Simulating Motion

by Peter Bauer

Photoshop's Motion Blur filter can be used very effectively to simulate motion or
action in an image. The basic concept is to select either the foreground (subject)
or background and apply the blur. When you blur the subject, it appears to be
moving against a static background. This simulates taking a photo with a slow
Logged in as: Donald shutter speed. When you blur the background and the subject remains in focus,
Riedel
[Log-out ]
you create a very different effect. Compare these two images.
DEPARTMENTS
discounts
napp perks
featured tutorials
photoshop video clips
member tutorials
photoshop tips
magazine downloads
resource center
gallery
help desk
advice desk
benefit plans
plug-ins
actions
member job bank
member network
classified ads
discussion forums
chat rooms
napp book/dvd store
napp wear
newsletter
tell adobe
new members area
MEMBER SERVICES
contact napp
change your address
napp logos
magazine index
member renewals
member rewards
RESOURCES In the top image, the subject has been manipulated to simulate motion.
educators (Although, of course, if the man was actually running, his legs would blur
training videos differently as they changed position.) In the lower image, the subject is in focus,
photoshopworld but the background is blurred (in the original photograph).
photoshop seminars
stock photography Let's look at how the top image was created.
digital photography
wacom tablet area
photoshop links
Step 1: Make a selection or create a mask to isolate the subject.
graphic design schools
trade shows
special events
photoshop support
Step 2: Copy that selection to a separate layer with the keyboard shortcut
Command-J (PC: Control-J).

Step 3: Drag the new layer to the New Layer button in the Layers palette to
duplicate it. Make the lower of the two new layers the active layer.

Step 4: Apply the filter Blur> Motion Blur. Use an angle that matches the
subject's actual direction of travel and an appropriate amount of blurring.

Step 5: Press V to activate the Move tool and shift the blurred layer back along
the direction of travel.

Step 6: Drag that layer to the New Layer button to duplicate it, and offset this
new copy a little bit more.

Step 7: Duplicate and offset the layer as many times as necessary to create the
motion trail. The layers farthest from the subject should be lower in the Layers
palette, and the unblurred copy of the subject should be on top.

Step 8 (Optional): Lower the opacity of the various layers so that the farthest
from the original subject is the faintest.
 If necessary, flatten a copy of the image for print.

Click here for more tutorials by Pete

Privacy Policy
© 2004 National Association of Photoshop Professionals. All rights reserved.
Photoshop is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems, Inc.