“Speed” sounds simple – until you try to show it. This week we ran our second Veteran Photo Contest and reviewed community submissions live with returning guest judge and photographer Pat Miller. We talked about what worked, where to sharpen the contest, and how anyone (yes, even with a phone) can step into the arena, shoot the theme, and learn out loud with the rest of us.
This Week’s Judge
– Pat Miller: returning guest judge and working photographer; sharp eye for story, moment, and motion.
Key Insights from our “Speed Photos” Review
1. Show the feeling of speed, not just the subject
Blur, framing, and timing are tools; the goal is to make the viewer’s brain believe something is moving right now.
2. Anticipation beats reaction
Speed lives in the next half-second, compose for where the action will be, not where it was.
3. Context amplifies motion
Wheels, spray, smoke, gravel, all environmental cues add velocity without extreme shutter tricks.
4. Tighten the rules; raise the bar
We’ll surface a simple “rules & how-to” highlight so anyone can grasp the contest format fast, and submit confidently.
5. Community > perfection
Fewer entries this round meant more time to learn together. Courage to submit beats lurking. A large nod of respect to the entrants.
6. Gear helps; vision matters more
The strongest frames were carried by timing and composition, not the label on the lens.
7. Teach into next month
We’ll poll the community on what kind of micro-tutorials (light basics, mobile techniques, panning) people want to learn from, so more of you can turn ideas into keepers
Final Thought: Speed is a story about time.
Great “speed” images don’t merely freeze motion; they shape time – before, during, and after the moment. That’s the craft we’re chasing together.
What will you do this week to improve how you see the world?
Listen to the full “Photo Contest #2 – Speed” discussion here: Photo Contest #2
Keep shooting,
Shaun & The Collective Crew
