Guest post – Embracing the Blur

Hi peeps!  We’re back (although my mind is still in sunny Florida and ignoring the horrible snow/rain mix that’s going on here).  Tomorrow is a work day (ughhh) and a daycare day (double ughhhhh) and I promise that as we dig ourselves out of these suitcases, I will return to regular programming.

Today I wanted to introduce you to one of my very favorite bloggers and photographers, Ashley Sisk.  If you follow along, you know that I participate in her Scavenger Hunt Sundays, which are so much fun!  Read on and be sure to stop over and say “hi” (and take a stab at the Scavenger Hunt Sunday).

For those of you that don’t know me, my name is Ashley Sisk and I live in North Carolina with my husband, Kitty Paw and soon enough…our newborn son or daughter. I’ve always loved art and photography, so shortly after we got married, I bought my first DSLR and started blogging. As a result of blogging, I re-discovered my creative spirit, enhanced my photography and editing skills and made some incredible friends. I’m passionate about my faith, my love affair with photography, building community and sharing what I know. Speaking of which, I want to thank Kat for having me on her blog today and giving me another opportunity to share my joy of photography with others.

Do you remember when you first decided to get serious about photography? I certainly do. In the early days, it was all I could do to even get proper focus. Even before purchasing my first DSLR, I thought if only I had a camera with a faster shutter speed, I’d be set. I mean, it couldn’t be ME…it had to be my equipment.You don’t know how many times I’ve been asked what camera I have…usually followed by some discussion of “that’s one of those cameras that shoots really fast right?” To which I respond, “you mean shutter speed, sure…it has that.” So, you upgrade your camera and are thrilled that you no longer have to worry about those blurry images that your old camera always seemed to produce. Of course, you quickly realize that it’s not the camera, but the photographer (yes, YOU). And at this point, you finally decide to learn how to really use your new fancy-spancy camera.
Months…years go by. You know aperture, shutter speed, exposure – life with your camera is good. You’re taking photos for friends, even considering going “pro.” Then it happens…you take a photo and your settings are all off. Maybe your shutter speed is too slow or you forgot to focus. You almost want to delete the photo, but something about it makes you linger. That blur is no longer annoying…it’s stunning.
And that’s what I want to talk about today – intentionally creating blur.

• Slow your shutter speed. Fast shutter speeds (ex. 1/4000)
  will actually freeze movement. If you’re looking for something along
  the lines of my image above, select a longer shutter speed (.5
  seconds to 5 seconds). Your subject won’t need to move much at all
  before you start to see blur. This is perfect for dancing or highway
  scenes (although you may need a tripod).

• Move the Camera. Moving the camera during
  a long exposure can create the effect of an abstract painting. You no
  longer control exactly what you get, but you create a new way of seeing
  a still scene. These types of shot can be especially interesting at
  night. I love to try this effect while we’re taking road trips.