What are rolling shots in automotive photography?

Rolling shots are car-to-car photos that capture vehicles in motion using slower shutter speeds.

How fast should the cars go when shooting rolling shots?

Speeds range from 25-70mph depending on how much motion you want in the shot.

How to Capture Automotive Rolling Shots – 10 Rules by Josh Mackey

Sony A7riii w/ FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS @ 23mm | F/4.0 – 1/20 – ISO3200 © **Josh Mackey**

Introduction: Learn Rolling Shots Without Paying for Influencers

Don’t pay an influencer for education you can get for free. The best way to learn is to study the examples in this article and then hit the road to practice yourself!

Why Rolling Shots Are Unique and Valuable

There’s something unique and personal in car-to-car motion shots that gives viewers a raw, immersive look into the subject. Also known as rolling shots or car-to-car motion photos, they are often the go-to technique for beginning photographers but sometimes overlooked by professionals.

Rolling shots are often seen as a last resort for capturing cars in action, but in reality, they might be your best option.

Nikon D200 w/ Tokina 12-24 @ 12mm | F/4.5 – 1/40 – ISO100 | © Josh Mackey — Nikon D200 w/ Tokina 12-24 @ 12mm | F/4.5 – 1/40 – ISO100 | © **Josh Mackey**

Real Examples and Metadata Insights

To truly understand rolling shots, reviewing real examples helps. For instance:

Example 1: Shutter speed 1/20 sec, 50 mph on a back road — capturing motion blur with sharp focus on the front wheel.
Example 2: Using a wide 17mm lens on a highway at 65 mph with a polarizer filter to reduce reflections.
Example 3: Olympus OM-D E-M1X with in-body stabilization, allowing shutter speeds as low as 1/10 sec for creative motion effects.

Special Thanks and Contributions

This article includes valuable insights and techniques contributed by industry friends and experts: Armin Ausejo, Andrew Link, Richard Thompson III, Jeremy Cliff, Seagram Pearce, William Stern, Oliver Hirtenfelder, Dejan Sokolovski, Jordan Donnelly and Clint Davis.

The 10 Rules: Confidence Over Settings

Shooting rolling shots isn’t just about dialing in perfect camera settings — it’s about building confidence to execute the shot you want. Many factors combine to create a great rolling shot: speed, road type, lighting, and more.

Here are my 10 rules to follow — and remember, these rules are flexible. It’s perfectly okay to bend or break them based on your creative vision.

Sony A7riii w/ FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS @ 35mm | F/4.0 – 1/20 – ISO100 © **Josh Mackey**

Rule 1: How Fast Should You Go for Automotive Rolling Shots?

Capturing true motion means choosing the right speed. For high-motion shots, highways at 50-70 mph work best. For more detail with less blur, slower speeds of 25-40 mph on back roads or trails are ideal. Adjust shutter speed accordingly, and always go with what produces the best shot.

Rule 2: How to Use Shutter Speed for Perfect Automotive Rolling Shots

Slowing down your shutter speed is key to capturing smooth rolling shots. I recommend using Shutter Priority mode with shutter speeds between 1/20 and 1/40 seconds. For steady hands, even 1/10 can work. Test your settings ahead of time and adjust ISO depending on lighting conditions like tunnels. Start with comfortable settings and refine as you go.

These guidelines serve as basic fundamentals for capturing rolling shots, but what if your camera has built-in stabilization? I recently shot with an Olympus OM-D E-M1X, which features advanced image and sensor stabilization. Paired with an Olympus M.Zuiko 12mm-100mm F/4.0 lens that also has stabilization, this combo allowed me to confidently drop my shutter speed to as low as 1/20 and even 1/10 seconds. The built-in digital gyro made it easier to capture sharp motion shots at slower shutter speeds.

Olympus OM-D E-1MX w/ Olympus M.Zuiko 12mm-100mm F/4.0 @ 12mm (24mm at 35mm focal length)| F/10 – 1/20 – ISO200 | © Josh Mackey — Olympus OM-D E-1MX w/ Olympus M.Zuiko 12mm-100mm F/4.0 @ 12mm (24mm at 35mm focal length)| F/10 – 1/20 – ISO200 | © **Josh Mackey**

Rule 3: Why Using a Wide-Angle Lens Is Best for Automotive Rolling Shots

Using lenses wider than 24mm (especially on crop sensor cameras) often leads to vibration and blurry shots on rough roads. I prefer my Canon 17-40L F/4 lens—its 17mm wide angle lets me get close to the car or shoot from a lane away with a good crop. Bringing a polarizer filter also helps reduce reflections and improve image clarity. Avoid relying on expensive mounts; mastering wide lenses and stabilization works better.

Rule 4: Why Trusting Your Instincts Is Key When Shooting Automotive Rolling Shots

When hanging out of a car at 80 mph, dropping your camera without looking isn’t uncommon—and often, it doesn’t matter if you’re looking through the viewfinder or not. I start by composing through the viewfinder, then drop the camera low and aim instinctively. Focus on the spot that captures the best detail, usually the front wheel. Many assume I use rigs for my low-angle shots on highways, but it’s all about well-placed timing and experience hanging out of a moving vehicle.

