Digital Camera World

Create a zoom burst

Natalia Zmyslowska explains how to add drama to an image by changing the focal length mid-capture.

A zoom burst is a creative photographic technique that adds dynamism and transforms a still subject into a visually more dramatic or atmospheric image. This approach involves changing the focal length of the lens during the exposure, which results in a dramatic blur effect and radial lines emanating from the centre of the image.

To capture a zoom burst image, you will need a DSLR or mirrorless camera that gives you manual control over the settings, plus a zoom lens in the range of 24-70mm or 70-200mm. As the end result depends on the scene’s light intensity combined with the chosen exposure time, it’s best to experiment with shutter speeds. Although you can create interesting effects during the day, the dark sky at night will help make the neon burst effect more noticeable.

1. Choose a good subject

To achieve a more powerful zoom burst effect, select a subject that will stand out in the centre of your frame. Mount the camera on a tripod for a better quality result, then put it into Manual mode.

2. Select your exposure settings

Combine low ISO values, small apertures (big f-stop numbers) or an ND filter for daytime shots to avoid overexposure. However, at night time, experiment with larger apertures, starting with a shutter speed of around 1/2 second.

3. Change the focal length

As you press the shutter button, smoothly zoom in or out during the exposure time. Do this carefully so that you don’t cause any camera shake. Experiment with your zooming direction to achieve the desired visual effect.