The composing of the Storm Dancers thrives on dynamics and movement. In this tutorial, I will show you how to enhance the impression of a dancing couple at dizzying heights using motion blur. This technique ensures that your later works appear more vibrant and engaging. Let's dive straight into the details.
Key insights
- Using motion blur makes the image livelier and conveys movement.
- The use of smart objects allows for flexible adjustment of effects.
- Targeted masking of areas ensures that certain parts of the image remain sharp while others appear blurry.
Step-by-step guide
First, open your project with the Storm Dancers in Photoshop. You have already converted the couple into smart objects, which offers significant advantages when applying filters and effects.

If you want to edit the first person, select the corresponding layer. In this case, start with the woman. Click on Filter, go to Blur Filters, and select Motion Blur.

A dialog box opens, displaying various options for the blur. With the default settings, the image may appear exaggeratedly blurry, so make sure to adjust the values manually. Move the distance slider to achieve an appropriate blur, perhaps around 6 pixels.

The angle of the motion blur affects the direction in which the effect applies. To create the impression of dynamic movement, set the angle to about 12??, so it looks like the woman is moving diagonally upwards. Confirm the settings with "OK".

The result shows that the woman is now displayed as blurry. Check if a Smart Filter with a mask has been created, allowing you to edit the changes later. Double-click the Smart Filter to reopen the dialog box and fine-tune it.

Now comes the next step: you want to keep the motion blur only in certain areas. To optimize the image, we will use a soft brush with low opacity to mask areas that should remain sharp.
Paint with the brush over the areas you want to be sharp, leaving the others out. Follow your instincts and decide which parts of the image deserve attention. You can adjust the opacity to achieve a harmonious look.

After you finish with the woman, repeat the process for the man. Select his layer and apply the same motion blur filter. Make sure to modify the angle to correspond to the rotation of the figure. Set the value for the blur to 6 pixels if necessary.

After you have made the adjustments, also adjust the mask here by painting with a soft brush over the relevant areas. Ensure that the man's face and cap remain sharp.

You can now leave the feet slightly blurrier to enhance the impression of movement. Make sure to switch back and forth between the figures and adjust the sharpness according to your desire. The entire image benefits from a balanced ratio of blur to sharpness.

It is okay if certain details appear unrealistic, as long as the overall image is cohesive. Use blur where it adds more dynamics to the image.

Finally, put everything together to your taste. Review your work and make final touches by selectively restoring sharpness at specific points. You will notice that this targeted editing leads to a more realistic impression.

By now, you have likely achieved an appealing result that embodies the impression of movement and freedom that you aimed for. Be ready for the next steps in this composing project, which will include adding further elements like off-road vehicles and birds.

Summary - Putting the Storm Dancers in Motion
You have learned how to bring dynamics to your composing of the Storm Dancers using motion blur while effectively utilizing smart objects and masks. Your editing gives the image a sense of lively movement, enhancing the overall composition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I use smart objects in Photoshop?Convert layers into smart objects via the "Layers" menu and select "Convert to Smart Object."
What advantages do smart objects offer?They allow for non-destructive editing, so filters and adjustments can be modified at any time.
How do I manage the opacity of brush strokes?Use the brush options in the toolbar to adjust the opacity while painting over the masks.