Motion Blur

Another project that we were given was to work with motion blur. We needed to look at people and spaces specifically, rather than just non-specific images that have been shot at a low shutter speed. I wanted to work with portraits initially, but I thought that I could do that at a later date for another brief. Instead, I thought I could create abstract forms with light in addition to motion blur.

We were on the way back from the galleries on the 23rd of November and I needed to take some photographs. It was really dark outside, and the coach was moving so I couldn't get any clear photos, so I thought I should just give up, make the shutter speed super slow, de-focus the lens, and take photos of passing lights. I took a ton of photos, I must have been shooting for at least an hour before someone told me to stop because my shutter was too loud. Basically, I have a lot of light based photographs to choose from.

Rather than just choosing one final piece to use, I thought I could do a series instead, consisting of three photographs. I focused the lens and shot a random passing art installation(?) of some LED lights. The movement of the coach as it passed by and the long shutter speed in addition resulted in some very appealing and fluid forms which I quite like. I also like how all three images sit very nicely next to each other.

I am quite proud of this series. I really like the curvature of the shapes being created, and I also like the simplicity of the black and white too. There are a couple of issues, however. Sometimes I feel as if the photographs can be too complicated, with too many overlapping shapes. Also, it appears that there is some dust on the lens, which is especially visible in the third photo. If I were to do this shoot again, I think I would make the movements of the camera myself rather than letting the bus move me (and subsequently move the camera), and I should probably clean the lens anyway. These photos were taken by complete accident anyway, so I can't really get all hung up about it.