How to create blurry photos and why you might want to

Creating blurry photographs is not necessarily at the top of things you want to achieve during a shoot. However, as with other 'problem' areas, understanding what causes blur can open up a whole range of creative options, and that is the focus of this podcast.

The type of blur you have can usually be reduced to one of the following causes:

• Motion blur: Where either the subject or the camera moves while the shutter is open.
• Focus blur: The focus is set incorrectly, or you have insufficient depth of field.
• Lens quality: A possible issue with the lens itself, either through poor manufacturing or damage to the lens.
• Incorrect camera settings: Shutter speed, aperture or incorrect AF settings.

To correct unwanted blur, your main options are to:

• Use a faster shutter speed
• Use a tripod or stabilise the camera (wedge the camera somehow if you don't have a tripod)
• Use the image stabilisation features of your lens/camera
• Make sure you are correctly focussed

From an equipment perspective, consider the following:

• Is the lens suitable for the outcome you want? Remember that short focal length lenses have more limited depth of field control than longer lenses.
• Do you need to add a tripod or gimbal to your equipment pool?
• Are your lens and sensor clean!?

Environment:

• Low-light situations can contribute to blur.
• Weather can also play a part.
• Low contrast can make it more difficult for AF systems to operate correctly.

Turning blur to your advantage.

Having covered the sources of blur, how can you change your perspective and make blur a tool, a way to come up with more creative images? I gave a couple of examples in the podcast, so what can you come up with?

I hope you enjoy the podcast.

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