How To Get The Perfect Out Of Focus Shot

Happy Sunday, lovies!

How is everyone doing? I went to check today’s date before writing this and was stunned because we are catching up to the tail-end of November. It’s crazy to think that soon we will be enjoying Thanksgiving! So, in case you missed it this weekend, Taylor Swift released her re-recording of “Red” and I just want to ask how everyone is doing. I have been in absolute shambles over all of her work. I need to gush about it because she is one of my favorite artists! And any fan of Taylor is a friend of mine!

Okay, okay- enough of that! Let’s jump into today’s blog!

Today, I want to talk to all my photographers about one style that I have grown to love over this past year: Out of focus shots! There is something so timeless about this technique and I have found myself wanting to step more and more into using it while shooting. One of the keywords to my brand is: authenticity. I believe that even though a photo may be “out of focus” it still holds an authentic element. So, I want to give you pointers on how to get one for yourself!

I love making something other than my couple the main subject of the photo at times because it gives a different perspective and helps carry the narrative. This style works particularly well with cityscape’s, landscapes, mountains, etc. I love that feeling of how switching the subject that’s in focus makes me feel that I am back at that place in that exact moment. It is a true time-stand-still moment!

Sometimes, I intentionally point my camera upwards so I get more of the trees or whichever background there is and less of their faces/bodies. I love how that technique allows the scenery to seem bigger than the subjects because it crates gorgeous texture to the photo!

In order to get this look. I normally place the “focus” in my viewfinder on something other than the subjects. Example- if I am shooting a couple on a mountain, I will place them side by side looking at the mountain or looking at me and then focus on the mountain so therefore it is in focus in the middle of their heads!

All in all, this is a super easy and fun technique! With this, and most any other type of photography techniques, practice makes perfect. You can try this at your home by yourself by setting a chair outside and shooting that. If you need any other tips or help feel free to email me at any time! I’d love to see your work, too!

Have a great week!

xoxo-