Have you noticed an increase of intentionally blurry photos popping up on social media? From day-in-the-life photos to engagements and weddings, and even small business marketing. 

The Rise Of Plurry

Mashable subsequently dubbed these pics “plurry” shots — the combination of planned + blurry. This seems like the natural progression of the “plandid” shot, sparking the ever-pressing debate of “plandid or candid.”

But why take an intentional blurry photo? Advocates claim this kind of photography is a step towards reality, an “in-the-moment” glimpse at the moment.

“I think it’s funny to post blurry outtakes because people don’t expect it and it shows an unserious side. A blurry photo shows you’re in that moment, having too much of a good time to take a proper photo, and enjoying the meal. I’m tired of people standing on chairs and holding portable LED lights trying to get that perfect flatlay Instagram shots that have been dominating our feeds for years because, let’s be honest, no one eats like that and it all feels very superficial.” – Angela Hui (food journalist)

It’s no surprise that the “plurry” photos have come hand-in-hand with the trend of photo dumps, which is essentially a way of using the Instagram carousel feature to create a mood rather than a tailored image.

Blurry Beyond The Phone

This intentional photo blur is not just for late-night dance floors and dimly lit restaurant shots anymore. It brings a romantic vibe to portrait shoots and to moments peppered throughout the wedding day. It’s for those looking for creative mastery more than technical perfection.

intentional blur – the array of artistic choices including motion blur, defocused subjects, and other lens-based styles that only result from skill and sensibility. Whether the movement is with the camera or with the subject, the staged but blurry effect leaves a soft focus on the subject. 

The blur creates a feeling of motion and emotion. People want photography that tells a story, a reminder of the moment, not just a staged scene.

“You’ll see, say, a wide shot of a beautiful tent and waiters coming through, and guests moving and talking or cheers-ing,” says Walton, “but all of the people are blurred out. So you still get the beautiful visual of the decor that was invested in, and you get this sense of movement and action.” She says the trend is part of a delicate, ethereal look that has grown in popularity as it has filtered down through social media from high-end shooters: “Some of the top names in wedding photography have leaned into that style in recent years.” – Harmony Walton

What do you think?

Is the blurry photo bringing new light to the moments we capture?