Let’s be real: There’s something about motion photography that captures motion, and just hits different.

It’s not polished, it’s not posed, it’s not perfect — and that’s exactly why we love it.

This month, inside the Shutterfolk community, we kicked off our #AugustInMotion photo challenge — and WOW. Y’all brought the energy, the emotion, and the kind of movement that makes you feel something just by looking at it.

So grab your favorite editing snack, settle into your cozy chair, and scroll through some of our favorite motion-filled frames from the month — and while you’re here, let’s talk a little more about why motion in photography is such a game-changer for your art, your storytelling, and yep… even your bookings.

📣 Quick reminder! Want to be featured in next month’s roundup?

We host a new photo challenge every single month inside our free Skool group for photographers called Shutterfolk. Whether you’re here for the fun, the SEO wins (hello backlinks!), or just want to get re-inspired — there’s a spot for you.

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Why Motion Photography Deserves a Permanent Spot in Your Portfolio

Although motion is messy and a little unpredictable, it’s intriguing. It doesn’t always hit the way you expect.

But when it does? It’s electric.

Capturing motion in your work invites your audience into the moment with you. It’s like saying: “Hey, I was there. And here’s what it felt like.”

That’s what we’re all about here at Shutterfolk — using photography to tell deeper stories. The kind that don’t need words.

Motion = Emotion (and that’s the magic)

Evidently, there’s a reason we chose motion as our August theme.

So many photographers are told to keep things clean and crisp — but some of the most soul-stirring photos are the ones that break those rules a little.

Think:

• A wind-whipped veil on a mountaintop
• A blurry hand reaching out mid-run
• A toddler in motion, laughter frozen in chaos

These aren’t mistakes. They’re moments. And in this roundup, we’re celebrating them all.

Photographer: Cassie Beth Photography

→ Want your work featured here? Join our next challenge inside Shutterfolk!

Types of Motion Photography You Can Experiment With

Because there are lots of different types of motion, here are a few ways our Shutterfolk crew interpreted motion this month (and how you can play with it too):

1. Literal Movement

Think running, jumping, twirling, dancing — anything that shows actual physical action.

Pro tip: Want to enhance movement? Try slightly slower shutter speeds (like 1/125 or slower) to introduce just a hint of intentional blur.

2. Environmental Motion

This is where nature takes the lead — flowing water, wind through hair, fields swaying in the breeze.

Want to master this? Head to our blog post on creative uses of sunlight in photography — you’ll learn how to work with movement and light to get those glowy, dynamic shots.

3. Emotional Motion

This one’s subtle, but powerful — movement in expression. A tear mid-fall, a breathy laugh, an embrace in action.

Want to explore this vibe more? Check out our past roundup on wedding photography styles and how to capture the in-between moments.

Caption: “Everything in this photo is in motion — but the connection still shines through.”

Photographer: Bri Parkin Photography
→ Bonus points for the dreamy tones and cinematic composition.

Photographer: Reagan Taylor Photography

How to Capture Motion Without Losing the Moment

Surprisingly, it can be really easy to overthink shooting motion. But, it actually doesn’t have to be that complicated.

Here’s a few photographer-approved tricks to try:

1. Plan to Let Go

Sometimes the best images come from giving up a little control. Instead of worrying about sharpness or perfection, direct your subjects to move — and just watch what happens.

2. Pan with Purpose

If you want to make your viewer feel the speed, try panning — where you move your camera with your subject during exposure. Great for movement-heavy elopements, pets, or kids.

3. Use Motion as a Storytelling Tool

Motion creates built-in storytelling. It automatically gives your image a “before” and “after.” This builds intrigue, emotion, and depth — all in one click.

Photographer: Nectar Photography
→ Motion isn’t just visual. It’s emotional.

Photographer: Westward Up

Motion Photography in the Details

Regardless of all the photos we went through, some of the strongest submissions this month weren’t big, dramatic shots — they were tiny movements that told a huge story.

From wind brushing through someone’s fingertips to a foot halfway into the water — these small details felt like poetry.

Photographer: Anna Harrington Photography

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Real Talk: Why We Feature Work

Occasionally, being a photographer can sometimes feel like shouting into the void. You work your butt off, deliver beautiful galleries — and still feel like your work is barely seen.

That’s why we built Shutterfolk.

We want to give photographers a place to be featured, supported, and celebrated. Every monthly photo roundup is your opportunity to:

✅ Be featured on shutterfolk.com
✅ Get a high-quality backlink to your site (huge for SEO!)
✅ Be promoted to our growing community
✅ Connect with photographers who actually care about art, not algorithms

What We Loved This Month (Besides the Photos)

Because every challenge is more than just a creative prompt — it’s a peek into how this community shows up with heart, originality, and pure magic. Here’s what stood out:

✨ The FILM submissions — keep ‘em coming!
✨ The chaotic kid moments (bless y’all for embracing the blur)
✨ The poetic storytelling in environmental portraits
✨ The drama of intentional shutter drag — we see you 👀
✨ And the reminders that you don’t have to be “perfect” to be powerful.

Ready for What’s Next?

We’re cooking up the September challenge as we speak (and yes, you’re gonna love it).
Make sure you’re inside the Shutterfolk Skool group so you don’t miss the next theme, feature opportunities, or surprise freebies we drop in there.

It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s one of the best things you can do for your creativity right now.

👉 Click here to join Shutterfolk

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TL;DR (Too Long, Danced Through It Anyway)

• Motion is magic.
• You don’t need perfection — you need presence.
• The August roundup gave us LIFE.
• Join our Skool group to get featured next month.
• Backlinks, friends, and free resources = chef’s kiss
• Let your work move people. Literally and emotionally.

Thanks for being here, friend.
We’re so dang proud to feature your work and help it get seen. Let’s keep building a community where photography isn’t just shared — it’s celebrated. 💛

With love and motion,
The Shutterfolk Team
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