Sony A7riii w/ FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS @ 27mm | F/6.3 – 1/20 – ISO100 © **Josh Mackey**

Rule 5: Why Shooting Many Photos Is Essential for Automotive Rolling Shots

Always carry plenty of memory and shoot continuously during your rolling shots. A sharp image at 1/20 shutter speed while traveling 70 mph usually requires 20-30 shots or more. After a few shots, quickly review and keep shooting until you feel confident you have enough. It’s better to have many options to choose from than too few.

Rule 6: Why You Should Never Fake a Rolling Shot in Automotive Photography

Faking motion in a rolling shot is obvious—and it doesn’t hold up. Authenticity matters, so if your shot isn’t right, don’t hesitate to retake it. Accept constructive criticism gracefully. Industry pioneers and pros never fake rolling shots, and you shouldn’t either.

Rule 7: How Post-Processing Enhances Your Automotive Rolling Shots

Present your photos exactly how you want your audience to see them. While some prefer straight-out-of-camera (SOC) shots, I believe cleaning up rolling shots adds value. Removing distracting cars, reducing reflections, or making the shooting vehicle vanish can dramatically improve the final image beyond basic adjustments.

Rule 8: Why Consistent Practice Is Key to Perfecting Automotive Rolling Shots

Some photographers naturally nail rolling shots, but most improve through consistent practice. Testing your camera settings and experimenting with techniques is essential to achieve the look you want. All it takes is 30 minutes and a driver—so get out there and shoot!

Rule 9: Why Patience and Planning Are Essential for Rolling Shots in Busy Cities

If you live in a big metropolitan city, you’re more than likely going to have to plan your shots around heavy traffic. You know your city better than anyone: coordinate times and plan.

Rule 10: Why Having Fun Is the Most Important Rule When Shooting Rolling Shots

There’s a unique thrill in hanging out of a car—even on a cold, hail-filled day. Embrace the experience and enjoy the process. When you have fun, it shows in your photos. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll love capturing rolling shots as much as I do.

Camera Settings Glossary for Rolling Shots

Use this glossary to better understand the terms and settings referenced throughout this guide.

Shutter Speed
Controls how long your camera’s sensor is exposed to light. Slower speeds (e.g., 1/20, 1/40) help create motion blur in rolling shots. Faster speeds freeze motion but reduce blur.

Aperture (f-stop)
Determines how much light enters the lens. Lower f-numbers (e.g., f/2.8) let in more light and create a shallower depth of field. Higher numbers (e.g., f/11) increase sharpness and depth.

ISO
Controls your camera’s sensitivity to light. Use low ISO (e.g., 100–400) for daylight to avoid grain. Increase it only in low light scenarios.

Focal Length
Measured in mm, it defines how “zoomed in” your shot appears. Wide-angle (e.g., 17–24mm) reduces vibration and distortion in rolling shots.

Image Stabilization (IS/IBIS)
Technology built into cameras/lenses to reduce camera shake. Helpful when shooting handheld at slow shutter speeds.

Shutter Priority Mode (Tv or S)
A semi-automatic mode that lets you choose the shutter speed while the camera handles aperture automatically—ideal for rolling shots.

Manual Mode (M)
Gives full control over shutter, aperture, and ISO. Best for experienced shooters who want to fine-tune settings.

Motion Blur
The streaking effect seen in photos when subjects or the camera move during the exposure. Used intentionally in rolling shots to convey speed.

Tracking
The technique of moving your camera in sync with a moving subject to keep it sharp while blurring the background.

Frequently Asked Questions about Automotive Rolling Shots

Q1: What is a rolling shot in automotive photography?
A rolling shot, also known as a car-to-car motion photo, captures a moving vehicle from another moving vehicle. It conveys motion and action, creating dynamic and immersive images.

Q2: What camera settings work best for rolling shots?
Shutter speeds between 1/10 and 1/40 seconds usually work well to balance motion blur and sharpness. Use a wide lens (around 17-24mm) and experiment with ISO depending on lighting conditions.

Q3: Do I need special equipment to shoot rolling shots?
No special gear is required, but stabilization helps. A wide-angle lens and a polarizer filter can improve image quality. Most importantly, practice and confidence matter more than expensive rigs.

Q4: How fast should the cars be moving for a good rolling shot?
It depends on the desired effect. For strong motion blur, speeds between 50-70 mph work well on highways. For more detail with less blur, slower speeds around 25-40 mph on back roads are ideal.

Q5: Can I fake motion in rolling shots using Photoshop?
It’s best to avoid faking motion blur in post-processing. Authentic rolling shots are valued for their genuine depiction of movement, and faking it can be obvious and less professional.

Q6: How many shots should I take during a rolling shot session?
Shoot a lot — at least 20-30 shots per sequence — to ensure you capture the perfect sharp image. Review and keep shooting until confident you have the right shot.

Q7: Is it dangerous to shoot rolling shots?
Always prioritize safety. Use experienced drivers and follow traffic laws. Never compromise safety for a photo.