A Case For Motion Blur

Juniper dances with their father at their wedding. The motion conveys feelings of excitement and fun.

Despite being seen as a failure of execution in early photographers, motion blur is a powerful tool that can take static, lifeless images and turn them into vibrant, dynamic displays of emotion. When utilized mindfully and correctly, slower shutter speeds and the motion blur that comes with them become an excellent addition to a capable photographer’s repertoire.

I have come to love using it in weddings, concerts, and everyday moments. The images shared here show how it can add energy and story in different situations.

While this image would tell a full story if totally frozen, the addition of motion blur heightens the feelings present into something much more real and visceral.

The above image, shot at 1/3”, f/10, and ISO400 is a great example of how blur affects storytelling. In this shot from Combo Breaker 2025(a huge Midwest fighting game tournament), you can clearly see who won and who lost, how they feel about it, and how the crowd feels about it. While shooting at f/10 and ISO400 in a convention center sounds like an easy way to produce a dark useless image, that 1/3” shutter speed brings it to life. Depending on your subject, and the speed at which they’re moving, motion blur can be achieved with settings anywhere from that 1/3” to 1/100” and beyond.

While hand-holding your camera (not using a tripod, monopod or other stabilizer) at such low speeds sounds impossible, many newer cameras from the last several years include powerful in-body image stabilization—especially when used with first-party lenses. This means that any microjitters in roll, pitch, yaw, x-axis or y-axis will be accounted for and covered internally.

While I wouldn’t call motion blur an always food, its ability to spice up any gallery cannot be overstated. When used mindfully and intentionally, blurry images are a great way to enhance and lift up the story you’re trying to tell in a given shoot.

If it’s not something you’ve spent much time with, I encourage you to explore it the next chance you get! You may surprise yourself with how well it works to your favor.

Like these photos? Want shots like this of yourself? Consider reaching out! I’d love to chat