Creating photos with a dreamy feel doesn't have to mean chasing perfect conditions or investing in expensive gear. Instead, knowing how to use your camera and the environment can transform your images from flat and uninspired to genuinely captivating.
Coming to you from Max Kent, this insightful video dismantles some misconceptions about capturing dreamy images. Kent strongly advises against relying on overly fast shutter speeds, a common yet ineffective recommendation made by many sources. He encourages you to experiment with slower shutter speeds, allowing motion blur to convey a sense of feeling and emotion. While not appropriate for every image, playing with shutter speed can add depth and expressiveness to your photography, something traditional sharp-focused photos might miss.
Kent also emphasizes the importance of timing your shoots carefully, particularly focusing on golden and blue hours—the brief periods before sunrise and after sunset. Many default to midday shoots for convenience, yet this often results in harsh, unflattering light. The softer, diffused lighting at dawn and dusk naturally lends itself to dreamy, atmospheric photos, and the tranquility of these hours adds a uniquely peaceful vibe. Kent's practical advice acknowledges our tendencies to skip early shoots due to comfort or convenience, pushing you gently to reconsider for the sake of better imagery.
Another key takeaway from the video involves creatively challenging conventional photography rules, particularly regarding focus and sharpness. Kent questions the standard belief that sharpness equals quality, suggesting instead that playing with focus—sometimes leaving your subject intentionally blurry or highlighting textures—can produce more evocative images. This method invites experimentation, giving you the freedom to explore new perspectives and artistic expressions beyond conventional sharpness.
Kent also briefly touches on editing techniques, revealing a subtle but impactful tip: gently reducing the clarity setting during post-processing. This approach enhances the dreamy quality without overly distorting the image, adding a subtle softness that complements the overall mood. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kent.
