How to Create Motion Blur Seascapes

Tranquil Motion

Motion blur seascapes have quickly become a new favourite of mine — there's something so captivating about turning a photo into what feels like abstract art.

This technique involves using a slow shutter speed to capture movement over time. With the help of a tripod (my go-to for stability), I slowly pan the camera across the scene. This motion enhances the blur, transforming the landscape into soft, flowing lines and textures that feel more like a painting than a photograph.

Equipment

Tripod - a sturdy solid tripod is essential.

Panning Head - this is crucial for panning techniques (if you want straight lines make sure your tripod is level)

Filters - Netural Density (ND) Filter - The ND filter will reduce the amount of light entering the lens. Depending on how much light there is will depend on what densitiy of ND filter you will use.

Remote Shutter Release - will help prevent camera shake

Camera Settings

Live view - Turn on

Image stabilization - Turn it off

ISO - low as possible - ISO 100

Aperture - F8-F11

Focus – Auto focus is great for initially locking onto your subject, but for best results, switch to manual focus. You can either use auto focus to set it first, then switch to manual to lock it in, or manually set the focus from the start to have full control.

Once your settings are dialled in, it’s time to start practising your panning technique.

Begin by focusing on getting a smooth, steady motion. Once you feel confident with your movement, start panning and press the remote shutter halfway through the pan — capturing the image mid-motion gives the best results.

Personally, I like to begin panning as a wave starts to build. Just as it’s about to break, I hit the shutter, aiming to capture the roll and texture of the water. Sometimes you’ll catch the whitewash as the wave crashes, which adds an even more abstract, painterly feel to the shot.

Whispers Before the Break

In this image above, I captured the wave in a fleeting moment—just before it crests and collapses. The scene is softened using a slow shutter speed, creating a gentle motion blur across the surface of the ocean while preserving the form of the incoming wave. This technique lets the viewer feel the calm before the wave's energy is released, adding a dreamlike quality to the seascape.

To achieve this look, I used a tripod for stability and dialled in a slow shutter speed of around 1/4 to 1/2 second. The light was low enough—during twilight—to avoid overexposure, and the pastel sky offered the perfect backdrop, painting the water with soft reflections. Timing was everything. I waited for a wave that hadn’t yet broken, tracking it gently and pressing the shutter at the point just before its peak. The result is a blurred yet intentional capture, revealing the motion and stillness coexisting within the ocean.

Give it a go, tell me what you think! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—and if you enjoyed this post, please drop a comment or give it a like below 😊