How to Create Intentional Blur in Photography
The camera setting, specifically the shutter speed, is an essential factor when creating abstract-looking images. A simple description of shutter speed is the length of time it takes for the camera to record the scene or subject.
When considering how to create an intentional blur in photography, there are points to consider:
The shutter speed and what to begin with for the time duration.
When you intentionally blur a subject, you need enough time to move the camera to capture the scene.
If your shutter speed is too fast, you won't have enough time to capture the subject entirely.
Too slow, you'll have time to wonder what to do after completing your movement.
The process can take some figuring out in the beginning, especially considering that you’re aiming for intentional blur caused by ICM or intentional camera movement. Instead of holding the camera steady, you'll move it in a slow and steady rhythm.
If you pause during the capture, begin too quickly, or end too slowly, you'll lose the flow of colour and end up with more detail. The slower the camera movement, the greater the detail capture, compared to a faster motion for increased blur.
The Subject - Photo #1 Camera Setting: aperture f/9, shutter speed 1/125 of a second, ISO 250, focal length 30mm.
Note how the aperture and shutter speed changed for Photo #2.
Photo #3 Camera Setting: aperture f/22, shutter speed 1/5 of a second, ISO 250, focal length 58mm.
Photo #2 Camera Setting: aperture f/22, shutter speed 1/5 of a second, ISO 250, focal length 58mm.
f/9 to f/22 reduced the light entering the lens, allowing for a slower shutter speed.
Photo #4 Camera Setting: aperture f/22, shutter speed 1/5 of a second, ISO 250, focal length 52mm.
Photo Tips for How to Create Intentional Blur
If necessary, adjust the aperture to reduce the light and allow for a slower shutter speed, such as f/16 or f/22.
When using the manual camera mode, you will need to change the aperture to balance the exposure after you choose the shutter speed.
If you choose the aperture priority mode and then your f-stop, the camera will adjust the shutter speed for the exposure. For example, f/16 or f/22 is an f-stop.
If you choose the shutter speed priority mode and dial in your desired speed. The camera will adjust the aperture if it can balance the exposure within the equipment's limitations. For example, if your shutter speed is slow enough that you need an aperture beyond, say, f/22, and that's as far as your lens is capable, you may end up with an overexposed (too bright) photo.
You will require a slow enough shutter speed to allow time for camera movement, such as 1/15th of a second for a starting point.
Take a photo to check that you're happy with the exposure.
If you’re attempting this in bright daylight and struggle with the exposure, and your photos are too bright, you may need to choose a time of day without the brightness.
More detail is visible due to the less extreme camera movement, as you see more detail within the forest.
How to Take the Picture
This is where you'll coordinate your movement to obtain the amount of intentional blur you desire.
After choosing your subject, you can begin at the bottom or top of the scene.
Experiment by going from the top to the bottom or from the bottom to the top.
The intent is to have a nice fluid camera motion from the top of the scene in a smooth downward movement to the bottom.
It takes experimenting as you discover the optimum speed for camera movement and desired capture.
The starting shutter speed may be faster than needed or too slow. You can experiment with different speeds until you're happy with the results.
Check your ISO setting if necessary.
If you have a challenge with the correct exposure, you can adjust the ISO without changing the aperture or shutter speed, unless you want to.
If your photos are too bright, decrease the ISO (smaller number), and if they're too dark, increase it (larger number). Please see ISO Photography Basics for Beginners if you need help.
Different Effects When Creating Intentional Blur in Photography
The following two photos were taken by turning the lens zoom ring while holding the camera steady. As with the previous examples, this involved figuring out the appropriate shutter speed for recording the movement. Instead of moving the camera, aim at your chosen subject and decide:
Aim at your chosen subject.
Decide if you are going to bring the scene closer to you.
Or begin closer and zoom out and away.
Once that’s determined, the motion becomes coordinating pressing the shutter release button and rotating the zoom ring. From there, it’s a matter of taking numerous shots until you’re happy with the results.
This effect is created by rotating the lens zoom ring, instead of moving the camera in an upward or downward motion.
f/22, 0.8” (sec.) ISO 50
If you discovered creating intentional blur in photography is fun, look out for opportunities to practice and grow your skills. Be reassured if things don't go as well as you'd envisioned, as it may feel awkward initially.
Here is another subject where I played with rotating the zoom ring.
f/22, 0.8” ISO 50
In Conclusion
If your photo shoot didn’t go as well as you'd envisioned, it's not always easy initially and may require numerous attempts. Discovering how to create intentional blur in photography often requires numerous attempts each time you approach a different subject. Variables will need to be considered, such as:
Is the available light just right, too much, or not enough?
Can you obtain a correct exposure with what you have to work with?
If you want a slow shutter speed, is it attainable based on conditions and your equipment capabilities?
A tripod may be helpful when experimenting with the rotation of the lens zoom ring effect.
The main objective is to have fun with your camera and unleash your creativity!
