Short answer:
Use a fast shutter speed for people, and let motion happen only where you want it.

Most blurry photos are not “artistic motion.”
They’re just uncontrolled blur.

Let’s fix that.

The One Setting That Matters Most

If people are moving, shutter speed decides everything.

  • Too slow → blurry people

  • Fast enough → sharp people

👉 How Do I Make My Photos Look Sharper?

1. Start With Shutter Speed (Always)

Here’s a simple guide you can trust:

  • Walking people → 1/125

  • Kids, casual movement → 1/250

  • Sports, running → 1/500 or faster

If the person is sharp, you’re doing it right.

Everything else adjusts around this.

2. Decide What Should Move (And What Shouldn’t)

This is the mindset shift most people miss.

Ask yourself:

  • Should the person be sharp? → fast shutter

  • Should the background show motion? → slower shutter only if the subject stays sharp

If you don’t decide this first, the photo looks messy.

3. Use Aperture for Light, Not Motion

Aperture does not freeze motion.
Shutter speed does.

Use aperture to:

  • Let in more light

  • Control background blur

Good starting point:

  • f/4 for people

  • f/5.6 for groups

👉 Covered more simply in What Camera Settings Actually Matter?

4. Let ISO Float (Don’t Fight It)

When people move:

  • Shutter speed must stay fast

  • Light may not be enough

That’s when ISO helps.

Rule:

Slight noise is better than blurry people.

Modern cameras handle ISO well.
Missed moments don’t come back.

5. Freezing People, Showing Motion (The “Pro” Look)

You’ve seen photos where:

  • The person is sharp

  • The background has motion blur

That’s done by:

  • Following the subject

  • Using a slightly slower shutter

  • Keeping the person centered

This takes practice — but the idea is simple.

👉 This builds on focus control explained in How Do I Get a Blurry Background Without Losing Sharpness?

6. Use the Right Focus Mode

For moving people:

  • Use continuous autofocus (AF-C / AI Servo)

  • Use single focus point or small zone

  • Keep it on the subject

Letting the camera guess usually fails.

A Simple Recipe That Works

If people are moving and you’re unsure:

  • Shutter speed: 1/250

  • Aperture: f/4

  • ISO: Auto

  • Focus: Continuous AF

  • Focus point: On the person

This works more often than not.

What You Don’t Need

You don’t need:

  • Special sports cameras

  • Fancy tracking modes

  • Complex menu settings

You need:
✔ fast shutter
✔ correct focus
✔ enough light

The Big Truth

Motion blur should be a choice — not an accident.

Once you control shutter speed, motion stops being scary.

FAQs

Why are my people blurry but the background is sharp?

Your shutter speed is too slow for the movement.

No. Only shutter speed freezes motion.

No — accidental motion blur is. Intentional blur is a creative choice.

It helps, but correct shutter speed matters more.