magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Whilst at Great Dorset Steam Fair I was taking some shots of the Olde Time Gallopers and was asked by another photographer if I could help her get the shot she had in mind. She'd seen it in a manual and wanted to achieve it herself - not sure what the manual is but it gave her some guideline settings, which equated to something suitable for fireworks in my book. She had no success at her first try. Certainly in daylight it would lead to burn-out. The shot she wanted would have one of the horses central, frozen, and everything else showing movement - so a sort of racing-car shot. Trouble is, as well as whizzing round, the gallopers go up and down, as you'll remember from your childhood rides. I took her settings and dropped the 2-second shutter speed to a third of a second and came up with something that came close to what she wanted, but far from perfect. This was hand held as I only had a ball-head tripod with me, and thought it would be of little use. Tried again after dark with the same settings and a 'loose' ball-head tripod, and achieved a similar result. Wouldn't mind having another go with a pan and tilt head or wimberly, but will probably have to wait to next year to find a roundabout. Anyway, here are the two shots achieved - has anyone any advice on achieving this shot?

(Download)


(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I shot one in daylight several years ago. Unfortunately I don't have a copy, but I remember that I was much closer to the merry go round than your shots here. I panned with one horse, so I got most of it in focus while blurring the rest. Took a few tries to get the timing right.

If you (and she) want the entire ride in the frame, then I think you did quite well with these.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

That's the technique I used Linda, and did want the whole ride to give the horse best context - I think it makes a more impressive shot, if only it was perfect!

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

Take the shot and put the blur in with Ps.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Funnily enough Frank, I suggested to her she takes two shots, the blur and a stationary horse, then uses Ps - your idea requires only one shot so is a time-saver! I still like the idea of the challenge though - I'm sure it can be done and rather hope someone has one to post. Checking on the internet I can't come up with one. Thanks for your suggestion, much appreciated.

pfrancke Loc: cold Maine

looks like a very fun project - lots of shots and lots of panning with the horse you wish in perfect focus. But I am thinking a much faster shutter speed and perhaps wide open - but that might be more effective for "close in". Seems that the problems would be similar to bird-in-flight.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

No advice but I do want to thank you for an interesting idea that I've somehow missed. There's a nearby carousel I think I can try this with.

As for the suggestions about taking two kinds of shots, one blurred and one not, I'd amen that . There may be various ways to integrate a two-shot set.

jenny Loc: in hiding:)

Very interesting image Magman ! Proof that one can still do something a bit different, interesting or
humorous with a camera and without playing in the digital fingerpaint box! All it took was some
thinking before pressing the shutter button!
While you point out your galloper isn't in perfect focus, no need to see that as an imperfection is there?
A faster shutter could get you a shaper beastie but obviously at less swirl of the remainder of the shot.
Let's then settle for an honest shot right from the camera, worth 1,000 words more than a photoshop fake!!!!

jenny Loc: in hiding:)

Rather enamored by this unusual and delightful little pic, I kept thinking about the recently
shown old puzzle about the speed of a bicycle wheel.Surely you have seen a few times
the illustration of the wheel with the explanation of the speed of it turning, and the startling information that at
the bottom it was not moving and if it were it would be blurred??
Applying that to the carousel turning then, the horse is in that "bottom" position, the only place where it could be
sharp. The solution to getting it sharp would be the same of course, you must photograph at the exact shutter
speed that the whole carousel is turning, as otherwise everything else turns at 1/4th to 2X the speed of the
bicycle...or in this case the carousel. Ah, at last I can put my attention to the other puzzles of the day :)