Shutter speed is typically associated with freezing a split-second moment or blurring movement – but sometimes shutter speed becomes a storytelling tool. One such photograph captured this week comes from the lens of photojournalist Sergei Supinsky.
The photograph, captured on September 20 in Kyiv, Ukraine, shows a woman holding a photograph of her boyfriend along with the words that translate to “I dream of hugging the one that I love.”
While the woman remains sharp and motionless, a slow shutter speed blurs commuters walking in front of the woman, the colors of their clothing blurring in a way that draws the eye to the subject.
The photograph comes from a demonstration in support of Ukrainian prisoners of war called “Do not be silent! Captivity kills.” Families and supporters have held regular demonstrations for more than two years.
Using a slow shutter speed helps tell the story behind the image: while daily life moves forward in Ukraine, for prisoners of war and their loved ones, something as simple as hugging a loved one is on pause.
Many of the photographs coming from the lenses of photojournalists in Ukraine tell a story of daily life continuing amid the ongoing war. But this photograph carries a feel of mixed timelines.
I don’t think a more typical, faster shutter speed would have created the same effect. The motion blur creates a sense of time passing while also doubling as an effective visual aid, drawing the eye to the subject.
Even the colors of the blurred movement are spot on – a monochromatic blur of gray, white, and black clothing that ties in with the colors of the subject and background.
Metadata suggests Supinsky took the photograph with the Nikon Z9.
You may also like
Learn more about using shutter speed, or browse more inspiring news photos.
