to keep it in focus.

Why do I show this? As it shows clearly, the wheels have blurred as well. Some bicycle wheels have carbon rims, which have thicker elements. They would show up. Which can also be blurred before. (Photoshop radial)

Al the best

Here’s a link to the image using RS motion blur. I set up three frames (0,1,2). At 60 kph and 30 f/s the riders move about 0.56 m/f. So from frame 0 to frame 2 the riders move 1.12 m. I rendered the image on frame 1, set the blur to 1 frame with the shutter opening and closing near the middle of the frame and for a very short time. I don’t really like the result. (Note: I still have to rotate the wheels and pedal/legs but this was just an initial test. Also, the vertical position of the lead bike needs to me adjusted.)

So, if I add a target to the camera, say between the second and third rider, and re-render with the same settings and on frame 1 I should see sharp riders/bikes but blurred track and apron?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/8395936@N03/52344001045/in/dateposted-public/

Thanks,
Greg

Hi Greg,

Please have a look here:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/950k4uap0y6z8tm/CV3_2023_drs_22_RScb_01.zip?dl=0

Cheers

Thanks Dr. Sassi!

This worked well.

Greg

Thank you very much, Greg!

Enjoy your weekend