I have often been asked why I shoot blur and what it is about blur that appeals to me so much. I have no stock answer prepared for this. I guess it brings me back to the magic that was analog photography back to the days when you would take limited photographs, a time when each shot was calculated not just in composition but also in cost. Those shots only came to life once developed and more often than not the whole roll could disappoint. If there was one shot from a roll of 36 I would be happy. Very often there would be blurred images or images with light leaks which I would immediately view with disdain only to find myself coming back, studying them, making out what the image might have been – should have been and seeing that in this form there were so many possibilities.
Moving on to digital photography it took a long while to become confident enough to experiment with blur. I remember in my early days on Flickr being so hesitant to post this shot, thinking people would disregard, even ridicule me because of it. Gradually, I found myself looking through the viewfinder, selecting focus, experimenting with depth of field and my eye would wander from the in-focus object to the beautiful blurred out background, to the wonderful and harmonious blend of form and colour.
Trying to see what can be seen and how to see it. It sums up my outlook on photography. Blur is another way to see, and conversely another way not to see. WIth blur ordinary can become extraordinary; mundane – magical. Just look at these shots from some of my favourite photographers. Serap - Michael – Nikita_70 - Mimo – Olga
Mistakes. I love mistakes. The best things in life are the results of mistakes. Blur is often seen as the biggest photographic mistake. “But I can’t see it” people say. Of course you can, I reply. What you see is it!
I don’t know. I sometimes feel guilty. I get to see these amazing places with these amazing scenes, these amazing people, architecture – life at its most electric, and what do I do? I push the auto focus button down and blur it all up.
Sorry! But hey! This is it. This is how I would like the world to be. In some ways, it is how I see the world.
As I became more active on Flickr and as i began to post more and more blur I set up my blur group and gave it the absurd title of Blur will save the world. The group has many active users and some absolutely amazing art. Click through, put on some of your favourite music, pour yourself a cup, a glass of your favourite drink and enjoy the wonderful art there. You won’t be disappointed.
I don’t know. I sometimes feel guilty. I get to see these amazing places with these amazing scenes, these amazing people, architecture – life at its most electric, and what do I do? I push the auto focus button down and blur it all up.
Sorry! But hey! This is it. This is how I would like the world to be. In some ways, it is how I see the world.
As I became more active on Flickr and as i began to post more and more blur I set up my blur group and gave it the absurd title of Blur will save the world. The group has many active users and some absolutely amazing art. Click through, put on some of your favourite music, pour yourself a cup, a glass of your favourite drink and enjoy the wonderful art there. You won’t be disappointed.
I am a little pedantic on the types of photographs I select from the pending images queue. For me the image must be fully blurred; no selective focus. People have different opinions on what blur is, but for me the group is about fully blurred images only.
As the blog develops I will bring you the best images from Blur will save the world on a regular basis.
For now, click that auto-focus button off and begin to see what can be seen.
And back to the opening question – why do I like blur? Well, blur soothes, blur heals, blur reveals, blur lets you choose. Blur the kiss. Kiss the blur. Blur will save the world…
Here are some of my early blur shots
Hi Brendan, congrats on the job well done in this blog. I have to say the group “The Blur will save the world” is a quality group and a great reference on blur in Flickr, a source of inspiration. Thanks for sharing your work. Regards, ahenav.
Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate them a lot.
I love your blur photos. They let me the freedom to see whatever my mood and my imaginativness says me today. They are kind of mysteriously, open for thousands of stories.
Hi I checked your site and you have a wonderful series if photographs. I appreciate your visit and kind words. Thanks.
So soothing to read your words and feel your love for blur! You pass that passion on so well both in image and words Brendan! I am taking your suggestion today to go through the group’s photos with a cup of tea and some music
Years ago someone suggested that I stop fighting my tremor and embrace the blur…just see what happens. I’m just now seeing the wonderful potential in it. Blur is compelling, immediate, wondrous…