Just as painters have different brushes and strokes, photographers have various tools and techniques through which they are able to create truly amazing and varied photographs. So, it's important to understand that it's not just about zooming in or zooming out, or angling the camera right, there are myriad photography techniques that make photography such a wonderful art.

In this article, we will touch upon the ‘zoom burst' effect of photography, as explained by Andy Hayes, Oregon State Treasury, a photographer renowned for his diverse styles and techniques, and exalting enthusiasm for photography.

So, as Andy Hayes explains, the meaning of the technique is in the name itself –zoom burst. Also known as ‘zoom blur', the zoom burst effect is basically the product of zooming in or out from the subject of photography; and so, the image happens to blur from the centre outwards, mostly, and it appears as though the photograph is… Well, bursting towards you, thus the name! To break it down further, while you engage in taking a photograph, you must either zoom in or zoom out, and voila, the zoom burst effect is achieved!

As Andy Hayes, Oregon, has recently taken up exploring the zoom burst effect, he shares his learned knowledge with you, giving amateur photographers a peek into a truly fantastic and abstract effect of photography –the zoom burst effect.

What the zoom burst effect essentially does is that it gives your photograph a sense of movement, of motion –causing the subject of the photograph, and the entire photograph itself to look stunningly abstract and amazing.

So, getting down to business –how do you actually click a zoom burst photograph? If you're an amateur, don't get scared off by the fancy name, it's actually not as difficult as it's made out to be. Now, all you really need is a DSLR with a zoom lens (and a tripod, to begin with, but it's not at all necessary).

Because you will need to use a long shutter speed, mounting your camera on a tripod or something sturdy is advisable for beginners –as it will keep the blur lines straight. Next, you will have to choose a shutter speed that could range from 1-4 seconds, as advised by Andy Hayes. Pick a subject, zoom in, and lock the focus and expose to this point. Once you've figured that out, zoom out to the widest angle that you're interested in capturing.

Now for the tricky part –hit the shutter button, and steadily zoom back into the subject until the subject fills yours screen once again. It's critical at this point to maintain a smooth speed of zooming in, and complete the full zoom in at the same time as the exposure ends.

Well, there you have it! Zoom burst photography decoded for amateurs!