Gone are the times of the "perfect shot" being completely in focus and all in frame. Wedding photographers are now bridging the gap between Art and Traditional Wedding Photos. It's a hot topic, and scary to think what looks like an accident, might actually become your favourite photo of them all.
what are blurry photos?
Images by Marcijus Studio and Niki Marie Photo
Blurry photos is a simplified way of referring to motion blur photos. This is due to the photographer shooting at low shutter speeds like 1/100 or below. When it comes to photography, the higher the shutter, the more sharp and in focus the subject is. The lower the shutter speed, the more movement you capture, which in turn makes the photo have a "blurry movement" look to it without needing to move ourselves.
When is it appropriate for photos to be blurry?
I think there's a time and place for blurry photos in wedding galleries. They're an important way of capturing movement in the day. Showcasing a "fleeting moment" in memory. Taking an image that might seem "posed" and changing it to something more authentic and imperfect. Because that's what life is, authentic, imperfect and always moving.
So when is it appropriate to shoot with blur? Think about the little moments during the wedding day, the rush of family coming to hug you post ceremony, you and your partner running down the aisle, a run and twirl during the couples photos. Moments of time that accurately represent what you felt.
Image by me
"rules" to keep in mind
- Blur things that move.
- Make sure you can still see your subject. Nothing worse than having an aesthetically blurry image but not knowing what you're looking at beyond recognition.
- Use blurry photos to break up a scene of similar images. Or to transition to the next moment in the wedding. But be sparing with how many blurry photos appear at once.
- Generally, a shutter speed of ‘1/your focal length’ works well. Shooting 35mm? 1/30 or 1/40. 85mm? 1/80.
Image by me
